Bandai Namco Summer Showcase recap

Some upcoming game updates and a new game reveal

Over the weekend Bandai Namco hosted their own Summer Showcase event at the Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The event included some updates and gameplay trailers for several previously announced titles as well as the reveal of Jujustu Kaisen Cursed Clash.

Below we’ve put together a recap of the Bandai Namco Summer Showcase in case you missed it!

Details on Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

First, we got some details on Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. Featuring an all-new special story mode, the game will feature two new game-original characters Nanashi and Merz. Naruto x Boruto will focus on a fight between Naruto and Sasuke leading to the crisis of the Fifth Great Ninja War.

We also got an all-new trailer for the special story mode.

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is set to come to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC later this year.

More footage of the Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster

Next up we got some gameplay footage of Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster. The new veneer is looking great for a title that’s almost two decades old. We also got confirmation of some of the exclusive new features being added to the remaster.

First, you will be able to increase the game and battle speed by up to 300%. You can also toggle a “No Encounters” mode that will let you avoid battles while playing. Finally, a new “Instant KO” mode will allow you to defeat enemies with a single attack.

These features are similar to those we’ve seen in other recently older RPG re-releases and can add some much-appreciated quality of life to those who may have already beaten the game in the past.

Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster hits the Nintendo Switch on September 14.

Sword Art Online: Last Recollection is the next entry in the franchise

The next installment in the popular Sword Art Online franchise is Sword Art Online: Last Recollection. We got some details on the story of the game, which will feature an original storyline based on the War of the Underworld. Plus, we got glimpse at a new system featuring high-speed battles in a MMO-like multiplayer setting. Sword Art Online: Last Recollection also has a roster of over 40 playable characters including some new original characters exclusive to this game.

We got a new trailer showing off some of those characters.

Sword Art Online: Last Recollection releases on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC on October 6.

A fresh look at Sand Land

We got a look at some of the gameplay for the upcoming Sand Land, including tank combat and the controllable Jump Bot.

The game is giving me big Steambot Chronicles vibes which definitely isn’t a bad thing. The segment was a bit brief, but we got confirmation of a hands-on demo coming next month at the worldwide Sand Land movie premiere.

Sand Land is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. There’s no release date yet, but based on the limited information we’ve seen so far I’d anticipate a 2024 release.

New Game Reveal: Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash

Finally, we got a new game reveal: Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash. An action-packed arena brawler, Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash is based off the popular manga and anime of the same name.

Players will form their own 2v2 team and do battle using a wide array of powerful tag-team attacks and combos. Different character combinations will have their own unique synergies and power dynamics. As players complete battles, their fighter’s power level will increase unlocking stronger attacks via progression. Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Overall it was a decent event for Bandai Namco fans that like their anime-style games. Personally, I was hoping to see God Eater 4, Code Vein 2, or even Scarlet Nexus 2. Oh well, maybe next year!