The character developer is what we have come to expect from Cryptic in that it is extremely robust and even allows for different stances so your character has a specific idle animation. Nothing amazingly new here but definitely cool.

In regards to the environment it’s not fully destructible but items can be damaged and things can explode. These explosions will damage NPCs and PCs in the immediate area. The mission buildings and areas are persistent and can be entered at any time regardless of whether or not you have taken on a mission that is specific to it.

When something blows up the pieces that it blows into have actual physics and can be interacted with. They are not just ghost objects that can’t be moved or can be walked right through.

NPCs have tells or shticks that give the players cues as to what they are going to do. This will allow you to react and dodge blows and attacks. Of course if you stand around dodging constantly the NPCs are going to just call in some reinforcements to get you moving. Additionally the NPCs are more aware of their environments and can see you through windows and such so if you stand in place too long and an NPC spots you, reinforcements will be sent to intercept you. So no standing around waiting for things to happen.