LOS ANGELES—IGN Live is video game showcase jam-packed with reveals and extended video game highlights. Not only can you play the many spotlighted games on the show floor, but you can also watch developer deep dives. If you couldn't make it to the show, don't fret. We've selected five game trailers that wowed us during IGN Live, thanks to their saccharine charm, action-dense gameplay, or a combination of the two.
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Cygni is a shmup that has been teased for several years. At IGN Live, the developers revealed an official release date and an in-depth presentation about the space shooter. Although not quite a bullet-hell shmup, Cygni has thoroughly dazzling visuals and frantic, unrelenting action; each screen is packed with awesome-looking enemies and projectiles. Games in this style don’t come around very often, so if you’re a fan of Ikaruga and other cinematic shooters, be sure to mark your calendar. It launches on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 6, 2024.
The First Descendant
This third-person looter-shooter has co-op gameplay that marries team synergy, character-specific abilities, and high-speed movement. It is an energetic action game with a grand, RPG-like scope that promises a lengthy campaign and tons of post-release content. At IGN Live, the developers showcased an extensive trailer highlighting the gameplay, character abilities, and post-launch content teases. The First Descendant launches on July 2, 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Phantom Blade Zero
Phantom Blade Zero was first teased last year, and it showcased high-flying wuxia action and moody fantasy visuals. A new trailer debuted this weekend, and the development team stopped by IGN Live to offer an in-depth look at the mechanics. Qiwei Liang, S-Game’s CEO, walked us through a tutorial to highlight the swordplay, parrying, and masterful evasion that makes this game so visually striking. Phantom Blade Zero currently lacks an official release date, but it will launch on PC and PS5.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
If you love old-school Zelda games, developer Pocket Trap has the game for you. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a love letter to the vibrant, sprite-based games that graced the Game Boy Advance, and serves as an homage to the iconic RPG franchise. You play as Pippit, a yoyo-loving bat on a quest to save his aunt from power-hungry anthropomorphic mobsters. Pipistrello is a vibrant and expressive game that charms with its old-school visuals. There's no release date, but you can download the Steam demo.
Starship Troopers: Extermination
Based on the absurdly satirical Starship Troopers film, this cooperative, first-person shooter received an official release date announcement trailer. The game has been in early access for more than a year now, with its full release slated for October 11th. It looks like chaotic fun. However, what really made the crowd pop was the showcase that followed. Johnny Rico (actor Casper van Dien) hammed it up on stage to expound upon his role in the game, while amping up attendees. Starship Troopers: Extermination will be available on PC, PS4, and Xbox Series X/S.
For more on IGN Live, check out our recap video above. Disclosure: IGN is owned by PCMag's parent company Ziff Davis.