So I just bought Esoteric Ebb and this came up on my home page. I'm honestly conflicted by the whole thing. Disco Elesium was a massive part of Lockdown for me and had a major impact on how I...
So I just bought Esoteric Ebb and this came up on my home page.
I'm honestly conflicted by the whole thing. Disco Elesium was a massive part of Lockdown for me and had a major impact on how I approach characters and writing in general.
Given all the "complications" and toxicity behind the scenes, its feels difficult to get excited for this project. Similar case for Subnautica 2 and GTA 6. I'll probably keep it in my radar, just incase there are positive behind-the-scenes developments.
As for the game, a little suspect of trailers leaning on concept art. Especially with a 2026 release date. I'd expect either a full pre-render announcement or to show of new gameplay, systems and writing. New character looks interesting but I think they need a "straight man" to play off against. Kim was perfrct for the first game but I sustect the character here is more... sane. Also seems to be a harder lean on the worlds technology and "applied politics". I suspect they are dipping into grey areas.
The fist game painted its themes through extremes. Racism exemplified in the hulking Measurehead and unremarkable truck driver. Organizational corruption in the overtly shady union boss and presentable executive. The articulate, professional scab and riff raff dock workers. Cuno. Cuno can go ****************. Madness through Harry and all the degrees others are irrational (bookstore owner, gun thief, mercs with PTSD...).
That game was lightning in a bottle, especially in the middle of the "games are too political" phase of the whole culture war slog.
Though, I do like the main character design and some of the new Pentagon motifs. Also a spy story is perfect for this style and it would be interesting to manage the interests of larger powers.
So I just bought Esoteric Ebb and this came up on my home page.
I'm honestly conflicted by the whole thing. Disco Elesium was a massive part of Lockdown for me and had a major impact on how I approach characters and writing in general.
Given all the "complications" and toxicity behind the scenes, its feels difficult to get excited for this project. Similar case for Subnautica 2 and GTA 6. I'll probably keep it in my radar, just incase there are positive behind-the-scenes developments.
As for the game, a little suspect of trailers leaning on concept art. Especially with a 2026 release date. I'd expect either a full pre-render announcement or to show of new gameplay, systems and writing. New character looks interesting but I think they need a "straight man" to play off against. Kim was perfrct for the first game but I sustect the character here is more... sane. Also seems to be a harder lean on the worlds technology and "applied politics". I suspect they are dipping into grey areas.
The fist game painted its themes through extremes. Racism exemplified in the hulking Measurehead and unremarkable truck driver. Organizational corruption in the overtly shady union boss and presentable executive. The articulate, professional scab and riff raff dock workers. Cuno. Cuno can go ****************. Madness through Harry and all the degrees others are irrational (bookstore owner, gun thief, mercs with PTSD...).
That game was lightning in a bottle, especially in the middle of the "games are too political" phase of the whole culture war slog.
Though, I do like the main character design and some of the new Pentagon motifs. Also a spy story is perfect for this style and it would be interesting to manage the interests of larger powers.