Highlights

  • Ken Levine's upcoming game Judas will feature roguelike elements, offering unique character evolution and customization upon death.
  • Judas introduces a pseudo-procedural narrative approach, blending modular gameplay elements to create a dynamic storytelling experience.
  • Players can expect a fusion of traditional FPS mechanics and organic powers in Judas, prioritizing player interaction and strategic decision-making.

Creative director Ken Levine has shared that his upcoming game Judas will incorporate roguelike gameplay elements. The BioShock creator elaborated on the intriguing features set to be included in Judas, such as the utilization of "organic powers" and the implementation of non-linear storytelling.

Judas is an upcoming first-person shooter video game developed and published by Ghost Story Games, marking Ken Levine's return to game development since 2014. Set aboard the generation ship Mayflower en route to Proxima Centauri, the game centers on a society controlled by three figures: Tom, Nefertiti, and their adopted daughter, Hope. Players assume the role of Judas, challenging societal norms and sparking revolution. Judas was first announced at The Game Awards 2022 and is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.

Girl on the monitor from Judas
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In an interview with YouTube channel Skill Up, creative director Ken Levine delved into some of the elements Judas will feature. One of the most notable departures Judas takes from Levine's previous works is the incorporation of roguelike elements. According to Levine, Judas introduces a mechanic where players' characters are "reprinted" each time they die. This mechanic offers opportunities for character customization and evolution, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. Drawing inspiration from XCOM and Civilization, Levine seeks to blend modular gameplay elements seamlessly into Judas narrative framework.

Ken Levine's Interview About His Upcoming Game Judas

This strategic shift introduces a fresh approach to gameplay, allowing for dynamic storytelling and replayability that set Judas apart from Bioshock. Levine described the game as featuring a "pseudo-procedural" approach to narrative. This means that carefully crafted story elements are arranged together in procedural ways to create a cohesive single-player experience. Levine emphasized the significance of player choices, highlighting how each decision shapes the unfolding story in different ways.

Ken Levine is a prominent figure in the gaming industry, celebrated for his work on narrative-driven titles such as the BioShock and System Shock series. This has cemented Levine's reputation as an innovative storyteller in gaming. His games frequently explore complex themes and feature morally ambiguous characters, earning him widespread recognition and numerous awards.

Levine revealed that players can anticipate a fusion of traditional first-person shooter mechanics with a twist: wielding a gun in one hand and employing various "organic powers" in the other. He stressed that Judas prioritizes player interaction and strategic decision-making over delivering "huge action movies." While Levine teased additional features yet to be unveiled, eager players will have to exercise patience for further details about the game.