NO LAW resembles Cyberpunk 2077 in a home setting, but to be honest, I'm all for it.

      The developer of The Ascent, Neon Giant, has unveiled gameplay for their new open-world shooter, NO LAW, which incorporates stealth, hacking, shooting, and impactful choices within a familiar cyberpunk cityscape.

      Neon Giant has finally provided a detailed look at the NO LAW gameplay, and I'm already captivated. This first-person cyber-noir shooter takes place in the unregulated port city of Port Desire, where you assume the role of veteran Grey Harker, facing challenges with stealth, shooting, hacking, and a robust disregard for others' possessions. The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

      The new footage highlights the game's influences clearly. The most obvious comparison is to Cyberpunk 2077, evident in the neon-lit city, advanced technology, and the overall style. There’s also a touch of Thief visible in the stealth mechanics, along with a distinct Deus Ex influence that encourages the use of gadgets, hacking, exploration, and dialogue instead of simply transforming every challenge into a gunfight. Neon Giant has characterized NO LAW as a title centered around player choices, where various approaches yield different reactions and consequences.

      And yes, I've already encountered the predictable “we have Cyberpunk 2077 at home” jokes. Honestly? I'm okay with it. It seems the future now offers two options: a relentlessly neon cyberpunk city or a dystopian desert where sand gets in everyone's shoes. At least NO LAW is opting for the more vibrant choice.

      The game’s description assures a cyber-noir environment where every decision carries weight, which is what excites me the most. If those choices genuinely create distinct paths and outcomes, rather than just altering dialogue options before the next shootout, NO LAW could provide significant replay value.

      It appears visually stunning. Now, let’s hope it performs as well.

      We've seen NO LAW’s visual aspirations before. At Unreal Fest Chicago in June, Neon Giant demonstrated its rich Port Desire setting along with Unreal Engine 5 technology, featuring Nanite, Lumen, and MegaLights. However, this is our first substantial look at the gameplay loop, which is far more beneficial than another attractive tech demo.

      On paper, the story seems promising. The mix of stealth, combat, hacking, exploration, and meaningful choices aligns perfectly with the immersive sim formula I appreciate. However, I do have one small concern. I've witnessed enough Unreal Engine games face optimization challenges to know that impressive lighting and detailed environments can sometimes introduce performance issues. Since NO LAW heavily relies on lighting to create its atmosphere, I will reserve my judgment until we see how it performs on actual hardware.

      For now, though, NO LAW is definitely on my radar. While it openly showcases its Cyberpunk and immersive-sim influences, a game that allows me to sneak through a neon city, hack someone's security system, and decide whether to negotiate or demolish the place sounds like a great experience. If those alternate paths truly come to fruition, it might offer more than just visually appealing neon lights.