NCSoft is best known for its online RPGs, but with Cinder City the publisher is moving into new territory with an ambitious mix of MMO mechanics and tactical shooting. Developed by BigFire Games, the title was previously teased as “Project LLL” but re-emerged at Gamescom 2025 with a new name, a clearer vision, and a playable demo. What we experienced suggests this could be one of the most polished and cinematic takes on the genre so far.
What we know
Cinder City is being developed as a large-scale MMO tactical shooter that blends narrative-driven gameplay with persistent online elements. Set in a post-apocalyptic version of Seoul, the game casts players as futuristic “knights” who navigate a high-tech, devastated world while unraveling a personal mystery – the search for the protagonist’s missing daughter.
The game combines story-focused missions with large-scale battles across recognizable landmarks and sci-fi battlegrounds. It can be played solo or in squads, giving players the choice between a more traditional single-player shooter experience and cooperative MMO-style encounters. NCSoft plans to launch Cinder City in 2026 on PC and consoles, with the PC version being the one showcased at Gamescom.
What we saw
We first encountered Cinder City during NCSoft’s Gamescom showcase, where the game was positioned as one of their headline titles. Later, we went hands-on with a demo that played out as an extended single-player mission, featuring a mix of cinematic cutscenes, high-intensity gunfights, vehicular gameplay, and a large-scale boss battle that highlighted the game’s squad mechanics.
What we thought
What immediately stood out is how well Cinder City straddles the line between an MMO shooter and a cinematic single-player campaign. While it has the structure and systems of an online game, the mission we played had the pacing, storytelling, and set-piece design of a blockbuster narrative-driven title. That balance could prove to be the game’s strongest asset, especially for those who don’t typically gravitate toward MMOs but enjoy polished shooters with a strong narrative hook.
The gameplay itself felt solid, with responsive gunplay and a good mix of weapons that made combat encounters dynamic. Team-based mechanics came into play during larger fights, where coordinating with AI allies or human squadmates could tip the scales in your favor. Driving sequences added variety, and the boss encounter we faced was a highlight – the kind of large-scale spectacle that gives the game a cinematic edge.
Visually, Cinder City is already looking remarkably polished. The mix of devastated real-world landmarks and futuristic architecture creates a distinctive setting, while cutscenes transition seamlessly into gameplay without breaking immersion. Character models and animations also looked strong, underlining NCSoft’s commitment to pushing production values.
That said, there are still questions about how the MMO side of things will fit in with the narrative-driven approach. The demo leaned heavily into a single-player experience, and while that worked well, the full game will need to balance story content with the kind of progression and cooperative depth that MMO fans expect. If NCSoft can pull off that balance, Cinder City has the potential to stand out not just as another shooter, but as a new kind of hybrid experience – one that appeals equally to solo players and online communities.
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