A few years ago, Teyon wasn’t a name many would have bet on. With a disastrous Rambo game and a lackluster Terminator Resistance, the Polish studio struggled to gain respect in the gaming industry. However, as is often the case, persistence pays off, and the release of RoboCop Rogue City in November 2023 marked a turning point. It was a triumphant return bolstered by unwavering faithfulness to Paul Verhoeven’s original work, a return of Peter Weller’s voice, and a gameplay that was both old-school and effective. Now, a year and a half later, Teyon presents Unfinished Business, a standalone expansion that enhances the experience with more intensity, directness, and continued reverence for the original franchise. We had the opportunity to explore a preview version for 1.5 hours, and it’s safe to say that the action remains explosive.
Since it’s a standalone expansion rather than a sequel, Robocop Unfinished Business doesn’t intend to revolutionize the core formula or offer a deeply intricate storyline. This time, the narrative unfolds shortly after the events of Rogue City: crime still plagues the city, and a group of mercenaries has taken shelter in the OmniTower after stealing RoboCop’s medical chair. Naturally, Alex Murphy is furious, unable to sit on his throne of steel. His destination: the towering glass edifice, poised to confront NPCs. The setting may have changed, but the tone hasn’t; the OmniTower offers a cyberpunk twist on Die Hard: a multi-level building to reclaim, room by room, corridor by corridor. The approach is more linear compared to Rogue City, with less exploration but more concentrated action. This game design choice keeps the narrative focused and the action intense. Fans need not worry, as the universe still receives the same dedicated treatment.
“DEAD OR ALIVE, YOU’RE COMING WITH ME”
In terms of gameplay, the essence remains unchanged, which is a good thing, as enjoyment stems from the sensation of invincibility, with a robust exoskeleton that withstands everything, and the Auto-9 delivering lethal justice with rhythmic precision. Fans of Soldier of Fortune will find themselves in familiar territory: dismembered limbs, brutal finishers, and blood-splattered walls. The motherboard system for upgrading weapons and skills is still present, featuring special abilities like slow motion, temporary shields, and rapid dashes. This time, Teyon amplifies the fun by allowing players to hurl enemies into highlighted interactive elements, an exhilarating and highly effective feature. New weapons such as a mini-gun and a cryogenic gun were mentioned, though they weren’t available in our version. Their inclusion is eagerly anticipated to enhance the digital mayhem.
Unfinished Business doesn’t just feature RoboCop in battle; playable segments with Alex Murphy prior to becoming the half-man, half-machine are included. This offers a dramatic tonal shift—from invincibility to vulnerability. Cover-taking, caution, and tension set the stage, providing depth to the character’s psychology and varying the pacing. However, these sections weren’t available for us as developers preferred to keep some surprises for the final test. On the other hand, we tried ED-209, the formidable bipedal machine capable of challenging RoboCop’s metal might. Armed with dual gatlings, missiles, and crushing steel limbs, it’s tough to overcome, impervious even to bullet barrages. Though movement is slow, the overpowering sensation persists, necessitating strategic management of ED-209’s cooldowns.
“GET YOURSELF OILED!”
Another positive aspect is the expanded enemy roster, featuring jet-pack mercenaries, explosive drones, ninja androids reminiscent of RoboCop 3, and armored units requiring strategic tactics. To break the routine, players may embody other characters such as Miranda Hale, a former OCP scientist seeking redemption, and perhaps more surprises. Though it’s essentially a hefty expansion rather than a standalone game, with added content here and there, it offers 8 to 10 hours of gameplay. Launching on July 17th for PC, PS, and Xbox Series, we eagerly await the full review.
