Neon Inferno

[code]Neon Inferno is a short but tight 2D run-and-gun shooter that looks just as nice as it plays[/code] While Zenovia Interactive’s first game, [i]Steel Assault[/i], was a [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/dreamylotus/recommended/1280300?snr=1_5_9__402]somewhat uneven experience due to some frustrating design choices[/url], the New York-based studio’s second game is a much more well-rounded offering. Moving on from the GameBoy Advance-era inspired graphics of [i]Steel Assault[/i], [i]Neon Inferno[/i] increases the number of picture elements to deliver some of the most beautiful 2D pixel art visuals to date – and plays just as well! As with [i]Steel Assault[/i], [i]Neon Inferno[/i] is a short-but-sweet 2D run-and-gun shooter, inspired by games like [i]Contra[/i] or [i]Mega Man[/i] – meaning it’s all about conquering multiple 2D stages filled with hordes of enemies and a few boss fights. To mix up the more traditional gameplay, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] allows players to target the background as well as the foreground, creating more complex combat encounters with enemies switching between the two. While keeping track of the various enemies and their position can be a hectic as a result, it never got to the point where the mechanic itself became a problem, thankfully. In terms of evading enemy attacks, apart from moving/jumping out of the way or making use of a dodge roll, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] also offers the ability to parry certain attacks, entering a “bullet time” mode where incoming projectiles can be redirected in various directions. In addition, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] also offers one-time-use items such as shields, which can be purchased between the stages, as well as short vehicle sections. With all these mechanics in place, encounters in the game constantly requires the players attention, as simply running around and holding the “shoot”-button won’t get you to the end of the level – at least on higher difficulties. That said, having finished the game on “medium” difficulty in just under 2 hours, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] is a way less punishing affair than [i]Steel Assault[/i] overall, due to more frequent checkpoints and improved hitboxes/attack telegraphs. For those looking for a real challenge, the game offers two higher difficulty levels (“Hard”, “Arcade), with more complex enemy patterns, fewer checkpoints and a lower difficulty level ('Easy') for those who just want to enjoy the gorgeous pixel art. There is also a co-op mode, which is always a welcome addition for these types of games.. Overall, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] is a short but enjoyable affair – while the story and characters are entirely forgettable, which is par for the course for the genre, there is little else to criticise: The controls are responsive, there are no annoying difficulty spikes and the various game mechanics simply work well together. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, slightly more complex 2D run-and-gun shooter with a cyberpunk coat of paint, [i]Neon Inferno[/i] is well worth your time – although the standard price point may be a little high, if you’re only aiming for a singular playthrough. On the other hand, given how focused on gameplay the genre is, there’s little reason to purchase [i]Neon Inferno[/i] if you don’t like these types of games in the first place: While it certainly is a well-executed representative of the genre, its added twists simply may be very much enjoyable but aren’t significant enough to really differentiate it from other games in the same category.

Un juego corto, lo terminas en 1 hora (yo tarde mas porque estoy oxidado para estos juegos). Muy hermoso pixel art, con una jugabilidad tipo run & gun (osea, estilo contra). Recomendado, capaz prefieras un descuento, pero creo que a menos de 4 dólares vale la pena. Nota: 9/10, estos tipos de juego hace 20 años atrás los pasaba fácil, ahora me cuestan, se nota el pasar del tiempo.

Pros : - Great graphics fidelity - Great music quality - Tight controls Cons : - Moves feel a little lackluster, double jump doesn't really go high, roll is a bit sluggish ... you just don't feel like a badass the game portraits you to be. - Same goes for guns, power ups etc. You can get only one per level, it's a one time activation, you don't get any upgrades, or different guns ... it just feels like a missed opportunity and a little bland. - Points above break the immersion for me, you are a supposed badass who doesn't really feel all that powerful and you cause absolute mayhem with just a hand gun ... no granades, bombs, other guns, special moves ... it's just missing that little something. The only real "super" power you have is the bullet reflect, and that's really cool, but for me it's just too little to feel like a powerhouse everyone in the city fears. - Music often doesn't fit the action. There are action sequences where soundtrack resembles the "tears in the rain" scene from Bladerunner ... deep and thought provoking ... and here you are just blasting away through some building. - (personal opinion) the graphics are too anime / sweet for me, I'd like a bit more grit. I give it a thumbs up, because at the end of the day it's a decent shmup, but ... if there was a middle button I'd give it that. Ok on sale, but I was expecting something spectacular here.

It's a rather short game, but pretty challenging, and the developers want you to play on "hard" mode by default. Very good looking, with plenty of details for the retro-fan. Anyway, it is good enough of a game for most players to recommend to. The gameplay can get complex with the two levels of depth (background and foreground), it requires pretty much all your buttons in a modern gamepad, definitely more buttons than the typical arcade machine. I did play it with an arcade joystick, for the goof, but I don't think the game was designed for it.

Норм в коопе, но слишком сложно даже на лёгком.

Игра достойна похвалы за шикарный пиксель-арт, иллюстрации и музыку. Геймплей отходит от стандарта обычных run’n’gun и добавляет глубины — стрелять придётся не только во всех направлениях, но ещё и «в глубину» уровней. 💥 Игра затягивает и, поскольку она довольно коротка, в голове возникает мысль «и это всё?». Но за то время, что вы проведёте в неоновом свете вывесок, сражаясь с боссами и смотря атмосферные интермедии, вы получите массу удовольствия. 💥 Но даже если игра короткая, её нельзя назвать лёгкой — противники не дают расслабиться и заставляют постоянно маневрировать, позволяя вам выбрать короткие моменты передышки, чтобы нанести ответный удар. Враги отстреливаются двумя видами снарядов — отбиваемыми и смертельными. Первый вариант, зелёного цвета, можно отразить обратно в противника, а вот со смертельными лучше не соприкасаться и пользоваться уворотами или прыжками. 💥 Хорошая русская локализация и стилизованный шрифт вместо стандартного — за это отдельный респект. Игра проходится на одном дыхании и после титров хочется позалипать ещё и попытаться выполнить необычные ачивки или попробовать сложность повыше. В игре единственный минус — переключение на задний план не всегда работает корректно и поэтому эффективность в некоторых боях может упасть.

Really good run 'n gun. The added gameplay element of attacking the background elevates this game over a lot of it's peers. Captures the 2d action of 90s games really well. Excellent co op support. Short but fun.

This brought me right back to my childhood. Such a fun game, and that pixel art is absolutely gorgeous. It captures everything I love about classic gaming. I just wish it would be a little longer.

It's a decent run and gun game. I love the simple concept and the old school retro arcade feel to it. Reminds me of Wild guns but more forgiving with checkpoints and saves (depending on difficulty setting). I beat it in one sitting. I will play it again someday. Bottom line I'd say wait for a sale.

SHOOT, DODGE AND TRY NOT TO DIE! Zenovia Interactive's second game does not disappoint! Fun run and gun gameplay and though hard it never felt impossible to beat the odds. Great artwork as well!