As you engage in conversation with a developer about their forthcoming sports game, familiar names consistently emerge. While open-world video games may have evolved from the innovative approach showcased in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it’s worth noting that other genres, such as sports or fighting games, have also seen significant advancements in recent years? I’ve engaged in conversations with numerous developers and learned about a wide range of video games. I never imagined a developer would mention me during a preview, let alone without warning or consent. When discussing the evolution of motion video games leading to his latest project, Gun Fu’s SPINE, director Dmitry Pimenov’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
With its tongue-in-cheek nod to over-the-top action movies, SPINE brings a refreshing twist to the world of competitive esports – all courtesy of innovative indie studio Nekki. Recognized globally for its addictive Shadow Combat series of mobile video games, the company is now poised to make a bold entry into the PC and mobile markets with a thrilling proposition. A cyberpunk-inspired action sequence aims to revive the iconic bullet ballet aesthetic of John Woo’s films for modern-day viewers. While nods to films like John Wick and Hard-Boiled are evident, it’s the game influences that piqued curiosity.
“I often caution people: ‘Keep in mind that they tend to keep their space clean because they don’t consciously think about it,'” Pimenov says with a chuckle, preceding his admission. Capcom’s Euro-punk influenced game is deeply ingrained in SPINE’s DNA alongside Stranglehold and other underappreciated Xbox 360 and PS3 titles, such as WET. The distinctive allure of this subgenre is palpable in the gameplay demo I witnessed for SPINE. How do you distill the essence of Keep in Mind Me and those often overlooked, action-packed motion games to create an innovative, captivating experience that will capture the audience’s imagination? What makes them price remembering? Pimenov has a solution.
“I’m unfamiliar with the specific term, but I sense a decisive opportunity.” The creative team struggled to harmonize the dynamic elements of storytelling with the thematic depth of the subject matter. While I appreciate video games like Sifu that excel in their respective genres, I strongly believe that our game should prioritize storytelling, differentiating it from the more action-focused approach taken by Sifu. Me was absolutely enthralled by the immersive atmosphere since I had been fully transported into the world and every event that unfolded.
Here: Individuals dub it Euro-punk, a subgenre of cyberpunk; the label isn’t unfamiliar, but as a youth, I was utterly enthralled by its allure. With this sort of charisma, one can’t help but feel like they’re truly inhabiting the character. It’s strikingly unique, with a problematic blend of provocative elements and attacks that grab attention. Despite the modest budget, I genuinely enjoy playing this game.
The demo I observed was in a precarious condition, experiencing significant frame loss and exhibiting noticeable shakiness throughout its entirety. The sport is focusing on a 2026 launch window, which is hardly surprising given the circumstances. You’ll already catch glimpses of Stranglehold, WET, and Mean Streets influencing the project at this stage. It’s been determined that the property has 360 edges, boasting a fresh coat of paint and a dash of flair. With swift agility, the protagonist bursts into every scene, effortlessly clearing obstacles by vaulting over bullet-ridden surfaces, swiftly relieving gamers of their shotguns and expertly apprehending henchmen with a pair of twin pistols at the ready. All the great things. Once Nekki’s team addresses and resolves the current technical issues, we’ll be ready to move forward. If they fail to innovate, they may share the same fate as several obscure 360-degree motion video games that never gained traction.
As I delved into SPINE, it was a nostalgic surprise that transported me back to the films I’ve always cherished and rekindled my enthusiasm for the action-packed games I once devoured in my early gaming days. While a hint of nostalgia may be present, it’s reassuring to see that new games are emerging, drawing inspiration from some of the more unconventional aspects of gaming history. If you’ve ever had a soft spot for such sports, then SPINE is well worth keeping tabs on.
SPINE is currently in its infancy stage of development, poised for a launch likely in the latter part of 2026.
