There are a handful of ways to get me to say yes to a game without ever touching a keyboard. Three of those things are ninjas (in this case, a cyber-ninja), a dirty neon-lit cyberpunk city and wall-running harkening back to the feeling of Mirror’s Edge. If only such a combo existed, well, out of seemingly nowhere, apparently it does?! In comes Ghostrunner
I can admit that I’ve not actually ever heard of it prior to the info for the limited-time demo landing in my inbox. The demo, which puts you directly into the action, is absolutely fantastic. It’s definitely one of those games where movement is key. The enemies are aggressive, and it really forces you to be just as, if not more aggressive. Utilizing a dash mechanic, which allows you to slow down time and shift left or right and then propel yourself forward, adds a unique touch to its one-hit-kill combat. While the depressingly picturesque cyberpunk world pulls you in, that soundtrack slaps. I can’t wait to see the creative ways speedrunners tackle this one.
Note: The demo is only available on Steam from May 6 – May 13.
As for the story details, as is anything set in a cyberpunk universe, it’s all a bit murky. Their press release provided a bit more details into that:
After a cataclysmic event, the remnants of humanity dwell within Dharma Tower, a megastructure constructed as a temporary shelter. A century of conflict led to a brutal division of Dharma — the lower the floor, the lower the resident’s status. The enigmatic Keymaster maintains this imposed caste system, but the people have had enough. Ascend the tower as a Ghostrunner capable of blistering speed and deadly precision, and learn the truth behind the Keymaster’s reign.
Check out the Ghostrunner cinematic trailer:
Release Date: 2020
Systems: PC, PS4, Xbox One.
Developed by: One More Level, 3D Realms, Slipgate Ironworks
Published by: All in! Games