Today, the development team behind the upcoming cyberpunk 4X strategy game Neural Dominion gave fans their first glimpse of pre-alpha gameplay, marking a significant milestone for the highly anticipated title. Originally announced in 2023 under the name Ataxia, the game has undergone a rebrand and, after a brief development hiatus, is back on track with renewed vigor since May of this year.
Neural Dominion promises to bring a fresh twist to the 4X genre with its gritty, crime-infested cyberpunk setting. Players will assume the role of a gang leader vying for control over a dystopian city, navigating a world where survival means engaging in illicit activities, strategic planning, and combat.
The game stays true to the core elements that define 4X strategy—explore, expand, exploit, exterminate—while introducing a host of new features tailored to its unique cyberpunk environment. Players can expect the following key elements:
- Faction-Specific Strengths & Weaknesses: Each of the five rival gangs comes with its own set of abilities and limitations, requiring strategic thinking to outmaneuver opponents.
- Turn-Based or Active Time Combat: The game offers flexibility in combat, allowing players to choose between traditional turn-based mechanics or a JRPG-inspired “Active Time” system.
- Sector Improvements and Tech Research: Like any good 4X game, Neural Dominion includes opportunities for economic and strategic development, along with tech advancements that can shift the balance of power.
- Hero Customization: Players can personalize their gang leaders with cybernetic implants, unique weapons, and a variety of gear.
But where Neural Dominion really stands out is in its cyberpunk-specific features:
- Dark, Neon-Lit Maps: The game’s visuals are steeped in cyberpunk aesthetics, bringing the dystopian city to life with moody, neon-lit environments.
- Criminal Activity: Engage in a variety of illegal operations, from hacking and extortion to drug running and bloodsport, to gain the upper hand.
- Police “Heat” and Bribery: Avoid drawing too much attention from law enforcement, or use bribes to keep the heat off your back.
- Global and Tactical Powers: Influence the broader campaign map or swing the outcome of individual battles with powerful abilities.
- Gang Leader Personas and Lore: Each leader is imbued with a rich backstory, borrowing elements from both classic and modern cyberpunk narratives.
As the game progresses towards its Early Access launch, scheduled for either Q4 2024 or Q1 2025 on Steam and GOG, the developers have hinted at a more fleshed-out public demo. This demo could make its debut in either the October 2024 or February 2025 editions of Steam Next Fest, giving players an early taste of the dystopian strategy that Neural Dominion has to offer.
For those eager to see how this cyberpunk 4X strategy unfolds, today’s pre-alpha gameplay reveal is just the beginning of what looks to be an exciting journey to the game’s release. Keep an eye out for further updates as the team continues to build out this ambitious title.
