The Verdict is in: Sega and Atlus Won Not E3 2023

In the past, June was the time that the gaming industry prepared for E3. For about a week, we would be graced with the latest game updates and reveals. However, due to the cancellation of the event this year, several others have taken its place, retaining some of the thrilling spirit we’ve always enjoyed.

From Summer Games Fest to several smaller-scale live streams featuring Ubisoft and Capcom, there was plenty to be excited for this year, though one company, at least to us, really towered over the rest.

Sega and its subsidiary Atlus took this moment to completely blow us away with new game reveals, updates, and even leaks. They touched on the E3 trifecta, even in its absence.

Let’s start with the reveal of Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased for RGG Studio. Sega graced fans with a Western release date set for November 9, 2023, on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Many fans have been waiting for news about this title which features two fighting stances where players can switch between Yakuza and Agent modes. With the Yakuza style, strike fear into enemies by unleashing wildly aggressive moves powered by Kiryu’s unparalleled strength and flair. Or up the ante with the Agent style by delivering blows with absolute speed and precision while using an array of high-tech gadgets like electrified bind wires to stun enemies and then send them flying.

Now onto something just as hype with the Western reveal of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which is technically Ryu Ga Gotoku 8. This entry puts a spin on the series by bringing the setting westward to Hawaii. Not much information about this entry has been shared, but it stars protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu. Players will mainly control Kasuga throughout the adventure, with Kiryu as a supporting character.

Another be reveal is Sonic Superstars, which blew us away with its retro systems and modern look. This is a brand-new 2D adventure featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy, taking place on the North Star Islands. New gameplay features include the Emerald Powers when Chaos Emeralds are acquired, such as enabling the ability to create clones or climb waterfalls. There are also multiplayer modes available.

Then, we nearly lost our breath during the Xbox Showcase, where Atlus pulled no punches on dominating the event with the reveal of Persona 5 Tactica, coming to PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC via Steam on November 17, 2023. This entry follows a strange incident where the Phantom Thieves wander into an unknown realm where its citizens live under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. Whatever, we don’t care, we just want to hang out with our friends again! And speaking of old friends…

Atlus decided to lay on us, Persona 3 Reload a remake of Persona 3 made in Unreal Engine. Enough said, you have our attention, and all the gameplay we’ve seen since has proved that this game is worth resisting with this modern coat of paint. Some fans are upset about the removal of The Answer. Come on now, if anything could use a touch-up, it’s that DLC.

Then, they decided to put us to sleep and tuck us in with the reveal of the most hyped JRPG we’ve seen from this team in a long time. Metaphor: ReFantazio was shown off, and it was beautiful. This brand-new IP is sure to have excited JRPG fans everywhere. It’s a turn-based fantasy adventure formally known as Project Re Fantasy, with many doubting its existence. However, we’re glad those fears have been put to rest.

The game is being developed by the team behind Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. The announcement trailer highlighted this title’s gorgeous presentation via its slick menus, vibrant environments, and already-memorable character designs. Further, there may be some implementation of social stats; This truly does look like a next-generation JRPG experience. It’s also taken notes from the Shin Megami Tensei series. The director is Katsura Hashino, and the composer is Shoji Meguro.

And there it is…Sega and Atlus won this year’s Not E3 2023 no arguments.