As per usual for this time of year, the big three gaming giants have once again cranked up their respective hype machines in order to let gamers know exactly which incoming titles they can start getting amped up about. These were all in the form of near-hour-long video presentations featuring closer looks of already somewhat-known quantities along with a few surprise reveals as well. Though the first presentation was held over 2 months ago now, we decided to wait until all three had shown their hand, which the last of them finally did this past week. So now, for your convenience and reading pleasure, please enjoy this brief roundup of some of the highlights of those presentations.

A few days ago, Nintendo hosted yet another Direct presentation to showcase another selection of upcoming gaming announcements, and while a lot of them weren't particularly special, there were two that stood out from the crowd. The first was the Castlevania Dominus Collection from Konami. A compilation of all three excellent Nintendo DS Castlevania titles gathered into one fantastic package. That game, by the way, was actually released the same day as its announcement (on Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Steam), so go pick it up if you haven't already.

The second, and still forthcoming incredible title to be announced was one Capcom Fighting Collection 2. An assemblage of several of Capcom's greatest fighting games ever made, including both Capcom Vs SNK titles, both Power Stone releases, the upgraded final arcade version of Street Fighter Alpha 3, and Project Justice and Plasma Sword! A collection this good is enough to send any fighting game enthusiast into a frenzy.

Sadly, no specific release date has yet been provided beyond the general window of sometime in 2025. Luckily however, the Direct did provide a release date for Capcom's other huge upcoming fighting game compilation, the Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection, which will be arriving digitally on September 12, and physically on November 22 (on multiple platforms). That should keep fighting fans pretty well occupied while they wait for the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 to drop.

For more information on the Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection, you can watch that most recent Direct trailer here, or you can check out the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Direct trailer after the break.

A few weeks ago, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, all held their annual May/June video presentations to show gamers what titles they can get excited about playing in the coming months and/or years. While these late spring announcements used to coincide with the long-running, world-famous Electronics Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, sadly, that event is no more. Thankfully, the video game industry remembers and still carries on the long-standing tradition, with or without a central physical venue to do it from; and as long as they continue do so, we will strive to do our part and cover them. Please read on for some of the highlights.

Given that the announcement was made weeks ago now, during the 2023 Game Awards presentation, most gaming fanatics will likely already be in the know, but in case you live under a rock or something, or only follow us for some reason (thank you, if so), we'll go ahead and make the obligatory post about it here. It seems that Sega has done the unthinkable and announced multiple sequels to actual fan favorite classic franchises. The ones specifically mentioned in the announcement trailer were Shinobi (screen shot pictured above), Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi, Golden Axe, and Streets of Rage, with even more to follow!

​Given the relatively recent success of the Wonder Boy: the Dragon's Trap remaster and Streets of Rage 4 by indie studio, Lizardcube (and others), it may be a difficult proposition to contain our excitement. Sadly though, no release date information has been given as of yet. Hopefully, Sega won't make its fans wait too long to start getting their hands on these titles. To those who missed it, or just want to experience the hype again, feel free to follow the link to the pretty awesome announcement trailer, after the break.

Sorry to be tardy to the party but I just realized we never did a roundup for the non-E3 non-Sony console mid-year showcases. Thankfully, the only important game shown that we would have included, but has since seen a release, seems to have been Pikmin 4. But now that we've at least mentioned that one, we can get on with the rest. Continue on after the break for a look at some of the highlights from both Microsoft and Nintendo.

Last week, Sony released their (semi) annual PlayStation Showcase video in order to highlight some of the exciting titles that will be coming out in the near future. The trailer compilation was surprisingly lengthy and featured several noteworthy titles, both anticipated and unanticipated. Continue on after the break for a look at some of the standouts.

Not so long ago, in this very same galaxy, Respawn Entertainment created a fantastic original entry to the beloved sci-fi franchise called Star Wars: Jedi - Fallen Order. The game was definitely something special and you may recall that I even saw fit to include it in the list of my 6 Favorite Star Wars Games of all time. Well apparently I wasn't the only one who loved it, because they've just officially announced the sequel and dropped a pretty strong trailer to boot!

​Star Wars: Jedi - Survivor will continue the adventures of Cal Kestis as he is pursued across the galaxy by the deadly Imperial Inquisitors. As of right now, all we know is that the title will be released sometime next year (presumably for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X). I don't know about you but I can only feel my desire for this game increasing by this most welcome news.

Feel free to check out the trailer after the break and...may the force be with you.

Let's kick shell! Konami has great news for all you '90s Turtles fans out there! They just recently announced that they will be releasing all the hit titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis in one righteous package! The appropriately named Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Cowabunga Collection will be releasing sometime later this year for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X, and Steam.

For more information, you can visit the official website for the game, here, or you  can watch the totally radical reveal trailer that I've posted after the break.