Neon Blood

Release Date: November 26, 2024

RPG, cyberpunk, science fiction, detective, dystopia, adventure elements, indie games, 2.5D, singleplayer

6.6

OpenCritic

61%

Steam

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A cyberpunk RPG with adventure elements and a side camera. In Neon Blood we play as a former detective going against the elites of the dystopian megacity Viridis. We conduct an investigation, exploring atmospheric locations, winning turn-based battles and talking to NPCs.

Plot
Gameplay
Graphics

Neon Blood is a cyberpunk RPG with adventure elements. The game was developed by the independent Spanish team ChaoticBrain Studios from Madrid, and its release was handled by Meridiem Games.

Plot

Neon Blood offers us a grim vision of the future after World War III, in which Viridis has become the last bastion of humanity. We are talking about a gigantic macropolis. It consists of the Bright City inhabited by the richest, as well as the Blind City being a home for representatives of the lower social classes.

The game's action takes place in 2053, and the main character is Axel McCoin, a former detective and now an idealist who has taken it upon himself to fight inequality and expose a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power. Although his venture is a thorn in the side of the elites, embodied by the ominous Ruby Emerald, making it exceptionally dangerous, the protagonist is not doomed to a solitary ordeal. We can count on the help of other revolutionaries.

Gameplay

In Neon Blood we watch the action from the side. The driving force of the game is the investigation led by McCoin, which has us visiting various corners of Viridis. The adventure leads us through atmospheric locations, such as the neon-bathed Hunter Heaven or the dark, labyrinth-like subway tunnels.

As we explore them, we get to know their inhabitants and have conversations with them. In this way, we not only learn more about them, but also about the problems that trouble them. Thanks to this, step by step, we get to who pulls the strings in the megacity and where the prevailing inequalities in it come from.

Our opponents are hindering us in carrying out tasks. Battles with enemies take place in turn-based mode, and during them we lead both Alex and his allies into battle. We must demonstrate tactical sense on the battlefield, skillfully using the abilities and equipment of the hero and his allies.

Graphics

Neon Blood offers original graphics. While the characters are made as pixel art sprites, the environments are three-dimensional. The finishing touch to all this is the realistic lighting that gives the locations the appropriate atmosphere.

Videos and Screens

[1:14] Neon Blood - Launch Trailer

[1:11] Neon Blood Welcome to Viridis Trailer

6.6

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 30% of Critics. There are 16 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

RPG Fan: 58 / 100 by Abraham Kobylanski

Neon Blood opens with some undeniable potential, but it's too short and ultimately feels hollow.

Full Review

Gameffine: 82 / 100 by Farzeen K H

Neon Blood isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. It’s a bold, ambitious title that tackles complex themes while delivering a solid RPG experience. Its strengths far outweigh its flaws, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven games and cyberpunk aesthetics. For me, the time spent in Viridis was more than just gaming—it was a journey through a world that felt eerily reflective of our own. If you’re ready to dive into a dystopia filled with heart, grit, and neon-soaked rebellion, Neon Blood is waiting.

Full Review

Gamer Social Club: 6.5 / 10 by DeMandre Pressley

Although graphically impressive and it does manage to tell a decent story, Neon Blood’s gameplay may prove to be too lacking for any RPG fan. The game has the makings for a great adventure game if it were a couple hours longer perhaps but, it’s bare bones and unchallenging gameplay left quite a lot to be desired.

Full Review

61%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mixed (51)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Visual Presentation: Many users praised the stunning pixel art and 3D environments, noting that the graphics are a standout feature of the game.
Atmosphere and Soundtrack: The game's atmosphere and music received positive feedback, enhancing the overall experience and immersion in the cyberpunk setting.
Story and Characters: Some players found the narrative engaging, with interesting characters and a captivating plot that resonates with themes of social inequality and resistance.
Art Direction: The art style was frequently highlighted as exceptional, with detailed environments that contributed to the game's charm.

The main cons of the game

Short Length: A common complaint was the game's brevity, with many players finishing it in around 3 to 6 hours, leading to a feeling of insufficient content.
Shallow Gameplay Mechanics: The combat system was criticized for being simplistic and lacking depth, with many battles being easily won through repetitive actions without strategy.
Linear Exploration: Players felt restricted by the game’s linear progression, with little opportunity for meaningful exploration or decision-making.
Lack of Tutorials and UI Features: Users pointed out the absence of basic game features such as a manual save option, character menus, and comprehensive tutorials, which hindered the gameplay experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Depth in Combat and Investigation Mechanics: Many players expressed a desire for more complex combat systems and investigative gameplay, including features like a journal for tracking clues, moral choices, and character interactions that influence the story.
More Cutscenes and Story Content: Players wanted additional cutscenes and a more developed narrative to enhance engagement and emotional investment in the story.
Improved Game Stability: Several reviews mentioned bugs and glitches that affected gameplay, including game-breaking issues that required reloading or restarting the game.
Customization Options: A lack of options for resolution settings, control mapping, and other basic customization features was noted as a significant oversight.

Summary

Overall, while Neon Blood has a visually appealing presentation and an interesting premise, it suffers from issues related to gameplay depth, length, and technical stability, leading to a mixed reception among players.

Summary generated on: December 23, 2024