Headup and FrameOver have announced The 9th Dragon, a narrative-driven action game set in 1980s Kowloon Walled City, coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, Steam and Epic Games Store.
About
Step into the chaos of Kowloon Walled City in 1980s Hong Kong, where the syndicate rules from the shadows.
You are Rookie, the newest member of an elite police commando unit sent into Kowloon. Your squad is led by Mei, a seasoned officer with deep ties to the criminal underworld. Together, you must navigate a city ruled by gangs, corruption, and shifting loyalties.
Fight your way through neon-lit alleys, cramped apartments, and hidden corridors as you uncover the secrets buried deep within the city’s labyrinth.
Combat is brutal and tactical. Resources are limited, spaces are tight, and positioning can mean the difference between survival and defeat. Master hand-to-hand combat, improvise with whatever weapons you can find, and use the environment to gain the upper hand. But in Kowloon, every choice has consequences.
Spare enemies or eliminate them. Return mission money—or keep it for yourself. Your decisions shape Rookie’s path and determine what kind of legend he will become. In a city ruled by powerful crime bosses, your actions may change the balance of power forever.
Key Features
- Brutal Free-style Beat ‘Em Up Combat – Take down ruthless gang members and powerful Kowloon kingpins using brutal hand-to-hand combat and a diverse arsenal—from pistols and Uzis to shotguns, flamethrowers, and devastating explosives.
- Tactical Fights in Tight Spaces – Battles unfold in cramped rooms and narrow alleys where positioning matters. Break enemy stamina to control the fight, finish enemies with devastating moves like the Grap, and use the environment to survive.
- A Story Shaped by Your Choices – Throughout the game, your decisions influence Rookie’s moral path. Spare or eliminate enemies, return or keep mission money, and shape your Hero / Anti-Hero alignment—leading to different outcomes.
- Explore the Legendary Kowloon Walled City – Climb rooftops, move across cables and ziplines, blow open hidden paths, and explore the dense urban maze of Kowloon at its peak.
- Secrets, Upgrades, and Hidden Lore – Collect old comic books to unlock new combat abilities and combo chains. Discover lore items, speak to NPCs for clues, and uncover secrets hidden throughout the city.
- Deadly Enemies and Powerful Bosses – Face 20 enemy types and eight unique bosses, each with their own abilities, fighting styles, and weapons across roughly 10 hours of intense action.
- Replay Missions and Explore Different Outcomes – All levels can be replayed, allowing you to experiment with different choices and discover different story paths