Nobody Wants To Die Review (PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows)

Flickering neon lights, rain-soaked streets, and gripping storylines are the finest ingredients for any adventure noir. Games in this genre swam musical and colorful backgrounds for dark and intense scenes, making every decision feel like walking on a tightrope. If you've played L.A Noire or The Posthumous Investigation, you do know what I'm talking about. The line between good and evil is beautifully blurred, creating compelling storylines. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you will undoubtedly be head over heels for Critical Hit Games' latest title, Nobody Wants to Die. Set against a futuristic backdrop, the game is already causing a stir among the gaming community. Is it worth your time? Stick around as we unpack the good, the bad, and the ugly in our Nobody Wants to Die review. 

Grit and Glamour

The year is 2329 in New York. The metropolis has a strange 1930s vibe with vintage cars, drive-in movies, and neon signs. The only thing that points to the future is the technology since the city's traffic is filled with flying cars. The world is obsessed with body swapping, a reality that feels like a chapter straight out of Get Out. You step into the role of Detective James Cara, a gritty and dedicated investigator whose passion for his work borders on obsession. James's disregard for protocol ruffles feathers in the department, but his results speak for themselves. However, a horrible near-death experience grants James the privilege of a new body. But the new cadaver comes with tons of hallucinations that briefly render him unfit for work. However, thanks to his unparalleled skills, his boss assigns him to an off-the-books case. 

The game is set against a cyberpunk backdrop where the elite has seemingly discovered the key to immortality through consciousness transfer, meaning the societal divide has never been starker. The wealthy have unlocked the secret to immortality through transferring consciousness, while the poor face the grim reality of losing their bodies at 21 if they can't pay for the insurance program. Their consciousness is stored in a bank for a hefty fee—quite the conundrum.

Go-Go Gadget

In this futuristic detective game, you'll solve crimes using advanced technology. The key gadget is the reconstructor, a wrist-worn device that allows you to warp the timeline and view flashbacks of the murder scene, slowing down events for detailed examination. This tech lets you witness the victim's final moments in vivid detail.

Additionally, you'll use a portable X-ray machine to trace bullet paths and a camera to capture crime scene photos. The game environment is filled with interactable items you can rotate and examine closely. Some clues are invisible to the naked eye, so you'll also have an X-ray and UV light device to reveal hidden details like wires, fractures, and blood traces, helping you deduce the victim's blood group.

The story unfolds like a thrilling mystery as you uncover clues and reconstruct events. A gadget connects to your hallucinations, revealing a mysterious woman in a red dress. This adds another layer of intrigue as the game progresses, opening up new mysteries.

It Takes Two

In the heat of dialogue, you can steer the narrative by choosing James's responses, which lead to different paths and outcomes. This branching narrative ensures the game can have multiple endings, a key ingredient for replayability and player engagement.

You're paired with Sara, your liaison officer, for your first assignment. Consider Sara your voice of reason; her doubts and questions are designed to guide you toward critical thinking, a crucial skill for any detective. Though things get off on the wrong foot, the duo's chemistry becomes evident as they navigate the dark, neon-lit streets, unraveling a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of their society.

With his unorthodox methods and mysterious past, James may initially appear to harbor plenty of secrets. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sara has her fair share of troubles weighing her down, too. The dynamic between James and Sara adds a rich layer of depth to the narrative, with their evolving partnership driving much of the game's emotional core.

The Good

Nobody Has To Die silently went into development and, after its launch, captivated the hearts of many. It's ideally the game you never knew you wanted and now know you can never live without. Every aspect of this title screams perfection, from the captivating narrative to the visuals and soundtracks. The game's theme that birders on moral issues subtly speaks to today's society, where you answer the question, how far are you willing to go for what you love? The theme of greed and the stark difference between the poor and the rich is relatable and ropes you further into the gameplay.

Visually speaking, the title embodies every aspect of an excellent noir game. Its characteristic blend of vintage and futuristic events gives the game a unique approach. Who would have thought that flying cars would be from the 1930s.? The game uses the Unreal Engine 5 to bring the busy New York City to life. Every element, from the weather to the lightning, is impeccable, coupled with realistic rain splatter and reflections, 

Perhaps the most cool aspect is using futuristic tech to solve the murder mystery. Reconstructing events using the gadgets gives the game a cinematic feel as if you are sitting in the front row of the cinema watching the latest sequel to The Matrix. 

The Bad

Despite these strengths, the game isn't without its flaws. Although the multiple endings add replay value, you can only replay a specific ending by starting from scratch, which can be frustrating. Additionally, pacing issues arise halfway through the game, where the storyline feels rushed. While the game doesn't need to be a slow burn, there should be more depth and development in the latter half.

Moreover, die-hard fans of Noir games will appreciate the meticulous process of picking up and dropping clues, immersing themselves in the act of walking around to unravel mysteries. However, while the game excels in its attention to detail, some aspects detract from its true essence as a detective game. Piecing together clues often feels like a process of trial and error, yet the absence of penalties diminishes the stakes of each decision. As a result, despite its engaging facade, Nobody Has To Die can occasionally feel more like a contemplative walking simulator than a fully-fledged detective thriller.

 Verdict

To say the least, Nobody Wants to Die is a masterpiece. Remarkably, the game became an instant hit without the backing of a marketing team pushing out teaser trailers. This speaks volumes about its quality and the developers' confidence in their creation. The game's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with players and critics praising its stunning graphics, immersive atmosphere, and intricate artwork.

From the moment you start playing, it's clear that this game is unique. The cyberpunk world it creates is visually striking and richly detailed, drawing you in with its dark, neon-lit streets and complex characters. The choice-driven narrative adds depth, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same, which keeps players coming back for more.

Considering all these factors, the $25 price tag feels like a steal. It's rare to find a game that offers such high quality and replayability at a reasonable price. Nobody Wants to Die is worth both your time and your money. It's a shining example of what can be achieved when developers pour their heart and soul into a project, and it stands as one of the standout titles of the year.