In Ghostrunner, failure is inherent to the gameplay loop, requiring players to master the nuances of its parkour system to progress. Players may encounter numerous deaths, but this challenge is integral to the experience. As the titular Ghostrunner, players must ascend Darma Tower to confront the Keymaster. The narrative begins with the protagonist’s fall from the tower, resulting in amnesia. Guided by The Architect, an AI entity, the player navigates the tower, uncovering the story through animated sequences and dialogues. This blend of narrative and fast-paced traversal within a cyberpunk setting contributes to a balanced and engaging experience.
The compelling backstory and immersive game world are highlights, and the game’s overall balance contributes to its appeal. However, the difficulty remains significant. Expect to repeat sequences multiple times, potentially spending 20-30 minutes to achieve mastery. Timing is critical, as movement relies heavily on parkour and free-running mechanics. The gameplay evokes a blend of Mirror’s Edge, Blade Runner, and Max Payne, demanding rapid decision-making and strategic planning for success.
As previously mentioned, parkour forms the core of the gameplay. This involves fluidly transitioning between walls, ledges, and utilizing a laser-based grapple hook to traverse environments, all while engaging enemies with a katana. The game presents a considerable challenge, demanding precision and reflexes. Hesitation can often lead to failure. The difficulty is consistently high throughout the game. Despite this, Ghostrunner offers an engaging experience through its compelling environments, soundtrack, polished mechanics, and narrative.
In summary, Ghostrunner is a well-executed title. Players who prefer a more deliberate pace may find its demanding reflexes and rapid decision-making challenging. The learning curve is steep initially, requiring time to master the controls. However, the reward for overcoming these challenges is a satisfying sense of accomplishment, encouraging continued play.
With Ghostrunner and the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 from CDPR, Poland is making a significant contribution to the cyberpunk genre. One More Level deserves recognition for creating an engaging and entertaining game that lives up to the studio’s name.
