A cyberpunk detective adventure that, to my mind, is quite a surprise. The serious story is interspersed with humorous interludes to lighten the atmosphere, while the dystopia presents quite a human face on the level of ordinary human and interspecies relations.
This is complemented by the introduction of 2 protagonists who, despite the ‘language’ barrier between them, work together quite well.
This is one of the few games I have enjoyed playing from start to finish and I am genuinely saddened that I have completed it.
✅
Retro style pixel art. Pleasant, stunningly detailed and overall well-executed.
Really good electronic-instrumental soundtrack. Creates an atmosphere, fits the theme and locations. Menu/Intro track is excellent (composed by Belarussian band - The Last Sighs of the Wind).
2 protagonists with their own unique style of gameplay. Rex, a retired police detective whose gameplay is based more on traditional detective work, paired with Wiliam - an atypical black cat whose gameplay is based on platform sequences.
Great and mysterious story. Not only convoluted but also well set in games world.
Some of the comments about the world from both MC and cat-MC are rad.
Investigation mechanics are well thought out.
Worldbuilding. It's easy to get a general feel for the area and the relationship between humans and machines by checking out posters, talking to NPCs and so on.
Findable lore (notes, posters etc.) providing political, historical and miscellaneous information about the world.
A variety of puzzles. Rather an overview of industry standard than something unique, but this part is done very well.
Hidden secrets as a reward for curious explorer.
Some posters, items and locations are obvious references/tributes to other productions. They’re also a “wink” from game developers to the players. Nice and funny add-on.
Game is still updated with additional content.
In-game arcade game.
In chapter selection, each of subchapters has its own starting point. Great solution for all achievement hunters.
Achievements are creative and reward curiosity.
😐
Autosave. This has both pros and cons, but if you need to quit the game in the middle of the chapter, you’ll be starting from nearest save point instead of your saved location. Fortunately collected lore stays unlocked.
❌
If you take a look at the available achievements, you will spoil yourself lot about the game plot. Essential ones should be hidden as “Secret”.
Some of the lore pieces can be easily missed, due to lack of any indicator that something in that particular location may be relevant.
Some puzzles should have some kind of suggestion that item can be used many times, for different parts of the puzzle. Discovering that took me more time, than puzzle itself.
Hint system. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but some of the puzzles are massive in scope and sometimes you won’t realize that action in point A will change something in point B (e.g. the waterwheel puzzle).
Deduction is automated. You won’t be able to fail investigation or come to the wrong conclusion.
izigame.me
It may take some time when the page for viewing is loaded for the first time...
