Anime Expo 2023 brought together anime and gaming enthusiasts from around the globe, creating a vibrant tapestry of thrilling adventures and immersive storytelling. Among the highlights of this spectacular event was the highly anticipated Bandai Namco Summer Showcase Panel, where fans were treated to an unforgettable display of captivating games, innovative announcements, and exclusive sneak peeks.
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Bandai Namco has upheld an amazing legacy in anime gaming for years. It was no surprise they would deliver an impressive presentation that left attendees buzzing with excitement. The panel featured exciting developments for highly anticipated games such as Naruto, Sand Land, Sword Art Online, Baten Kaitos , and a special surprise announcement. Here’s everything any anime gaming fan needs to know that we learned at the Bandai Namco Summer Showcase Panel.
Naruto X Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
This highly anticipated action-fighting game celebrates the anime’s 20th anniversary. The panel revealed that this game would have the largest roster out of all Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series with over 130 playable characters. The game also features new original game characters Nanashi and Merz, who will play key roles in the game. Although the game covers the history of Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, players can also play as Boruto in a special story mode. The game is set to be released this year on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
Baten KaitosI & II HD Remaster
Two RPG masterpieces return, originally released 20 years ago for the Nintendo GameCube, Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean and Baten Kaitos Origins have returned with improved graphics and new features to aid game progression, making the game even more accessible. The remaster includes several new enhancements that improve the quality of life for both newcomers and long-time fans alike. The Bandai Namco Summer Showcase panel gave insight into new gameplay and other new elements in the remaster that were not in the original, such as the Instant KO, which lets players take out their enemies with a single blow. The game is set to release on September 14, 2023 on Nintendo Switch.
Sword Art Online Last Recollection
Players can experience the beginning of this alternate SWORD ART ONLINE adventure with Kirito and his friends in a new adventure. Based on SWORD ART ONLINE’s War of Underworld anime arc, a new story unfolds with challenges that await our heroes, Kirito and his friends. The game features a completely original story to the series as Kirito and his friends journey to a world we have never seen before in the anime or prior games, the Dark Territory. The Bandai Summer Showcase Panel also highlighted the high-speed battle gameplay, new abilities, and more than 40 playable characters will be on the roster, and the game will have the largest number of side stories in the franchise’s history. The action RPG is set to release on October 6, 2023, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
Sand Land
Based on the manga series created by the creator of Dragon Ball & Dr. Slump, Akira Toriyama. In this new action RPG, players become the main character Beelzebub to lead a company of heroic misfits across the desert world of SAND LAND. Set in a world where demons and humans suffer from extreme water shortages. Throughout the game, you collect and carry vehicles that can help you along your journey and battles throughout the harsh desert world. The Bandai Namco Summer Showcase, also revealed new vehicles, the Tank and Jump-Bot. Each with its own unique abilities for players to utilize to their full extent. No official release date yet, but the game will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A hands-on demo and movie premiere for SAND LAND will be available in San Diego later this month.
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash
Last but not least, the biggest surprise of the Bandai Namco Summer Showcase was the announcement of Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash. This is a brand-new 2v2 action game that will be the first Jujutsu Kaisen game to appear on consoles. Players will be able to play Yuji, Megumi, Nobara, Gojo, and more characters from the hit series. We did not get a release date at the panel, but the game will be coming soon to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam.
Anime Expo 2023 runs from July 1 – 4, 2023 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
