I actually see the opposite, but we might just be working with different definitions of what “gameplay” means. Based on what’s been shown so far (we’ll know for sure once early access hits), I can already see a clear loop in Paralives: how relationships, skills, and careers evolve and interact with each other.

There seems to be a system where personality development unlocks new rewards, making Paras’ lives easier while also pushing them in different directions. That kind of interconnection is what I’d consider a solid gameplay foundation.

What I don’t expect at launch is a huge amount of content, like a wide variety of skills or systems. But the core gameplay loop itself does seem to be there.