Neon Blood

The graphics are excellent, soundtrack is great, and the story is intriguing. For these three things I recommend the game. The gameplay is just not so much fun. Battles depend entirely on rng, feel free to spam the same move over and over. Running around looking for the next trigger is tiring, and you do the same level twice, the second time it has been reset so you get to do the whole thing again. It feels lazy. Some great ideas and graphics here, but it's like they didn't know how to fill the space in-between, so they just added a lot of filler.

Neon Blood is a noir cyberpunk RPG developed by ChaoticBrain Studios and published by Meridiem Games and Astrolabe Games, and it immediately distinguishes itself through its hybrid visual style—2.5D environments populated by expressive pixel-art characters. Set in the twin-city society of Viridis, where the privileged Upper City controls dwindling resources while the Lower City struggles to survive beneath its shadow, the game frames its narrative around economic inequality, systemic control, and the growing spark of revolution. Players step into the role of Axel McCoy, a determined detective whose pursuit of truth leads him into conspiracies, moral compromise, and ideological conflict. Rather than relying solely on cyberpunk tropes like neon signs and dystopian pollution, the game explores how systems of power shape identity, loyalty, and personal responsibility. Moment-to-moment gameplay blends narrative exploration, investigative dialogue, and RPG progression with occasional combat encounters and environmental navigation. The world design encourages deliberate traversal—moving through alleys, markets, industrial corridors, and neon-drenched plazas to meet informants, gather clues, pursue leads, and interact with factions. Conversations carry weight, often presenting players with branching responses that influence relationships, world perception, or story progression. The writing aims to balance melancholy introspection with social commentary, giving characters—especially those in the Lower City—distinct motivations tied to survival, resignation, or hope. Even brief encounters introduce shades of human struggle rather than filler NPCs, giving Viridis a sense of lived history. Combat, while not the game’s centerpiece, follows a traditional turn-based structure built around timing, resource management, and character synergy. Attacks, defensive maneuvers, skills, and gadgets reinforce Axel’s background as a detective rather than a soldier—precision matters more than brute force. Battles are stylized, visually striking, and often feel like narrative punctuation rather than constant interruptions. Character progression encourages experimentation, letting players refine Axel’s abilities or gear to suit their preferred strategic approach. While combat pacing may feel slower for those expecting high-intensity action, it reinforces tension and stakes during climactic encounters. A defining strength of Neon Blood lies in its audiovisual presentation. The pixel characters against polygonal cyberpunk environments create a layered, distinctive aesthetic—nostalgia meets modern lighting, reflections, and atmospheric design. The city feels alive without overwhelming the player, using bold colors, holographic advertisements, rain-slick concrete, and looming architecture to embody the genre’s thematic mood. The soundtrack complements the visual tone with synth-driven, ambient, and noir-inspired tracks that evoke isolation, rebellion, and the quiet hum of a technologically dependent society. Sound design supports immersion without dominating it, letting environmental noise and subtle cues enhance the world. The narrative progresses with a steady rhythm—mystery-building, character development, shifting alliances, and philosophical friction as Axel becomes increasingly aware of the forces shaping Viridis. Themes of surveillance, class separation, technological dependency, and moral resistance unfold gradually rather than through exposition dumps, rewarding players who pay attention to background conversations, world details, and visual storytelling. The game’s emotional core emerges not from action, but from empathy—understanding what the Lower City has become and why revolution feels both necessary and terrifying. However, Neon Blood’s ambitions may also create expectations it doesn’t fully meet for all players. Its pacing leans slower and more dialogue-driven than some RPG fans may prefer, especially those seeking constant combat or large-scale exploration. The game’s scale—while focused and purposeful—may feel limited to players accustomed to sprawling open-world cyberpunk experiences. Certain mechanical systems, particularly combat depth and side-quest structure, may feel comparatively modest, reflecting its indie scope. Technical or performance hiccups may appear depending on platform and configuration, though updates typically improve stability over time. Despite these constraints, Neon Blood succeeds in carving out an identity that feels personal and intentional rather than derivative. It isn’t trying to imitate the genre’s biggest blockbusters—it wants to tell a grounded story about systemic inequality, hope, and resistance through stylized art, thoughtful writing, and measured gameplay. Its commitment to emotional sincerity, thematic clarity, and worldbuilding gives it weight beyond its size. Players who appreciate narrative-driven RPGs, cyberpunk settings rooted in social commentary rather than spectacle, and indie games experimenting with visual form will find it deeply rewarding. Ultimately, Neon Blood is a story about what happens when people refuse to remain silent in a world designed to suppress them. It blends mystery, philosophy, style, and humanity into a tightly crafted adventure that lingers long after the credits. It may not redefine cyberpunk, but it reinforces why the genre still matters—and why its questions never stop being relevant. Rating: 6/10

I enjoyed the concept, the soul, the story it had to say. tldr: what I found in this game was extreme promise. Personally, I saw how "more" in every carefully placed aspect of this game could really bring forth this world I would love to explore in future installments, or even an expanded release of this story! I wanted more of everything. In more detail (possible spoilers): At 8 hours, this game entertained me with its world lore and scattered homages, its story and its beautiful soundtrack. What surprised me, was some amazing ideas it brought forth, a unique visual style blend of the 2d pixel art in a depth environment and some really fun action sequences. Clearly this is a passion project, I hope the studio releases that sequel it hints towards, I will defenitely give it a go and see all the aspects of this game fleshed out, and in more volume and perhaps some vocal grunts and hums next time ;) What I loved: - Those QTE moments. I loved everything about them. Didn't mind failing them so I could have a better look at the action. Extra cudos on the sound design during those moments. I could go for more length to really make me work for it. - The Soundtrack. Builds the game atmosphere nicely, wonderful darksynth to also listen to while working. - The Characters, World, Art / Animated cutscenes. Characters imagined with love, a world cafted with homages but with its own thing to say. My only "complaint", I wanted more time with the characters, have them develop their friendship, go on mini missions, get more backstoy. Pixel character art, amazing. Finally, the short cutscenes, beautiful, just beautiful. - The Story. A Cyberpunk Noir detective mystery of conspiracy and murder, perhaps a story we have heard before, a world similar to what we have seen before, but its true originality comes from its characters. I also liked how it took me places and I could explore some different places of this world. - Combat. I see some comments about balancing issues, RPG games are not what I'm best at but I was able to get through most encounters easily. I did like how the turn-based and action sequences came together. Thank you Team, I hope I see more from you soon

Muy recomendable, lo compré en en una muy buena oferta. Gráficamente es genial como han recreado esta atmósfera cyberpunk, muy buen acompañamiento musical. Muy buena historia con un desarrollo sencillo en lo jugable , el apartado RPG muy sencillo también. Puede que haya algún bug que se te estanque el personaje, pero bueno, nada dramático porque la partida se va guardando y en 1 minuto o 2, lo recuperas. La lástima es que es cortito pero es que por lo visto lo desarrollaron 3 personas por lo que lo que han hecho es increíble. Da para segunda parte. El juego me da la sensación que es como un campo de pruebas y que en el futuro puede haber una segunda parte y que si pueden ser un equipo algo mas grande, puliendo varias mecánicas y el sonido, pueden hacer algo mucho mas grande. Ojalá sea así porque demuestran que saben hacer bien las cosas y es un buen punto de partida para el futuro.

Juego genial, cualquier aficionado a las aventuras clasicas y a la ciencia ficcion lo debe jugar.

juego simple y corto muy dissfruton y con una estetica cyberpunk pixelado muy chulo, totalmente recomemdado

While the premise of the game is good, controls and collision detection are buggy. Quite often you'll find yourself stuck around objects like the chairs and the computers in the police station. Quite often you'll find yourself lost, and not know where to navigate to, or who else to talk to in the right order to unlock further dialogue. It makes for a frustrating play. Thankfully there are two walkthroughs in the Steam community page for this game. Only pick this up if on sale, and you're ready for some SERIOUS frustration.

UWAGA!!! Totalnie nie warto w tym stanie. Ktoś wypuścił na szybko grę z assetów i nawet nie usprawnił, tak by dało się grać i działało poprawnie. Sterowanie tylko klawiaturą, gra nie reaguje na myszkę wcale. Brak sensownej możliwości zapisu, autozapis tylko przy zmianie lokacji, co sprawia, że grając natrafiasz na buga, który zmusza do restartu gry i tracisz cały postęp. Wychodzisz z jednej sceny, spotykasz postać i zaczynasz dialog i .. po dialogu gra się buguje. Klawisze kontroli przestają reagować i jedyne co możesz zrobić to wyłączyć grę i zacząć od nowa... Kurvva brawo. Wypuszczenie takiej gry, za taką cenę i w tak tragicznym stanie to wygląda na umyślny scam dla naiwnych. Sama oprawa graficzna i dźwiękowa ma swój klimat, ale co z tego skoro ten kasztan nie działa jak należy.

sadly I can't live in this game

Va de más a menos, comienza con una trama llena de crímenes, suciedad, tecnología con implantes y drogodependencia (lista de temas cyberpunk chequeada, hasta aquí todo correcto), pero cuando se descubre el pastel, en lo que viene a ser el final del acto 2 y en el acto 3, se aprecia un bajón a nivel narrativo, el plan malvado corporativo es demasiado típico y simplón, las sorpresas apenas sorprenden, los equipos de colegas se forman de la nada sin que haya una gran conexión entre ellos, el lore se deja de lado...aun así es un título muy disfrutable que cumple, las animaciones cartoon, por ejemplo, son un detalle genial. Además no se limita a ser una aventura gráfica, el creador se ha molestado en añadir combates por turnos o quick time events y una profundidad de campo en los escenarios que aumenta a su vez la experiencia de inmersión. ENGLISH It starts strong but then fizzles out. It begins with a plot brimming with crime, grime, implanted technology, and drug addiction (cyberpunk themes checked, so far so good), but when the truth comes out, in what amounts to the end of Act 2 and Act 3, there's a noticeable drop in narrative quality. The corporate evil scheme is too typical and simplistic, the surprises are barely surprising, the teams of friends form out of thin air without much connection between them, and the lore is sidelined. Even so, it's a very enjoyable title that delivers. The cartoon animations, for example, are a brilliant touch. Furthermore, it's not just a simple graphic adventure; the creator has gone to the trouble of adding turn-based combat, quick-time events, and depth of field in the environments, which further enhances the immersive experience.