CD Projekt's Cyberpunk 2077, despite its significant post-launch improvements, never quite delivered the immersive sim experience that some players, including this writer, had hoped for. While the game incorporated elements reminiscent of the genre, its progression system and central narrative ultimately steered it towards a more linear path. Now, Neon Giant, the studio behind the twin-stick shooter The Ascent, is preparing to release No Law, a game that appears to embrace the ambitious design principles of immersive sims more fully.
Set in the city of Port Desire, No Law casts players as Grey Harker, a military veteran drawn back into conflict. Neon Giant describes the game as a first-person open-world shooter RPG, a classification that often signals developer intent towards immersive sim mechanics. Early previews and trailers for No Law showcase a variety of approaches to mission-solving, moving beyond straightforward combat.
The game's trailer highlights Harker utilizing stealth, infiltration via vents, and unique sci-fi abilities, including one that causes enemies to explode and another that offers a more explosive end for them. A particularly noteworthy moment shows Harker piloting a Roomba-equipped with a grenade into a garage full of enemies, a creative, indirect solution that evokes the spirit of classic immersive sims.
Neon Giant emphasizes the density of Port Desire over its sheer size. Unlike the sprawling Night City of Cyberpunk 2077, No Law's urban environment is designed to be intimately learned, with handcrafted apartments and a focus on in-world navigation. The game will feature an "Immersive" mode that disables UI hints, encouraging players to rely on environmental signage and building numbers for guidance, a clear nod to the genre's emphasis on player agency and environmental immersion.
The narrative design of No Law also appears to lean into player choice. Neon Giant has stated that mission approaches will influence how characters react to Harker, rather than relying solely on branching dialogue. The permanence of actions, such as permanent death for NPCs and the loss of their associated services, further underscores this commitment to a reactive world.
However, the game will incorporate RPG elements like experience points and skill trees, which will define Harker's capabilities. This system aims to provide player choice in build development without dictating a singular "correct" way to play. Despite the studio's smaller size, composed of 24 developers, the ambition of No Law suggests it could become a standout title if it successfully executes its vision. The game is slated for release in 2027.