Another Chinese title has seemingly appeared out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean Invercity Game Works’ project lacks promise. In 1995, humanity’s last hope, Project Retrograde, collapsed when the ancient parasite L.U.C.A. shattered the underground world. Players step into the boots of a bounty hunter living in symbiosis with the parasite, wielding its devastating powers to save the world — even if it devours them in the process. Once infected by L.U.C.A., you gain the eerie ability to absorb combat memories from other hosts.

Unlock parasitic powers, master kung fu, or become the Baba Yaga herself as you dive into intense, adrenaline-soaked combat. Explore a post-apocalyptic landscape brimming with retro technology. Tinker with the LUX system to manipulate the weather beneath the surface, or climb massive towers to reach unknown regions and uncover long-buried secrets.

The game from Invercity Game Works oozes a distinctly Resident Evil-like vibe. Expect zombies, a protagonist reminiscent of Leon S. Kennedy, and over-the-shoulder camera angles straight out of Resident Evil 4. Even the combat mechanics and QTE usage feel heavily inspired by RE4. That said, the developers may have watched too much John Wick, as one enemy is a near-perfect imitation of Keanu Reeves — right down to his voice.

The trailer’s first half teases cinematic sequences, while the latter portion — shared by IGN — highlights gameplay. And there are plenty of clever ideas on display: you can shoot thrown axes out of the air and repurpose them against foes, and enemies can now climb ladders, making escape far more challenging.

Project Retrograde: The Becoming is heading to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. Its release date remains unconfirmed — 2025 seems off the table, but a 2026 launch looks plausible.

Source: Gematsu