Nobody Wants to Die: A Beautiful but Flawed Walking Sim
Step into the futuristic streets of 2329’s New York, where immortality has its price, and unravel a story held afloat by stunning visuals and engaging sound design.
last updated Aug 27, 2024
Despite its beautiful design and immersive audio, the unsatisfying narrative execution hinders the overall experience.
Gameplay: Hand-Holding in a Dystopian World
Nobody Wants to Die is less of a traditional detective game and more of a guided walking simulator, set against a backdrop of a beautifully rendered cyberpunk environment. Players essentially take on the role of Detective James Karra, whose journey through this retro-futuristic New York is more about watching the narrative unfold than actively participating in solving the central mystery. This game provides minimal challenge; mechanics often feel like mere window dressing on the experience rather than genuine interactive elements. Many puzzles are simplistic and hand-holding is a constant companion, diluting any sense of personal achievement. The linearity often leads to a predictable and unsatisfactory gameplay experience, disheartening for those seeking an engaging detective challenge.
Audio: A Sinister Soundtrack That Elevates
One of the shining aspects of Nobody Wants to Die is its audio design. The soundtrack, characterized by its emotive crescendos, perfectly complements the mood of the narrative, enhancing the player’s immersion into this gritty world. Voice acting is commendable, weaving the emotions of the characters into the experience and solidifying their roles—at least superficially. Environmental sounds also help flesh out the ambiance, making you feel as though you're traversing through a living, breathing metropolis. However, occasional glitches and muffled dialogues can break the immersion, serving as reminders that even the best soundscapes can't mask underlying flaws.
Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes with Performance Issues
Visually, Nobody Wants to Die is nothing short of stunning, showcasing the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 with fantastic attention to detail in its environments. Neon lights reflect on rain-soaked streets, creating a surreal, almost hypnotic aesthetic that pulls players deep into its cyberpunk lore. However, while the graphics dazzle, performance can occasionally falter; players have noted framerate dips, especially on lower-end systems, which detracts from the otherwise impeccable art direction. It's a classic case of style possibly overshadowing substance, with the visuals often managing to overshadow shallow gameplay. For some, the beauty may be enough to overlook these technical hiccups, but it remains a gamble.
Narrative: Fantastic Premise, Disappointing Execution
The narrative of Nobody Wants to Die starts strong, presenting an intriguing premise steeped in philosophical musings on immortality and societal decay. However, as players progress, it becomes evident that the storytelling stumbles significantly, with character arcs feeling rushed and conclusions often falling flat. The story introduces numerous narrative threads but fails to weave them into a satisfying whole, leaving many questions unanswered. While moments of brilliance can be found, the overall narrative lacks depth and coherence. One might say it offers a glimpse of a richer experience that remains just out of reach, poking fun at the potential of this intriguing world but not quite delivering.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Critical Hit Games
Publisher
PLAION
Release Date
July 17, 2024
Verdict & Summary
While Nobody Wants to Die excels in creating a visually stunning and atmospheric experience, it ultimately falls short as a cohesive interactive narrative. The game's linearity and hand-holding mechanics stifle the thrill of detective work, leaving players yearning for more agency and complexity. Despite its beautiful design and immersive audio, the unsatisfying narrative execution hinders the overall experience, making this title feel more like a pretty tech demo than a fully realized game. While it has its moments, the game often reminds you that it is ultimately a journey rather than a destination.