Clockwork Revolution Gameplay Reveal: Bioshock Vibes, Time-Twisting Ambition, and a Steampunk World

When five minutes of new Clockwork Revolution gameplay dropped during Xbox’s summer showcase, it immediately grabbed my attention-and not just because I’ve been starving for a solid steampunk RPG since Bioshock Infinite. InXile Entertainment’s latest project is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgia trip, promising a time-bending first-person adventure in a world that’s as stylish as it is intriguing. But here’s the kicker: after all this hype, we’re still waiting for a release date. As much as I want to get lost in the twisted alleys of Avalon, it’s clear InXile is playing the long game.

Clockwork Revolution: Time Loops, Steampunk Grit, and Unanswered Questions

• The new five-minute gameplay trailer finally gives us a real sense of how Clockwork Revolution plays, channeling heavy Bioshock Infinite energy with its steampunk urban setting and narrative ambition.
• No release date yet-an ominous sign that development may be further off than fans hoped, despite how polished the trailer looks.
• Time-manipulation mechanics could set this RPG apart, but exactly how much freedom players get remains ambiguous-marketing leans hard on “however you see fit” language.
• InXile’s track record with RPGs is promising, but this is a big leap from their isometric roots to full-blown first-person, story-driven action.

Feature	Specification
Publisher	Xbox Game Studios
Release Date	TBA
Genres	First-Person RPG, Action, Steampunk
Platforms	Xbox Series X|S, PC

Let’s cut through the cinematic fog and glossy marketing. The trailer puts us in the boots of Morgan Vanette, leader of the Rotten Row Hooligans, fighting to restore history after the villainous Lady Ironwood manipulates time for her own gain. If that sounds like a wild mashup of Dishonored, Bioshock, and a little bit of Doctor Who, you’re not wrong. It’s hard not to be intrigued by a world where the slums of Avalon look both lived-in and bursting with mechanical detail—those walking automatons and neon-soaked back alleys ooze atmosphere.

The actual gameplay footage shows off traversal, combat, and some light “time rewinding” mechanics. There’s a hint of System Shock DNA here too, especially in how the world seems to react to your choices and the chaos of combat. But let’s be real: the “change the past, shape the present” pitch has burned us before. Remember all the games that promise branching timelines and deep consequences, only to funnel everyone into the same two endings? Until InXile actually shows how player agency works in practice—not just flashy trailer cuts—I’m keeping my optimism cautious.

What stands out is the clear attempt to marry immersive sim systems with a legit RPG backbone. InXile is best known for the Wasteland series—old-school, text-heavy, tactical affairs. This is their biggest pivot yet, shooting for that big-budget, first-person playground vibe. It’s ambitious, and I respect that, but with ambition comes risk. The trailer looks polished, sure, but five minutes isn’t enough to reveal if the writing, worldbuilding, and mechanics will all come together.

And then there’s the elephant in the room: no release date. “Coming in due time” is the kind of marketing line that always sets off my gamer Spidey-sense. It could mean the game’s still deep in development, or that InXile and Xbox are buying time to avoid another messy launch window. After Redfall and the endless live-service launches that hit incomplete, I’d honestly rather wait than see another ambitious RPG get rushed out the door. But it does leave that hype gap open for months (or years) more speculation, and that can be a double-edged sword for any new IP.

What This Means for Gamers: Hype, Hope, and a Clockwork Wait

For the Bioshock Infinite-deprived among us—and anyone who lives for immersive sim adventures—Clockwork Revolution is the most promising new first-person RPG on the radar. The trailer’s blend of bold art direction, time-warping gameplay, and a city teeming with secrets is catnip for fans of narrative-driven shooters. But don’t get swept up by the vibes alone. If you’ve been burned by big promises and undercooked features (looking at you, Cyberpunk 2077), you know why caution is warranted.

InXile moving from isometric RPGs to this caliber of first-person world is a fascinating gamble. If they nail it, Clockwork Revolution could be one of those genre-defining games. If not, it could be another case of ambition outpacing execution—something the current Xbox first-party lineup can’t really afford right now. Keep it on your radar, but maybe hold off on pre-orders until we see more than just slick trailers.

TL;DR: Hype with a Side of Caution

Clockwork Revolution is finally showing its hand with new gameplay, and it’s every bit as stylish and ambitious as steampunk fans hoped. But with no release date and lots of unanswered questions about gameplay depth, it’s smart to stay excited—just not blindly so. InXile’s reputation gives reason for hope, but as always, the real test will be in the actual game, not just the trailer.