Nobody Wants to Die Review: An Unmissable Cyberpunk Noir Adventure

Nobody Wants to Die is a must-play in 2024. This unexpected gem has captivated my thoughts long after completion, leaving me yearning for more.

Imagine a world where immortality exists...but only for the rich. Welcome to "Nobody Wants to Die"!

Set in a gritty, futuristic New York in the year 2329, this game merges an Altered Carbon meets Bioshock-cyberpunk setting, immersing you in a world of dark secrets and high stakes.

You step into the shoes of James Karra, a gruff detective with a knack for unravelling dark mysteries. In this dystopian world, the wealthy have discovered a way to live forever by transferring their consciousness to new bodies. The less fortunate are subjected to a forced insurance program, losing their bodies to the rich if they fail to make payments, while their minds are held in a bank until their debts are settled.

The game's narrative kicks off with a suicide case that spirals into a conspiracy involving one of the city's elites. You arrive at a harrowing crime scene, using your reconstructor tool to rewind and piece together the events, reminiscent of Batman: Arkham Asylum’s detective mechanics. You trace blood trails and bullet paths, diving deeper into the case and the unfolding story.

Nobody Wants to Die captivates with its gripping narrative and choice-driven dialogue, where your decisions impact the storyline and lead to multiple endings. The game is played in first-person, fully immersing you in its stunning blend of 1940s noir and cyberpunk aesthetics. Running on Unreal Engine 5, the visuals are breathtaking, with a massive, vibrant cityscape filled with flying cars and crowded streets.

The main character, James, and his partner are well-developed, creating a dynamic and compelling duo you grow to care about. While doing the "linking clues" gameplay can sometimes feel unclear or clunky, this minor hiccup doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment.

The soundtrack sets the mood perfectly, and the strong writing and voice work are impressive for a $25 game. However, the balance between game voice and music audio occasionally falters, though this is a minor issue that can be patched out.

Critical Hit Games, founded in 2020, has hit a home run with their debut title. Nobody Wants to Die is more than just a game—an experience. Despite minor flaw with the linking clue section, the immersive world, compelling narrative, and stunning visuals make it a standout title.

I’m giving Nobody Wants to Die a 9/10.

Nobody Wants To Die is available now on PS5, Xbox Series, and PC (Steam).

Try it out here: https://lurk.ly/GJF203