A new Twitter video from Deathloop developers reveals gameplay of the Karnesis power. The protagonist, Colt, uses the power to propel enemies into the air, introducing vertical gameplay elements.
The short thirty-second video shows Colt activating the power through his left hand, sending grunts up into the air. From there, the enemy’s fate is in the player’s hands. Clips show Colt firing his trusty pistol, while also volleying enemies into mid-air by kicking them. It’s harnessed in a similar way to the sandbox-style gameplay of Arkane Studios’ previous shooter, Dishonored. Another example shows Colt laying down a trip mine, which activates when Karnesis propels an enemy towards it.
Karnesis powers also complement the world’s design. One clip shows Colt using Karnesis to send an enemy off a mountain. This proves it’s a power that can kill on its own – which may come in handy if ammo is running low. The options for using Karnesis truly seem limitless, and as just one of Colt’s varied powers, it suggests Deathloop’s first-person combat will be hugely varied.
The Karnesis power was first announced in a 2020 interview with Deathloop game director Dinga Bakaba. Players choose which abilities to upgrade, he says. This means you’ll only discover the full extent of Karnesis’ power if you invest skill points into it. A tweet from publishers Bethesda promises more ability reveals throughout the month – so Karnesis is just the tip of the iceberg.
Initially slated for a May 2021 release, Deathloop was delayed last month until September. Arkane Studios did this to “ensuring the health and safety of everyone at Arkane,” suggesting COVID-19 impacted development. However, the reveals of new abilities will help make that wait a little more manageable.
Deathloop will release on September 14 2021, exclusively on PlayStation 5 and PC. If the Karnesis ability is anything to go by, it’ll be a varied shooter like no other.
