A detective noir story set in a futuristic, dystopian, neon city, you are caught up in a web of murders and deceit. If this sounds like your ideal Cyberpunk video game, don't miss out on Tales of the Neon Sea.
Here's the Short Review of Tales of the Neon Sea
Don't want to read the whole review? Here are my thoughts on Tales of the Neon Sea...
If you like cyberpunk aesthetics and amazing visuals you should try this game. If you like puzzles and 16-bit pixel graphics, that's even better. If you want a story that can be serious and comedic at the same time, well you'll get it in this game as well.
Gameplay lasts about 9 hours so even if you don't enjoy the game you didn't lose too much time. For only $17, you get a great game worth the price.
OK LIMITED SPOILERS AHEAD DON'T SAY I DIDN't WARN YOU!
What is Tales of the Neon Sea?
Tales of the Neon Sea is a pixel-art, side-scrolling 2D adventure, puzzle, mystery game. You play as Rex, a cyber-enhanced ex-cop turned detective.
From the official game description...
Welcome to a world of intrigue and suspicion. Where humans and robots contend with escalating tensions and mutual distrust. And where gangster felines scheme their way to the top of the food chain. Welcome to the Tales of the Neon Sea!
Accompanied by BB-X, your house robot, and William the Cat, your adventures will take you through a neon-soaked city where drinks are cheap and life is cheaper.
Eventually, you find yourself wrapped in a murder mystery involving mind-controlled robots, doomsday cults, the local police, and a group of genetically enhances cats. As you solve mini-puzzles, you'll discover more clues and you'll go deeper down the rabbit hole.
Gameplay
Gameplay is reminiscent of traditional old skool side-scrolling adventure games. You search the city in search of clues that will bring you closer to the answers you seek.
On the way, you'll have to contend with a wide range of puzzles before you can advance to the next areas in the game. Most of the puzzles are straightforward but difficult enough to give you a little bit of a challenge.
Some of the puzzles include lockpicking, rewiring electrical terminals, and investigating rooms. You'll spend plenty of time performing trial and error tests to succeed at most of the puzzles. While not difficult, some of the puzzles may get a little repetitive and annoying.
You'll also meet a host of colorful characters throughout your adventure and investigation. Talk to everyone to learn about the city, its people, and the mystery. Everyone has something to say and could make your detective job much easier.
Dialog is handled through a popup at the bottom of the screen. While there are dialog choices, I don't think they affect gameplay or the conclusion of the game.
The story never takes itself too seriously. There's plenty of comedy and light-hearted parts of the game. There are definitely parts of the game that had me LMFAO.
The highlight of the game is playing as William the Cat. Yes, you get to go on adventures as a cyberpunk cat! William is a cool cat with girlfriends around town and helps push the plot along. He also looks just like my cat!
Tales of the Neon Sea is Definitive Cyberpunk Storytelling
If you're obsessed with cyberpunk stories and aesthetics as much as I am, you'll love this game.
You get to live as a neo-noir detective who's cybernetically enhanced. The city is soaked in neon signs and dystopian lifestyles. From dive bars with cheap drinks to burlesque shows selling sex for cheap, you'll feel like you just arrived in Night City or Blade Runner.
The story progresses slowly. There's no gun-blasting action. Instead, you need to use your wit and intelligence to solve the crime.
The game is filled with nods to cyberpunk stories as well. From the obvious (Rex as Deckard) to the not-so-obvious. I encourage you to keep your eyes and ears peeled while adventuring.
The music fits the aesthetic. You'll get to experience Vangelis-like orchestral and futuristic techno and electro throughout the game.
While the game is pixel art, it is stunning. The streets are filled with the stunning, neon lights you would expect from any cyberpunk story.
Should you Play Tales of the Neon Sea?
Tales of the Neon Sea is a great cyberpunk, murder mystery game. If you love the neon cities of cyberpunk fiction, you'll enjoy this game and its story.
Tales of the Neon Sea is an indie game developed by Palm Pioneer and published by Thermite Games. It is available on Steam and Epic Games for approximately USD 17.
Have you Played Tales of the Neon Sea?
I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've played through the game. What was your favorite part?
Let's Connect
I hope everyone is enjoying these posts.
Currently based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I'm a solo-traveling, digital nomad. Due to the pandemic, I've been living in Siem Reap for almost 2 years now. While I'm hoping to get back on the road soon, I'm not in a rush.
I'd love to connect with other travelers, digital nomads, gamers, or residents of Cambodia. Don't hesitate to say hi or send me an upvote!
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