Reviewed on: PS4
Seeing the world in red
Ruiner works a genre that until a few weeks ago was out of focus: Cyberpunk.
What is Cyberpunk? It is, possibly, the most realistic concept of the future we can have. It is also a tabletop RPG that has existed for over twenty years (called Cyberpunk 2020.)
In Cyberpunk, society coexists with incredible technological and scientific advances… and remains as dirty as ever, or dirtier. No Jetsons-style happiness here: street gangs are deadlier than ever, people swap limbs for tech upgrades; everything gains new nuances of interaction, but the same human nature remains as the glue of all these wonders. The narrative openly explores the picturesque traits of the interaction between humans and the “advances of society”.
Ruiner‘s gameplay largely follows Devolver’s guiding star: Hotline Miami. You have an overhead view and have dash, melee, shield and shoot buttons (HM didn’t have all that, but you are often reminded of the similarity). Everything can be upgraded throughout the game, according to what you discover inside the missions and in the city, which serves as a hub. Points can be redistributed at any time, so you only stay stuck in some area if you want to. The game is less punishing than HM, in the sense that you can be hit by the enemy and stay alive. Still, on the highest difficulty it’s a spectacle of sadism, excellent for anyone who wants challenges, from the first stage. Possibly the best platform to play it on, like HM, is PC. The directional aiming pairs perfectly with the mouse, but that is no obstacle to enjoying it on console
The soundtrack is lively and electric at moments; sober at others. Susumu Hirasawa manages to convey the necessary feelings for each interaction (a composer who worked on the Berserk anime that is actually good has my respect at any time of day)
Visually, the game is great. The line work of the NPCs is dirty, like everything else.
Worth the purchase?
YES. If you enjoy suffering and getting angry in front of a game over screen is your favorite pastime, you can embrace this gem. Ruiner has received updates since its launch, and now has a beautiful New Game +.
PlayStation 4 version
Max Xavier
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