An upcoming single-player game on Steam called Riftwalker feels like an unexpected mix of Max Payne and The Mandalorian, with a touch of Dune. Steam is full of "X meets Y" games that combine popular franchises into intriguing hybrids, but Riftwalker stands out by merging several worlds that don't seem connected at first glance.
Max Payne might not have much in common with a hit sci-fi show like The Mandalorian, and it doesn't seem like an obvious fit for a Dune-inspired setting. Yet Riftwalker appears to have pulled it off, crafting a unique bounty-hunting action RPG that fans of both Star Wars and Dune will likely want to explore.
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Riftwalker Features at a Glance
- EXPLORE seven worlds
- HUNT bounties
- UPGRADE your gear
- CUSTOMIZE your character
- RIDE space bikes
- SHOOT enemies in Max Payne-style slow-motion scenes
- HACK devices
- BUILD a reputation
- COMBINE ranged and melee attacks
Riftwalker's Core Gameplay Explained
Riftwalker is a story-driven sci-fi action RPG.
Solo developer Ethan McKinnon describes Riftwalker as a story-driven sci-fi action RPG. Players take on bounty-hunting jobs across seven different worlds, with each assignment introducing tougher enemies and greater challenges. Despite its single-player, narrative-focused design, Riftwalker encourages free exploration: "Move freely between connected planets. Uncover settlements, strongholds, hidden routes, and old ruins," the developer notes on Riftwalker's Steam page.
The game also features detailed RPG mechanics, including a passive skill tree and permanent augmentations that can change gameplay. Players can modify four primary stats: Body, Reflex, Mind, and Soul. True to its sci-fi setting, Riftwalker includes modular cybernetics and companion gadgets such as drones.
Fans of The Mandalorian Will Be Interested in Riftwalker
The protagonist of Riftwalker is an intergalactic bounty hunter who will instantly remind Star Wars fans of Din Djarin, better known as the Mandalorian. Developer Ethan McKinnon has cited The Mandalorian as a major inspiration, comparing the game's bounty-hunting gameplay to the hit Disney+ space Western show.
Another feature likely to appeal to Star Wars enthusiasts is the game's high-tech space motorcycles, which closely resemble Speeder Bikes. These vehicles will likely serve as a primary mode of transportation, allowing players to explore different areas across all seven worlds.
The Action Is Inspired by Max Payne
When asked about Max Payne's influence on Riftwalker's Star Wars-inspired universe, developer Ethan McKinnon pointed to "the combat style and dark backstory" as the main elements borrowed from Remedy and Rockstar's iconic third-person shooter. He has also mentioned on social media that Riftwalker will feature bullet-time combat inspired by Max Payne's slow-motion sequences. However, McKinnon emphasizes that this mechanic is adapted to the game's unique approach to gunplay and is not simply a Max Payne copy.
Riftwalker's Setting Is Reminiscent of Dune
The main locations in Riftwalker, based on trailers so far, appear heavily inspired by Arrakis from the Dune series. The desert-like environments form the foundation of the game's world-building, though it's unclear whether the game will feature similar creatures and wildlife. The Steam page notes that roaming threats exist in Riftwalker's living worlds, possibly hinting at the presence of alien life.
Riftwalker's Development and Release
Ethan McKinnon has been working on Riftwalker as a solo developer from the start and runs a Patreon where fans can support the project. Subscribers to the $10 tier receive early access to the game's newest builds before they are available on Steam. The membership also offers perks like behind-the-scenes development tips and exclusive previews of upcoming content.
As for the release, McKinnon aims to launch an early-access version on Steam within the next seven to eight months, though no exact date has been set. Fans eager to try the game at launch can already add it to their Steam wishlist to receive a notification when it goes live.