Having played it, Tides of Annihilation looks to be a flashy, combo-heavy game of Simon Says
Tides of Annihilation is a stylish, combo-heavy action game that draws from a diverse mix of mythologies and action game tropes, according to hands-on coverage from Gamescom. The game challenges players with waves of enemies and features a protagonist named Gwendolyn, a British character who can summon Arthurian knights to aid her in combat. The game’s aesthetic is notably eclectic, blending Egyptian beasts, Chinese martial arts influences, and Arthurian mythology into a single experience.
Describing the game as having a “Homer Simpson makeup shotgun of aesthetics,” the reviewer noted that while the visual and thematic mashup risks veering into messiness, the gameplay proved engaging on the show floor. The combat system appears to emphasize chaining moves and combinations, with the game described as reminiscent of Simon Says—suggesting a rhythm or pattern-matching element to successfully executing attacks.
Despite the unconventional worldbuilding approach that combines disparate mythological and cultural elements, the hands-on experience was positive, with the reviewer highlighting it as a thrilling action game. The game’s bold visual style and action-focused design represent an ambitious attempt at blending multiple aesthetic and narrative influences into a cohesive gameplay experience.