Check Out The 9th Dragon
Developer FrameOver and publisher Headup revealed their upcoming narrative tactical combat game, The 9th Dragon, with a new atmospheric gameplay trailer during the Future Games Show. The trailer offered a first look at the game’s striking voxel-style visuals while highlighting combat and traversal across a dense, neon-lit city inspired by the 1980s.
The 9th Dragon blends tactical combat with a dynamic free-style beat ’em up system. Players step into the role of Rookie, the newest member of an elite police commando unit, and navigate the gritty maze of the legendary Kowloon Walled City. The story evolves based on the choices players make, allowing Rookie’s journey to unfold as either heroic or morally questionable depending on the path taken.
Combat focuses on brutal close-quarters action. Players can defeat gang members and powerful crime bosses using hand-to-hand attacks and a wide range of weapons, including pistols, Uzis, shotguns, flamethrowers, and explosive tools. Many encounters occur in tight indoor spaces or narrow alleys, where positioning and stamina management play a major role in controlling fights.
Beyond combat, players can explore the dense structure of Kowloon at its peak. Rooftops, cables, and ziplines open paths across the city, while destructible areas reveal hidden routes. The game also features collectibles such as old comic books that unlock new combat abilities and combo chains, along with lore items and NPC interactions that deepen the story.
The 9th Dragon includes around ten hours of action, featuring 20 enemy types and eight unique bosses. Missions can also be replayed, allowing players to experiment with different choices and uncover alternate story outcomes.