Summer Game Fest 2026 kicked off with incredible game reveals and trailers, one being Sea of Remnants. Embark as the Voyager, a sailor uncovering lost memories while building a fleet in an expansive world of sea and land. Sea of Remnants offers players a bright, imaginative world to explore. The game blends engaging gameplay with wooden puppetfolk character designs that feel Tim Burton-esque in their own way.
At Summer Game Fest, we experienced a 20-minute demo of the game developed by Joker Studio and published by NetEase. I chose the prologue adventure to be introduced to the characters and the world. Meanwhile, others near me were engaged in intense turn-based combat against mermaids, featuring stunning effects and cinematic showdowns.
The aspect that drew me in was exploring the open sea and forming a trusty crew. Ever since Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, games that allow you to have a journey on the ocean have intrigued me. Additionally, as with the game itself, the gameplay promises more than just a beautiful ocean. Players will cycle through roguelite adventures to strengthen their team and customize gear in the city of Orbtopia.
First Impressions
Sea of Remnants immerses players in a beautifully designed world that blends animated comic aesthetics with a lively graffiti vibe. The game starts with a story as you navigate the ocean alongside translucent ships sailing in the same direction. Calmly maneuvering, the little ship allows time to absorb the vast expanse of the cosmic ocean surrounding it. Enchanting music and wildlife enrich the experience.
The first fight was incredible, with stylish lighting, graphics, and the ease of controlling the ship and firing the cannons. Its reminiscent of DOOM with its epic soundtrack to amp up the epic showdown against Leviathan creatures. You awaken in a hazy laboratory after a black screen, facing a series of psychological questions. The voice acting suits their characters, each uniquely different and charming.
Upon realizing they have amnesia, a character creation menu activates. Creating your future Captain involves selecting hairstyles, facial features, and eye textures, similar to other character creation setups. At the start, players can choose from three outfits, along with hats and eyepatches. And, voila! My very own charming Captain is ready to embark on the adventure in Orbtopia.
Sea of Remnants will feature over 300 companions to recruit into your crew, a variety of mini-games, and multiple combat modes that go beyond monster battles at sea.
Sea of Remnants is set to launch in 2026 and is available for wishlisting on Steam and Xbox Series X|S. To stay updated, be sure to follow the official X and pre-register.
