Several years ago, at a showcase, there was a really cool pixelated cyberpunk trailer for a game called “The Last Night.” This was a game I have been extremely excited for and over the years I have lost faith on if it will ever come out (it still hasn’t). In this new title, “Neon Blood,” I found myself stepping into the neon-soaked world of Viridis, a city that mirrors the classic cyberpunk struggle: the haves versus the have-nots. The year is 2053, and society has crumbled into two distinct realms—Bright City, a futuristic utopia for the privileged, and Blind City, a gritty underworld where survival is the only currency. At the heart of this dystopian drama is Axel McCoin, a former detective with lofty ideals and a knack for stirring up trouble. My first reaction was “this game looks amazing, and if that other cyberpunk game isn’t going to come out, well, at least there is this one that looks just as cool.” So clearly, I was excited to hop in on this adventure.
From the moment I entered Viridis, I could feel the tension. The developers, ChaoticBrain Studios, clearly put a lot of love into crafting a living, breathing city. The environments are jaw-dropping—a hybrid of 2D pixel art and richly detailed 3D spaces that give Viridis a sense of depth and immersion. Walking through the city streets, especially places like Hunter Heaven, felt like stepping into a neon dream. Every corner is lit with a meticulous glow that enhances the atmosphere, visually this was everything that I was wanting. But as beautiful as Viridis is, the narrative is going to need to hook me. Axel’s mission to uncover corruption and inequality had all the makings of a gripping story. As I talked to NPCs and delved deeper into the city’s secrets, it became clear that Viridis wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in itself. Each area told its own story, and through conversations, I got a real sense of how its inhabitants navigated the stark divides between Bright City and Blind City.
Unfortunately, while the setup was promising, the story didn’t quite deliver on its potential. Axel’s journey, though compelling at times, felt undercooked. The game introduces a slew of intriguing themes such as social inequality, corruption, revolution, but never dives deep enough to leave a lasting impact. By the time the credits rolled, I was left wanting more. The gameplay is where “Neon Blood” shows both its strengths and its limitations. Combat is turn-based, a nod to classic RPGs, with a stylish flair that highlights the game’s pixel art. Axel and his allies can chain together attacks, use special abilities, and unleash devastating finishers that light up the screen. These battles are visually impressive, but they felt a bit shallow. Strategy takes a backseat to spectacle, which, while fun, made encounters feel a little bit repetitive over time. But I came for the world, and exploration however, was a highlight. I enjoyed piecing together the city’s history, uncovering hidden passages in labyrinthine subway tunnels, and poking around for secrets. The point-and-click elements added a nice touch, giving me moments to slow down and absorb the world. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the game’s ambitions outpaced its execution. Viridis is dense and brimming with potential, but much of it goes untapped.
One of the biggest surprises for me was how short the game is. I often appreciate a game that doesn’t demand so much of your time and gives you a little experience and its done (in this case roughly six hours). A part of me couldn’t help think “Neon Blood” just didn’t have enough substance to sustain a longer runtime. The narrative’s brevity keeps it from overstaying its welcome, though it left me thinking about what could have been. If ChaoticBrain had given the story more room to breathe and fleshed out the characters, this could’ve been something truly special. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my time with it. The art direction alone makes “Neon Blood” worth experiencing, especially if you’re a fan of cyberpunk aesthetics. The hand-drawn cutscenes are gorgeous, and the pixel art is some of the best I’ve seen in recent years. Every frame feels like a love letter to the genre, capturing that perfect balance between retro charm and modern polish. Whether “Neon Blood” is worth your time depends heavily on your tastes. If you’re into cyberpunk settings and appreciate a good point-and-click adventure with RPG elements, you’ll find something to like here. Just don’t expect a narrative masterpiece or deep mechanics. This is more of a stylish experiment, an ambitious blend of ideas that doesn’t fully come together but still offers a memorable ride through its world.
In the end, I walked away from “Neon Blood” with mixed feelings. The ambition is undeniable, and the world of Viridis is a visual feast. But as much as I wanted to fall in love with it, the lack of depth in the story and gameplay held it back. Here’s hoping ChaoticBrain takes another swing at this universe—there’s so much potential waiting to be unlocked.
7/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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