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” before re-emerging at Gamescom 2025 with a new name, a clearer vision, and a playable demo. A year later, we returned to the game at Gamescom 2026 for a closer look at its mechanics and characters, as well as an opportunity to speak with the development team. Our second encounter reinforced the impression that this is a title worth keeping an eye on.
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
After going hands-on with Cinder City at Gamescom 2025, we got another look at the game during this year’s event, this time through a hands-off presentation hosted by the development team. Rather than focusing on a single mission, the session offered a broader overview of the game and its various mechanics, helping to put our earlier experience into a wider context. It also provided an opportunity to ask the developers questions and learn more about the characters, including the thinking behind their designs. While this year’s visit didn’t offer the same direct interaction with the gameplay as last year’s demo, it provided a better understanding of the ideas and systems underpinning the experience.
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 with the narrative-driven approach. Our hands-on demo last year 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. Our return visit at Gamescom 2026 didn’t dispel every uncertainty, but both the presentation and our conversation with the development team reinforced the positive impression left by the original demo. Cinder City still looks like a promising blend of cinematic storytelling and large-scale online action, and it’s a game we’re looking forward to seeing more of.