Ghostrunner Review

Story

The game is set in a distant future where humanity is under the control of Mara, a scientist who helped build Dharma Tower. The tower has become a prison for humans, and your mission, as the last Ghostrunner, is to climb the tower, defeat Mara, and save humanity with the help of the Architect, the tower’s original creator.

The story isn’t groundbreaking, but it carries a good message in the end. While it’s not particularly strong, it complements the gameplay well, which is the game’s main focus.

Level Design

The level design in Ghostrunner is divided into three main parts, each ending with a boss fight. Here’s a breakdown:

Part 1

The first part serves as an introduction to the game’s mechanics. While the design is straightforward, the challenges are engaging and exciting. Even though the levels are linear, there are multiple ways to complete them, keeping them fun and fresh. The section ends with one of the best boss fights in the game, combining speed, precision, and skill, accompanied by an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack.

Part 2

The second part expands the world significantly, but it feels empty and confusing. Enemies are less varied than in the first part, and much of your time is spent figuring out where to go. While the boss fight here isn’t as exciting as the first, it’s still decent.

Part 3

The third part brings the game back to its roots, with a linear level design and more variety in enemy types and puzzles. Combat becomes more refined, and the final boss fight is the most rewarding, showcasing incredible variety and precision.

Cybervoid Levels

These are special levels unlocked when you gain a new skill. They resemble VR training stages from Metal Gear Solid but are the weakest part of the game. The design feels uninspired, with confusing layouts and dull objectives that feel disconnected from the main gameplay.

Gameplay

The gameplay is a mix of parkour elements inspired by Mirror’s Edge and superpowers reminiscent of Dishonored. Here’s a closer look:

Platforming

In platforming sections, you can wall-run and use a grappling hook, similar to Spider-Man, to reach distant areas. You can also manipulate machines around you, giving you control over the environment. The game challenges you with precise platforming sections where timing is critical, adding an extra layer of satisfaction when you succeed.

Skill Tree

Skills are distributed in a unique way, resembling a Tetris-style grid. You place blocks strategically to maximize your abilities, creating a build that suits your playstyle.

Abilities

The game offers four special abilities unlocked as you progress:

• Multi-kill: Select multiple enemies in a line and eliminate them in one strike.
• Energy Wave: Fire a blast of energy to take down enemies in front of you.
• Deflect: Reflect enemy attacks back at them with a wave of energy.
• Mind Control: Take control of an enemy, opening up creative ways to approach combat.

Unfortunately, these abilities cannot be used in boss fights.

Enemies

The game offers a wide variety of enemies, keeping combat fresh and challenging. You’ll encounter:

• Basic enemies with pistols.
• Advanced enemies with MP5s or shields that require strategy to defeat.
• Agile enemies that leap from afar, forcing you to stay alert.
• Robotic enemies that require quick reflexes to avoid their relentless attacks.

Each encounter feels unique, ensuring you’re always on your toes.

Pros

• Well-designed levels.
• Decent story that supports the gameplay.
• Great variety in enemies.
• Memorable boss fights.

Cons

• Poor design of Cybervoid levels.
• The second part of the game feels empty and less enjoyable.
• Scarce checkpoints in later levels.

Final Score: 8.5/10