| Developer | Publisher | Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| ChaoticBrain Studios | Meridiem Games-Astrolabe Games | Microsoft Windows-Xbox Series X/S-Xbox One-Nintendo Switch-PlayStation 4-PlayStation 5 |
Neon Blood is an indie game that merges retro aesthetics with cyberpunk themes. Developed by a small studio, it falls under the adventure RPG genre and features a mix of turn-based combat and puzzle-solving mechanics. Its unique graphical style combines pixel-art 2D characters with 3D environments, creating a striking visual paradox that aligns well with its cyberpunk atmosphere.
Gameplay is Tolerable at Best
The gameplay in Neon Blood revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The player controls the protagonist in a sprawling dystopian city, navigating through neon-lit streets, interacting with unvoiced NPCs, and unraveling a detective mysterious story. The control scheme is straightforward, with basic movement, interaction, and combat commands. However, the protagonist’s movement is slow and clunky. This design choice detracts from the fluidity of exploration, making even simple navigation unnecessarily frustrating.
Combat is turn-based, allowing players to select attacks or abilities from a menu. While this system might appeal to fans of traditional RPGs, the execution here feels uninspired. Battles are often too simple, lacking strategic depth or challenge. Moreover, many encounters feel unnecessary, as they add little to the narrative or progression. This makes combat a chore rather than an engaging component of the game.
The puzzles fare slightly better, offering moments of engagement that break up the monotony of exploration and combat. However, they are often repetitive, relying on similar patterns and mechanics throughout the game. While not outright boring, they fail to innovate or surprise, leaving players with a sense of déjà vu after completing a few.
The Cyberpunk World of Neon Blood
One of Neon Blood’s strongest aspects is its story and atmosphere. Set in a dystopian cyberpunk world divided by social class and technology, the game follows the journey of Axel, a disillusioned anti-hero with a troubled past. Alongside him is Vera, a determined and resourceful companion who provides emotional depth to the narrative. The story explores inequality, rebellion, and humanity’s relationship with technology, weaving a compelling tale that keeps players invested without resorting to overly complex twists.
The game’s characters are well-written, with distinct personalities and relatable motivations. Dialogue is sharp and meaningful, often revealing subtle layers about the world and its inhabitants. Players will find themselves empathizing with the characters and their struggles, making the narrative a driving force behind the game’s appeal.
Neon Blood is Full of Neons
Visually, Neon Blood is stunning. Its blend of 2D pixel-art characters with 3D environments creates a nostalgic yet modern aesthetic. The neon lighting and atmospheric effects breathe life into the cyberpunk setting, making every scene visually captivating. The art direction successfully captures the gritty, high-tech vibe of the genre, drawing players deeper into the game’s world.
However, the camera angles are a noticeable flaw. Fixed perspectives often obscure important elements or make navigation more difficult than it should be. This issue is especially pronounced in tight corridors or when trying to locate specific objectives, breaking immersion and adding to the overall frustration with the controls.
The Final Verdict of Neon Blood
Neon Blood excels in storytelling and atmosphere but struggles with its gameplay mechanics. The tank-like controls, simplistic combat, and repetitive puzzles make the gameplay tolerable at best. Yet, the compelling narrative and richly realized cyberpunk world provide enough incentive to overcome the game’s shortcomings.
For those who value storytelling and atmosphere over gameplay, Neon Blood is worth experiencing. However, players looking for engaging mechanics or polished controls might find the game lacking. At its core, Neon Blood is a testament to the power of narrative and artistic vision, proving that a good story can often carry a game despite its flaws.
The review code was provided by the publisher
| GAMEPLAY | ART | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | 85% | 60% |