The cyberpunk subgenre has been a visually and conceptually compelling backdrop for RPGs, first-person shooters, and narrative-driven puzzlers. However, Sobaka Studios’ upcoming Kiborg aims to transform this high-tech, low-end concept into a vehicle for a high-octane action brawler—with a dash of roguelite thrown in. Focusing on intense body modification and the grotesque horrors that advanced technology can bring, Kiborg focuses on fast-paced, crunchy combat that’s fueled by bizarre but intriguing power-ups that can featherlight up the battlefield.
Fresh off the release of a playable prologue that introduces the main game, I blasted through hordes of mutants, cyborgs, and giant robots, using an arsenal of deadly augmentations to obliterate the competition in this roguelite brawler with a twist on cyberpunk fiction.
In Kiborg, you’ll take on the role of Morgan, a resistance fighter who equips himself and his clones with technological upgrades to even the odds against rival factions on a war-torn prison planet. The hero will need to prepare for his descent into the carnage by training in the Arena, a VR combat simulator that delivers an endless array of enemies and deadly traps in a battle zone that seems inspired by Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
Kiborg: Arena and its ladder-style progression are a prologue to the main game, which offers a more extensive roguelite campaign across a variety of locations. Arena not only captures the mood of this hyper-violent, grim world perfectly, but also throws me in at the deep end to get used to the intriguing mix of beat-em-up action and randomized, roguelite-style upgrades. In addition to an extended tutorial that helped me get into the rhythm and learn the basics of brawler-style combat, you also have an AI companion who can give Morgan tips on how to best climb the Arena ladder.
The arena combat focuses on familiar wave-based combat, with each wave adding novel enemies and traps, and even rearranging the layout of the area itself. Kiborg’s main combat focuses heavily on Morgan’s moveset, which includes punches, kicks, crushing blows, and parries. Morgan also uses upgradeable firearms, which are especially vital against enemies that are too far away. You can also earn enduring buffs to Morgan’s core abilities and attributes in the upgrade menu outside the arena, which add buffs and extend his health.
As with any fighting game, mastering Kiborg’s combat is about having a forceful offensive strategy while also being prepared to play defensively. Kiborg is full of determination and style, which makes tearing enemies apart very satisfying when you get into a rhythm. However, the combat can be quite relentless if you don’t find that rhythm. This is especially true when faced with a crowd of enemies, each requiring a specific strategy. On top of that, the game’s somewhat clunky attack timing and graphics threw me off my stride in some fights.
However, what really makes Kiborg and its take on cyberpunk fighting games come together is the satisfying array of cyborg upgrades that modify parts of Morgan’s body with specialized attributes. Tech upgrades, earned from elite enemies after performing a finishing move similar to Raiden from Metal Gear Rising Revengeance, add a whole novel dimension to combat. In true roguelite fashion, you’ll have to decide which upgrade of your choice will support you get to the end.
Some of my favorite moments included diving into a crowd of enemies and unleashing a series of punches that were powered by chain lightning, homing razor blades, and even cyborg legs that left a trail of flames on the ground. One of the greatest thrills of a roguelite is watching your humble hero evolve into a warrior of death, and seeing Kiborg’s build transform into a super soldier with each round was so invigorating to watch.
Kiborg and its Arena prologue show off a promising, low-key take on cyberpunk beat-em-up action, even if it’s unpolished in this preview. Still, I had a blast tearing apart enemies with devastating cybernetic upgrades, and each attempt felt so different from the last. The full game is set to release later, so Kiborg: Arena is just a teaser that will give players a solid taste of this elegant blend of beat-em-up action and cyberpunk mystery.
