It was with great excitement that we reported on the announcement that the new run ‘n’ gun title Neon Inferno will be heading to console and PC later this year. Since the announcement, a demo has dropped on Steam and we’ve been feverishly playing it to bring this short preview. The demo only includes the first level, so there is only so much to comment on, but the bottom line is what we’ve seen so far is impressive.
Firstly, Neon Inferno is set in a Blade Runner-esque world in a future New York City. The neo-noir themes run right through the entire game with neon signs and dark, dank streets to explore. The punk-style enemies and slick vehicles bring to life the game’s theme and you half expect to see Rick Deckard appear out of nowhere with a replicant. But Blade Runner associations aside, Neon Inferno does look the part, a believable dystopian future with all the right nods to H.R. Giger and Philip K Dick.
But enough gushing, what about the actual gameplay? Neon Inferno plays like a traditional scrolling shooter such as Metal Slug or Gunstar Heroes. Choosing one of two heroes, proceedings move from left to right as waves of enemies attack from all directions. Players can shoot in all directions and can deflect bullets away with a parry. This technique is further refined by holding the parry button to enter a Matrix-style bullet time where the deflected bullets can be aimed at unsuspecting foes. The controls feel solid and responsive, and the game feels very polished, even at this early stage of development.
The deflecting mechanic seems as if it will become vital later in the game when many enemies are on screen. Using it slows down the action and allows players to assess the situation and avoid being attacked. On that note, playing Neon Inferno in the arcade setting is tough, very tough, and there will be lots of deaths. Thankfully the game looks to include some more forgiving easier modes that will help casual players. So far, we feel this title is shaping up to become a real indie hit when it releases later in the year and we’ll be sure to keep tabs on it as more news unfolds.
