Black State: A Hands-On Preview of 2024’s Most Intriguing Sci-Fi Action Game
When Black State was first introduced with a visually striking teaser earlier this year, many in the gaming community questioned its legitimacy. Was it another flashy tech demo designed to showcase NVIDIA’s RTX technology, or was it a genuine, full-fledged game?
It is a real game, and it’s also shaping up to be one of the most promising action titles of 2024, packed with intense combat, stunning visuals, and an intriguing sci-fi narrative.
A Visual and Technical Marvel
The demo starts with the player taking control of a stealth-suited protagonist aboard a cargo ship, immediately evoking memories of Metal Gear Solid 2’s iconic opening. The setting is undeniably gorgeous, with the ship’s reflective surfaces and the surrounding choppy waters rendered in stunning detail.
Studio director from Motion Blur, the Turkish developer behind Black State, is right to emphasize the game’s graphical prowess. The game’s visuals are almost photorealistic, and despite the demanding graphics, it runs exceptionally well. Even with ray tracing enabled, the frame rate remained steady at 60 FPS during intense action sequences, and it soared to 140 FPS in less demanding scenes on the RTX 4080 rig I used.
But while Black State’s visuals are impressive, it’s more than just a pretty face. Far from being a mere tech demo, Black State is a story-driven action game with ambitious scope and depth.
A World of Infinite Possibilities
As I made my way through the cargo ship, the game’s true nature began to reveal itself. Doors in Black State aren’t just mundane gateways to the next room; they’re portals to entirely different locations. For example, after stepping through a heavy, bolted ship door, I found myself in a museum, complete with shiny hardwood floors and spotless glass cabinets—a stark contrast to the gritty industrial environment I had just left behind.
This intriguing design choice hints at a much broader and more complex narrative. Gungo has kept the details of Black State’s story under wraps, but he did mention that it will involve a sci-fi adventure filled with twists and turns that will gradually connect these disparate worlds. He cited Christopher Nolan’s films, particularly Inception, as a significant influence, and as I played, the game’s blend of reality and unreality became increasingly evident.
Gameplay That’s Brutal and Satisfying
Despite the initial stealthy setup, Black State’s gameplay leans heavily into intense, high-octane action. My first encounter with enemies was reminiscent of Remedy’s Max Payne, thanks to the inclusion of a bullet-time mechanic that allows players to slow down time and execute enemies in stylish slow motion. This feature, combined with a variety of weapons—ranging from a standard pistol and assault rifle to a devastating shotgun and a sci-fi fusion gun—makes for an exhilarating combat experience.
The shotgun, in particular, stood out for its sheer power, capable of obliterating enemies at close range, while the fusion gun delivered a delayed but spectacular explosion of gore when it hit its mark. The game’s physics engine further enhances these moments, allowing you to watch the carnage unfold in gruesome detail.
Gadgets also play a crucial role in combat. In the demo, I had access to homing grenades that could either explode or stun enemies, with an electrical variant designed to take down robotic foes—a hint at the variety of enemy types players can expect later in the game.
The demo culminated in a tense battle in a secret lab hidden behind a keycard-locked door. The lab’s clinical, high-tech environment was the perfect stage for a frenetic shootout that showcased the game’s blend of influences—from the tactical science fiction of Metal Gear Solid to the choreographed violence of Nolan’s Tenet. If all of Black State’s combat encounters are as well-designed as this one, the game could offer far more than just a solid shooter experience.
The Road Ahead
Black State is aiming high, and based on what I’ve played, it has the potential to reach those lofty goals. The foundational gameplay is strong, and the game’s innovative world-hopping concept promises to keep things fresh and exciting. However, there are still some unknowns—namely, whether the overall level design can consistently support this inventive approach and how the narrative will unfold.
Even so, I’m optimistic about Black State’s future. What started as a curiosity after a flashy reveal trailer has now become one of my most anticipated games of 2024. Its blend of intriguing sci-fi storytelling, visceral time-bending action, and breathtaking visuals has firmly captured my attention.
For a deeper dive into Black State, be sure to check out our extended gameplay footage. With more details to come, this is one game that’s worth keeping on your radar.
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