Harebrained Schemes Unveils Graft: A Post-Cyberpunk Horror RPG
When news of a new game blending cyberpunk, survival horror, and RPG elements hits my desk, my interest is immediately piqued. Harebrained Schemes, the creative minds behind Shadowrun and Battletech, have announced their latest project, Graft. Set in a dying space station, the game promises a unique and immersive experience that will challenge players in ways never seen before.
A Post-Cyberpunk Setting
Graft takes place in a post-cyberpunk world, a term that reflects the evolution of the genre beyond its traditional neon-lit, high-tech roots. The game’s setting, the Arc, is a massive space station teetering on the brink of collapse. Once a thriving hub of biomechanically enhanced residents, the Arc is now a shadow of its former self, with darkness creeping in and threatening to consume everything in its path.
As players navigate the decaying superstructure of the Arc, they will encounter a myriad of challenges, from self-replicating labyrinths to feral abominations and the relentless pursuit of a deranged AI. The stakes are high, and every decision made will have far-reaching consequences that shape the outcome of the game.
The Concept of Graft
One of the most intriguing aspects of Graft is its unique progression system, which revolves around the concept of “grafting” augmentations onto the player character’s body. Each augmentation comes with its own set of memories and experiences, inherited from its previous owner. As players attach these augmentations, they must grapple with the memories and impulses that come with them, making choices that will ultimately define who they become.
The game poses a thought-provoking question to players: “Who, or what, will you be when you escape?” Will you embrace the darkness that lurks within the memories of the grafts, or will you strive to overcome them and forge a new path for yourself? The choice is yours, but the consequences are real and lasting.
Harebrained Schemes’ Departure from Paradox Interactive
Last October, Harebrained Schemes parted ways with their former parent company, Paradox Interactive, citing differences in portfolio plans. This split came after lower-than-expected sales of The Lamplighters League, prompting the studio to pursue new opportunities independently. While the specifics of the split remain unclear, it’s rumored that Harebrained pitched a new Battletech game to Paradox before the separation, hinting at a possible overlap in the development of Graft.
As the studio embarks on this new venture, fans can expect the same level of innovation and creativity that has defined their previous projects. With Graft, Harebrained Schemes is pushing the boundaries of traditional gaming experiences, offering players a chance to explore a dark and immersive world unlike any other.
The Future of Graft
With the announcement of Graft, Harebrained Schemes has once again demonstrated their ability to craft engaging and compelling narratives that captivate players from start to finish. The game’s unique blend of genres, coupled with its deep and thought-provoking mechanics, promises to deliver an experience that is both challenging and rewarding for players.
As development progresses, fans can expect to see more details emerge about the world of the Arc, the characters they will encounter, and the choices they will be forced to make. With its post-cyberpunk setting, immersive gameplay, and intriguing progression system, Graft is shaping up to be a standout title in the world of RPGs.
In Conclusion
Harebrained Schemes’ Graft is a game that promises to redefine the cyberpunk genre, offering players a fresh and immersive experience that challenges them to confront their own morality and identity. With its unique progression system, engaging narrative, and post-cyberpunk setting, Graft is poised to be a must-play title for fans of RPGs and survival horror alike. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting project as it continues to take shape.