Summer Game Fest 2025 Unveils Mortal Shell 2 and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds with Exciting New Details

Summer Game Fest 2025, hosted by industry veteran Geoff Keighley, once again solidified its position as a premier gaming showcase, delivering a lineup packed with high-impact announcements from both major publishers and indie studios. Among the most anticipated reveals were the sequel to Cold Symmetry’s cult-favorite Soulslike, Mortal Shell 2, and the newest entry in the beloved Sonic racing franchise, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. The Mortal Shell sequel immediately captured attention with its signature grim and brutal combat style intact, while introducing intriguing new gameplay elements. Notably, players will now have access to a firearm, injecting fresh tactical depth into the game’s atmospheric encounters. This addition aligns Mortal Shell 2 stylistically with other modern Soulslikes like the Remnant series, promising both challenge and innovation. The title is slated for release in 2026 on next-gen consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S) and PC, ensuring it targets the high-performance hardware that can fully realize its dark, immersive world. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds carried forward the momentum from previous reveals with a new trailer that fleshed out its dynamic multiplayer racing experience, poised to compete directly with longstanding kart racing staples like Mario Kart. The game will launch on September 25, 2025, across a broad spectrum of platforms including PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Excitingly, the roster includes notable guest characters such as Ichiban Kasuga, Joker from Persona 5, and Hatsune Miku — a strategy that broadens appeal and adds diverse flair to race lineups. Summer Game Fest 2025’s role as a key event in the post-E3 landscape was reaffirmed through its balance of blockbuster sequels and innovative new IPs from indie creators, shaping gaming trends for the coming years. The event’s timing and format continue to influence consumer anticipation and industry buzz, offering both a platform for revealing ambitious projects and a barometer for the direction of game development. From a technical perspective, both Mortal Shell 2 and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds demonstrate a commitment to harnessing the capabilities of current-generation consoles and PCs, focusing on delivering high-fidelity graphics and smooth gameplay. Mortal Shell 2’s continuation of intense, skill-based combat combined with new weapon mechanics hints at deeper player agency and expanded combat systems, which will likely be a significant talking point among Soulslike enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds’ multi-platform launch and inclusion of cross-franchise characters suggest a strategic focus on broad accessibility and cross-community engagement. Overall, Summer Game Fest 2025 not only thrilled fans with these headline announcements but also reinforced its status as a vital event that highlights both the evolution of beloved franchises and the emergence of fresh, compelling gaming experiences.