Preview: Forget the Soulslikes, This Bizarre New PS5 Game Is Channelling Shenmue Instead
NEKCOM, a studio founded by Xiangyu Luo, is developing a new PS5 game that draws inspiration from the Shenmue franchise rather than following the current industry trend of Soullike-inspired titles. The game was previewed at Gamescom in Cologne, where it was showcased in a dedicated booth in the business area of the convention. Described as “bizarre,” the title appears to pursue an unconventional creative direction, emphasizing adventure and exploration mechanics more aligned with Shenmue’s approach than the challenge-focused design characteristic of Soulslike games. The preview demonstrates that despite the prevalence of Soullike-inspired games in the current market, developers continue to explore alternative design philosophies and gameplay styles. While the preview excerpt provides limited details about specific mechanics, narrative elements, or release timeline, the Shenmue comparison suggests NEKCOM is positioning the title as a distinctive offering that differentiates itself from mainstream contemporary releases. The game’s showcase at Gamescom, one of the gaming industry’s largest conventions, indicates it is a notable upcoming release warranting attention from industry observers and players seeking experiences beyond the dominant Soullike genre.