HomeReviews3.5/5 ReviewNeon Blood Review

Neon Blood Review

-

Every now and then, I contemplate swearing off cyberpunk-themed games

It’s not that I dislike the genre, but I’ve explored countless neon-drenched, dystopian worlds filled with anxieties about cybernetic enhancements and acid rain. 

Yet, just as Michael Corleone famously declared, “Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in.” And that’s precisely what Neon Blood has done with its detective point-and-click adventure. Set in a gritty cyberpunk world, it promises a compelling noir narrative. But does it do enough to stand out from the crowded market?

Neon Blood Review 1
Another cyberpunking adventure

In the year 2053, following a devastating war, the sprawling city of Viridis is the backdrop for a murder mystery. You step into the role of Alex McCoin, a down-on-his-luck detective grappling with malfunctioning cybernetic implants and a fragmented memory. Tasked with investigating the murders of engineers by a mysterious figure known as Robin Slash, you embark on a thrilling noir adventure filled with colorful characters, unexpected plot twists, and a richly detailed city to explore. 

The writing is sharp, and the developers’ deep understanding of the cyberpunk genre shines through, creating a believable and immersive world. The city itself becomes a character in its own right, its visual design contributing to the storytelling and atmosphere.

The gameplay works as that of a 2.5D point-and-click adventure. You navigate the environments, gathering clues, interrogating suspects and witnesses, and occasionally engaging in combat with criminals. While the overall experience is relatively linear, there’s a fair amount of backtracking between locations as you follow leads and uncover new information. For example, you might need to visit a ripper to repair your implants, but reaching him requires completing a favour or interacting with another character first. 

This creates a sense of progression and discovery, but the pacing can feel uneven at times, with some sections dragging on a bit too long. Additionally, the perspective can occasionally make it challenging to pinpoint interactive elements on the screen, leading to minor frustrations.

Neon Blood Review 2
Investigative gameplay

Combat encounters in Neon Blood punctuate the investigative gameplay, occurring several times throughout the six hour or so playtime. These battles are turn-based, with you and your opponent facing off in a duel of wits and strategy. You can choose to attack, defend, or utilise special skills, such as headshots for increased damage or healing abilities. The combat system is relatively straightforward, with new skills unlocked as you progress. However, the difficulty ramps up in later encounters, and some boss battles can be quite challenging. While the combat provides some variety, it occasionally feels like a distraction from the main narrative and investigative elements; I’m not really sure it is needed. 

The visuals are a highlight, effectively capturing the cyberpunk aesthetic. The neon-drenched city streets are teeming with life, showcasing a diverse cast of characters and intriguing shops and establishments. Exploring these environments is a visual treat, and the game’s unique perspective, with its slightly tilted camera angle, adds a distinctive touch. The character sprites, while low-resolution up close, are well-designed and expressive, and the cutscenes between chapters feature beautifully hand-drawn animations that elevate the storytelling.

The soundtrack complements the visuals with atmospheric synth-heavy tracks that perfectly capture the cyberpunk mood. While there’s no voice acting, the music and sound effects effectively convey the game’s atmosphere and tension.

Neon Blood Review 3
Neon Blood – a good mystery

Neon Blood delivers a good mystery set in a well-realised cyberpunk world.

The point-and-click gameplay is enjoyable, and the pacing, while occasionally uneven, keeps the narrative moving forward. While the turn-based combat might not appeal to everyone, it adds variety to the experience. The visuals are excellent, and the animated cutscenes are a standout feature so if you’re a fan of cyberpunk or detective games, Neon Blood is worth checking out. Even if you’re feeling fatigued by the genre.


The cyberpunk-themed graphic adventures of Neon Blood are confirmed for 2023 – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-cyberpunk-themed-graphic-adventures-of-neon-blood-are-confirmed-for-2023/

Neon Blood: A Cyberpunk RPG with a Revolutionary Twist – https://www.thexboxhub.com/neon-blood-a-cyberpunk-rpg-with-a-revolutionary-twist/

Buy Neon Blood on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/neon-blood/9ns3n3n4wwv3


SUMMARY

Pros:
  • Visually striking
  • Point-and-click gameplay
  • Good story
Cons:
  • Combat might not appeal to all
Info:
  • Massive thanks for the free copy of the game, Meridiem Games
  • Formats - Xbox Series X|S (review), Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC
  • Not Available on Game Pass Day One
  • Release date | Price - 26 November 2024 | £16.74
Gareth Brierley
Gareth Brierleyhttp://www.garethbrierley.co.uk
I am an actor and a writer. I act quite a bit on stage, a little bit on tv and never on tuesdays. I have had some of my writing published and have written for TV and stage. I have been playing games since they begun and don't seem to be getting any better.
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Join the chat

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you

<b>Pros:</b> <ul> <li>Visually striking</li> <li>Point-and-click gameplay</li> <li>Good story</li> </ul> <b>Cons:</b> <ul> <li>Combat might not appeal to all</li> </ul> <b>Info:</b> <ul> <li>Massive thanks for the free copy of the game, Meridiem Games</li> <li>Formats - Xbox Series X|S (review), Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Switch, PC <li>Not Available on Game Pass Day One <li>Release date | Price - 26 November 2024 | £16.74</li> </ul>Neon Blood Review
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x