Two intriguing new action games showcased at the Moscow Game Hub booth at TGS 2025
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/727/G072721/20250927030/
Writer: Maruhta Kentarou | 2025/09/27 04:42 (UTC)
From September 25 to 28, 2025, the Tokyo Game Show 2025 will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. Alongside numerous Japanese game developers, many international exhibitors are also participating. At Hall 1’s Moscow Game Hub booth, several playable games from Russian publishers were on display.
Moscow Game Hub Booth Thumbnail image for Gallery No.001 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
In this article, we’ll highlight two new action games featured in playable form at the Moscow Game Hub booth that are set for imminent release.
AWAKEN - Astral Blade
“AWAKEN - Astral Blade” is a Metroidvania action game originally released on PC (Steam) and PS5 in October 2024, with plans to launch on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PS4 later this year. Players take control of Tanya, a teenage girl endowed with superhuman combat abilities, as she explores ancient ruins overrun by mutated animals and plants.
At the event, a demo version was available for play lasting about 15 minutes, allowing players to select from three difficulty levels. The experience featured battles against multiple large bosses and customization through skill points earned during exploration—allowing players to strengthen Tanya in various ways.
Tanya, the protagonist. Depending on how you develop her skill tree, your combat style and preferred tactics will change significantly Thumbnail image for Gallery No.003 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］ Thumbnail image for Gallery No.004 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
At first, Tanya’s movements felt somewhat restrained. However, as players unlocked abilities such as the recovery roll, double jump, parry, and “Battle Sense” (which slows down enemy movement after a successful dodge), her overall impression dramatically improved. With an array of dynamic actions and fast combos at their disposal, players can freely engage in combat while enjoying both exploration and intense boss battles.
Within the playable portion shown at the event, defeating large bosses proved most effective by attacking their core from behind Thumbnail image for Gallery No.005 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］ Thumbnail image for Gallery No.006 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
The game’s difficulty level significantly affects enemy strength—this is a notable feature. At the easiest setting, “Story,” even players unfamiliar with Metroidvania games can enjoy the experience smoothly thanks to Tanya’s wide range of available actions. In contrast, the “Hardcore” mode delivers an intense combat experience as suggested by its name: just a few hits result in instant death.
Bylina
“Bylina” is an overhead-view action RPG scheduled for release later this year on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Set in a world inspired by Russian epic poems known as “byliny,” which have been passed down from the Middle Ages, players assume the role of “Falcon,” a legendary hero whose father was also a famed warrior. After dying on his first mission, Falcon must now share his body with a mysterious spirit and embarks on a journey to reclaim both his physical form and soul through exploration and battles against various foes.
“Bylina” is being developed as a story-driven action RPG. The demo version included here was fully localized into Japanese, allowing players to understand Falcon’s objectives and character interactions throughout the gameplay.
Falcon, the protagonist. As you level up during gameplay, he acquires skills corresponding to his equipped weapon—either a one-handed sword or bow. His appearance changes depending on gear; as the story progresses, he is expected to wear ornate armor and shields resembling those displayed in promotional panels at the booth Thumbnail image for Gallery No.009 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
In the trial version, players experience a prologue-like section where Falcon is still alive and before merging with the spirit. The initial tasks given to Falcon—such as exploration or listening to merchants in distress—are simple, serving also as an introduction to controls. However, combat during these missions feels authentic: facing archers who aim from long range, or swordsmen whose heavy blows can defeat you in three or four hits (leading to instant knockout), players must master evasion and use of shields to survive—creating a tense and gripping experience.
Even minor enemies possess considerable offensive power, making victory difficult through aggressive attacks alone. Positioning is crucial; avoiding being surrounded by multiple enemies becomes essential Thumbnail image for Gallery No.011 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
Battles against mid-tier bosses, who have higher health and multiple attack patterns, appear to be designed with the premise that players must learn from dying—emphasizing trial-and-error gameplay Thumbnail image for Gallery No.012 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］
Additionally, during the demo, players discovered that survival mechanics are required—for example, preparing meals on the way or crafting a campfire to stay warm in snowy regions and avoid freezing. It seems many challenges await beyond combat: even field exploration requires constant vigilance.
As gameplay progresses, crafting items for environmental adaptation appears increasingly important Thumbnail image for Gallery No.013 / Introducing two intriguing new action games we played at the Moscow Game Hub booth ［TGS 2025］