Nobody Wants to Die
" Immersive adventure with stunning cyberpunk noir visuals but limited player freedom "
Nobody Wants to Die Review
Nobody Wants to Die is a visually stunning cyberpunk noir detective game praised for its atmospheric world-building, strong voice acting, and compelling narrative. Players appreciate the game's immersive art deco style and engaging story set in a futuristic dystopian city. However, the gameplay is often described as linear, hand-holdy, and simplistic, focusing more on interactive storytelling than complex detective mechanics. The investigation tools and puzzles are straightforward but sometimes frustrating due to bugs and trial-and-error solutions.
The game’s short duration of around 5-6 hours suits its narrative-driven approach but leaves some players wanting more depth, freedom, and meaningful choices. Endings are limited and considered anti-climactic by many, with only a couple of decisions truly impacting the outcome. Despite these flaws, the game is recommended especially on sale for fans of narrative experiences and cyberpunk aesthetics, with hopes for expanded sequels or DLC.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's gorgeous visuals and unique cyberpunk noir atmosphere, describing it as immersive and stylish. The voice acting and sound design receive strong positive remarks, enhancing the storytelling. The narrative is gripping and emotionally resonant, with well-written characters and a thought-provoking plot about immortality and morality. Investigation mechanics, including time-reconstruction tools, are considered clever and satisfying despite simplicity. The overall world-building is detailed and engaging, making the experience feel like playing a cinematic sci-fi film.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's overly linear and hand-holding gameplay, which limits player agency and exploration. Many find the detective puzzles repetitive, simplistic, or reliant on guesswork, with some reporting frustrating bugs affecting progression. The choice impact is minimal, with only two key decisions influencing the endings, which themselves are often seen as unsatisfying or abrupt. Several players express disappointment at the short length and lack of replayability. Performance issues, such as frame rate drops and unoptimized graphics settings, are noted, as well as inconsistent voice acting and pacing problems in the story’s latter half.
Pros
- • Stunning cyberpunk noir visual style with immersive art deco design.
- • Strong voice acting and atmospheric sound design enhance narrative depth.
- • Engaging and thought-provoking story exploring immortality and morality.
- • Unique time-reconstruction mechanic adds a fresh twist to investigations.
- • Detailed world-building creates a believable and haunting futuristic city.
- • Cinematic presentation with well-crafted characters and sharp dialogue.
- • Short length suits focused narrative and encourages multiple playthroughs.
Cons
- • Gameplay is linear and heavily hand-holding, limiting player freedom.
- • Detective puzzles often feel repetitive, simplistic, or based on guesswork.
- • Only two choices meaningfully affect the story and endings.
- • Endings are anti-climactic and lack satisfying narrative payoff.
- • Performance issues including frame rate drops and poor optimization.
- • Some bugs disrupt gameplay, including stuck characters and puzzle glitches.
- • Overuse of on-screen markers discourages organic exploration.
Rating Criteria
Lose yourself in the dystopian world of New York, 2329; immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay. In this interactive noir story, lead the investigation using advanced technology, as Detective James Karra who risks it all in pursuit of a serial killer targeting the city’s elite.