In this case, there's also an alternate history element in the mix. Developed by Rubicon Game Studios (a solo dev project, by the way), this new game is taking some familiar elements to a totally unique place that could make its mark when it releases later this year.
The game in question goes by Adrenaline Overdrive, a fitting name for an experience built to have you drenched in adrenaline but in a boomer shooter style. The backdrop is an alternate version of the 1980s where North Korea won its war, and Brooklyn is left in ruins. Into that wreckage steps the Vires syndicate, a criminal operation hiding behind the corporate name Vires Corporations, running the streets while pretending to be a legitimate business.
You play as a former detective whose brother falls prey to Vires Corporations’ evil. So, you make a decision that basically seals their fate: your character injects themselves with SPIKE, a military-grade stimulant that grants them superhuman abilities but also shortens their life.
The John Wick comparison comes into play in that revenge-driven setup. Just like the hit action series, Adrenaline Overdrive is about a man who is thrust into a bloody quest for vengeance after the death of someone close to him. It’s also clear that combat is a big part of the experience, with the protagonist using guns, experimental weapons, and his bare fists against the criminal forces standing in his way. If you’re trying to relate it to Max Payne, however, think about the detective hero and conspiracy-heavy story.
Speaking of gameplay, Adrenaline Overdrive is a “retro-styled FPS,” with the developer pointing to Hotline Miami and boomer shooters as influences, and that’s easy to see in its design choices. For example, you can only carry a single weapon at a time, which means you’re constantly stealing guns off enemies mid-fight rather than building up an arsenal. Every level is described as rewarding speed, precision, and creativity. You either dominate the arena or get shredded trying.
There’s also a crucial movement layer to it. Adrenaline Overdrive is all about running, jumping, and sliding through what it calls “urban battlegrounds,” framed around enhanced abilities that make you feel unstoppable, as long as you can survive long enough to actually use them. Add in a synthwave soundtrack described as “pounding,” and you’ve got a package that’s clearly chasing a very specific retro-future feel rather than trying to look like a modern military shooter.
In case you’re wondering about the use of AI, Rubicon has been upfront that some of the base art assets and music tracks started out using AI tools before being modified and expanded on by the team. There’s no real-time AI generation happening during actual gameplay, but it could still be a turn-off for some.
Right now, Adrenaline Overdrive is not yet available for full purchase on Steam, but there is a free demo up for anyone who wants to test it before adding it to their wishlist. The game is scheduled for release in Q4 2026—the exact date has yet to be announced. And if the demo’s reception on Steam’s discussion boards is any indication, there’s already a small but engaged group keeping an eye on this interesting blend of John Wick and Max Payne.
Movie(s)
John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, John Wick: Chapter 4, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
TV Show(s)
The Continental
Video Game(s)
John Wick Hex
First Film
John Wick
First TV Show
The Continental
Genres
Action, Drama
"John Wick" is a neo-noir action-thriller franchise centered around a retired hitman who returns to the criminal underworld to seek vengeance. Known for its intense and stylistic action sequences, the franchise has redefined modern action cinema with its choreographed gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and intricate world-building. The series explores themes of loyalty, honor, and survival in a secret society of assassins.
English (US) ·