From Spider-Man to Neopets: Try your hand at upcoming games and snag some freebies at Gamescom Asia 2023

2024 promises another year of anticipated game titles - but what if you could try them out a little earlier?

That's what you can get at Gamescom Asia this year, with a wide array of games to try out and freebies up for grabs at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend (Oct 21 to 22).

This year, however, expect to see Capcom's dominance at the event - they have multiple booths for you to try the demos for Dragon's Dogma 2 (2024 release) and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy (2024 release).

Fans of the iconic third-person shooter series, Resident Evil, can also check out the recently released Resident Evil 4 VR and Resident Evil Village on the iPad Pro.

That's not all - Capcom has set up stations for you to test out Street Fighter 6's new character, A.K.I..

While waiting in line for your turn at the demos, be sure to take a peek at Capcom's main stage, where gamers will vie for a US$15,000 (S$20,600) prize and a spot in the tournament Capcom Cup X.

If you're a fan of Monster Hunter, game producer Ryozo Tsujimoto will also be at the main stage at 2pm on Saturday where he'll be playing the game himself - who says game developers don't play their own game?

Should Capcom's titles not interest you, don't fret - Playstation also has a large booth of their own, situated near the centre of the hall.

Aside from the widely anticipated Spider-Man 2, they've also got gaming staples like Gran Turismo 7 and Fifa 2024 for you to try out if you're fancy something a bit sportier.

Ubisoft Singapore has also got a beautifully designed booth for you to eyeball, separated into two halves: One for Assassin's Creed Mirage, and the other for Skull and Bones.

They've even got an intricate model of the Black Pearl, a ship within Skull and Bones that's only attainable if you're a "Kingpin" in-game - a plunderer and ruler of the high seas.

An unexpected but welcome addition to Gamescom Asia this year, however, can be found just a bit further into the hall: Neopets.

This title needs little introduction if you were a child during the late 90s and early 00s, as you'll likely have played it yourself.

Neopets will celebrate their 24th anniversary this November, and will have a year-long countdown to their 25th anniversary and the launch of their upcoming mobile game, World of Neopets.

Don't forget to grab an adorable Kacheek fan for free when you follow them on socials, or buy a cute hat from them if you're really leaning into that nostalgia.

Gamescom Asia this year also features an Indie Zone, where independent game developers across Asia have come to present their games for the public to play.

Playing these games would already be a treat in and of itself, but be sure to try as many as you can after you grab an Indie Wavemaker Rally Card.

With the card, collect six stamps earned from six different games and vote for your favourite game by 3pm on Sunday to qualify for a lucky draw and stand a chance to win an Xbox Series X, Series S, other gaming peripherals and swag.

Last but not least, Gamescom Asia will also be happening in tandem with the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Premier League, which will take place live at Suntec City Atrium (Tower 1 and 2).

Local esports teams will be slogging it out in matches through till Sunday for a chance to take part in M5, the international league for Mobile Legends.

Regular tickets for Gamescom Asia 2023 are priced at $25 per person, while Superfan tickets cost $65. Entrance to the seating area of the Mobile Legends Premier League is free of charge.

ALSO READ: SGCC 2022 round-up: Comics and anime had strong showing but tabletop games carried

khooyihang@asiaone.com