New cult cyberpunk shooter sequel turns original formula into a systems-driven action RPG

Reikon Games has announced the sequel to its well-received 2017 cyberpunk shooter, Ruiner 2. However, it's not entirely like the original entry. Unlike the first game, the focus isn't primarily on fast-paced arena combat. Instead, the newly revealed sequel positions itself as a more systems-driven action RPG.

As the developers note, the sequel is built around experimentation, character progression, and gear trade-offs. The Shell system is a big change. It lets players assemble a roster of "combat bodies" that are known as Shells, and each of them can only be obtained by defeating bosses.

Each Shell comes with its unique abilities, progression path, and role. Players can equip up to three of them in solo play, and the game allows instant switching during combat. This rooster-based structure is a strong departure from the original game, which is a single-character shooter.

Progression also happens differently from the first game. Players get to level up through a Neural Network passive tree, which affects the entire roster, but there are individual Shell upgrades available. The original, on the other hand, had a flexible skill system.

Through an Overload system, the game adds more constraints to the gear customization system. Unlike in Ruiner (curr. $3.99 on Humble), the new entry focuses more on balancing equipment choices by introducing a resource-based gear system. There's a risk-based crafting system as well, which allows pushing upgrades further than their usual limits, but the items can behave in unexpected ways.

Another notable change is the addition of a co-op mode, which was a requested feature on the original. Ruiner 2 allows up to three-player co-op play, and the endgame structure has escalating difficulty tiers with improved loot rewards. All of these suggest that the developers intend players to replay the campaign at least once after finishing it.

Ruiner 2 doesn't have a release date yet, but Reikon Games is expected to share more details soon. Check out the reveal trailer attached below to learn more.