Back to the Tower with Ghostrunner 2

Ghostrunner 2 is about to launch and Polish game studio One More Level—already known for creating fast-paced, action-packed games and taking the lead in the genius original— is back as the sole developer for the much-anticipated sequel. As Game Director Radoslaw Ratusznik says: “We like to say that we create games which we would love to play ourselves! This is the main principle of our game design.” Let’s see what Ghostrunner 2 has in store.

New Heights for the High Rise

Fans of the original Ghostrunner have reason to rejoice. Ghostrunner 2 retains the core essence that made the first game such a hit, while expanding the gameplay above and beyond. Ratusznik shares the studio’s vision, stating, “Our main principle was evolution, not revolution.” Veteran players can expect a similar gameplay feel, but with a fresh spin. Newcomers will be swept up in the relentless action. “It’s all about action,” Ratusznik agrees. “[The game] develops all the ideas from its predecessor. We wanted to polish all the important features of the first game—the feeling of [being a] cyber ninja, that quickly runs through the [high-rise] levels and kills everyone on his way. At the same time, we wanted to diversify the game. We added, for example, the motorbike, levels outside the tower, and made many improvements to combat, which will let players experiment with fights and find the combat style that most suits them.”

The Heartbeat of Cyberpunk

It’s evident from every pixel and gameplay element that the Ghostrunner series is a love letter to the cyberpunk genre. Drawing visual inspiration from Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell, the game melds its gorgeous aesthetics with adrenaline-pumping action, and takes gameplay inspiration from Titanfall 2, Mirror’s Edge, and Hotline Miami.

Speed, Combat, and Motorbikes

One thing is certain: Ghostrunner 2 is not for the faint-hearted. Players will “experience speed”, Ratusznik assures. It’s a game where movement and action blend seamlessly. But this sequel isn’t just about the familiar run-slash-repeat cycle. Ratusznik hints at the game being full of surprises—”both in terms of gameplay mechanics, and the world.”

For example, the team wanted the motorbike feature to be “super arcadey” but still feel “like an actual, high-speed motorbike.” This blend of the nostalgic and the hyperreal was achieved through iterating the mechanics for “quite some time.”

Optimized for PC Perfection

For those keen on speedrunning, Ghostrunner 2 on PC is the place to be. The title soars thanks to the PC platform’s precision and tight controls, ensuring a riveting experience. Ratusznik recommends using a keyboard and mouse “for parkouring and combat sections,” but he has a tip for motorbike enthusiasts—give the gamepad controller a try.

One More Level’s collaboration with Intel ensured that the game was optimized for PCs, with Intel providing invaluable advice, especially around ray tracing, and DirectX 12.

Get Ready for the Run

Ghostrunner 2 promises an exhilarating ride, an evolution that retains the heart of the original while introducing exciting new elements. With speed, action, cyberpunk aesthetics, and the thrill of a motorbike chase, this game lives up to the promise of the original and is sure to find new converts as well. One More Level also has plans to keep players happy well beyond Ghostrunner 2’s launch date. The game is scheduled to receive a year of post-launch support, with both free and paid DLCs in the pipeline.

Eager to dive into the cyberpunk world of Ghostrunner 2? Download a playable demo now and preorder on Steam to be ready to embrace the cyber ninja within you on launch day. The tower awaits you on October 26, 2023!