Beyond Sunset: Cyberpunk Chaos and Pixelated Perfection
A neon-soaked journey through a dystopian playground
Launch Day Larry
In the sprawling, neon-lit streets of “Beyond Sunset,” players are invited to dive headfirst into a world where cyberpunk aesthetics meet the frenetic energy of old-school shooters. This game is a love letter to the 80s, wrapped in a vaporwave bow and delivered with a side of pixelated nostalgia. But does it live up to its ambitious premise, or does it get lost in the digital haze?
Gameplay: A Dance of Bullets and Blades
“Beyond Sunset” offers a gameplay experience that feels like a high-speed chase through a cyberpunk fever dream. The combat system is a delightful blend of old-school run-and-gun action with modern upgrades, allowing players to experiment with a diverse arsenal. From shotguns that pack a punch to high-tech energy weapons that zap enemies into oblivion, the weapon variety is a playground for those who love to mix and match their firepower.
The movement mechanics are where the game truly shines. Dodging, sprinting, jumping, and sliding are not just options—they’re necessities. The fluidity of these actions makes every encounter feel like a choreographed dance, albeit one where the stakes are life and death. However, the sword’s bullet-reflecting ability, while a cool concept, sometimes feels like trying to catch a fly with chopsticks—frustratingly imprecise.
Exploration is another key component, with sprawling levels that encourage players to engage in a bit of cyber-sleuthing. Yet, the navigation can sometimes feel like trying to find your way out of a digital labyrinth without a map. The game could benefit from clearer objectives to guide players through its intricate world.
Graphics: A Pixelated Cyberpunk Dream
Visually, “Beyond Sunset” is a feast for the eyes, especially for those who appreciate the cyberpunk and vaporwave styles. The art direction is a nostalgic nod to the past, with pixel art that captures the essence of classic shooters while adding a modern twist. The environments are richly detailed, from dark alleys to high-tech facilities, each brought to life with impressive lighting effects that enhance the game’s immersive atmosphere.
However, the game’s performance can be as unpredictable as a cyberpunk protagonist’s moral compass. Even high-end hardware struggles with frame drops in open areas, and the game seems to prefer Vulkan over OpenGL like a picky diner choosing between two equally questionable dishes. Optimization is needed to ensure the visuals don’t just look good but run smoothly too.
Story: A Cybernetic Quest for Identity
The narrative of “Beyond Sunset” is as layered as a hacker’s backstory. Players step into the shoes of Lucy, an enhanced street samurai on a quest to recover her lost memories. The story explores themes of rebellion against corporate control and the search for identity, providing a meaningful backdrop to the action-packed gameplay.
While the setting and atmosphere are praised, the story itself has received mixed reviews. Some players find it as generic as a dystopian cityscape, with dialogue that occasionally drags on like a never-ending monologue. The cutscenes, which are unskippable, can feel like a mandatory lecture when all you want is to get back to the action.
Despite these narrative hiccups, the game’s world-building and RPG elements add depth, making the cyberpunk experience more than just a series of shootouts. The presence of side quests and secrets encourages exploration, rewarding players who take the time to delve deeper into the game’s universe.
Final Verdict
“Beyond Sunset” is a game that wears its cyberpunk heart on its sleeve, offering a visually stunning and mechanically engaging experience. While it stumbles in areas like story clarity and performance optimization, its strengths in gameplay and art direction make it a promising title, especially for an early access release. Fans of the genre will find much to love, and with continued development, “Beyond Sunset” could shine even brighter.
Score: 7.5/10