Cloudpunk - PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Cloudpunk at a quick-glance is very appealing, yet also underwhelming at the same time, and can only be described as a Spinner sim, or what could have been a classic PS1 Blade Runner game. Now, to go back to the part where I described the game as underwhelming: I picked this game up based on the cool cover design and description on the back. So, when I loaded this game, I expected some simple, but slick 80’s inspired artwork in-game, though that is definitely not the case. Instead, this entire game is built using voxels at their most simple - something that is very clear upon looking into the game outside of a blind buy - and while everything still looked nothing short of amazing in all its neon-drenched nights, I was still somewhat disappointed. However, I must admit, it did not take long for this minor gripe to go away, as it quickly became apparent that this particular style is not only apart of the game’s charm, it’s also incredibly necessary in bringing the player such an atmospheric and engrossing mini open-world. Cloudpunk as a breathing world is very much alive in every way, and has several districts to explore for side-stories and collectibles. At the center of the game is your HOVA, your flying car, which can be upgraded with a few mods - this car has a strange AI that ties into the story wonderfully, and is actually rather fun to fly around, even if just exploring the neon-drenched districts. The HOVA has a nice little realism feature with a gas gauge and vehicle damage - though the game does it’s job in ensuring these features are never game-ending. In fact, no part of this game will eve give you a Game Over screen, as this venture is purely narrative driven and exploration based. There is almost no challenge provided, no shooting or anything of the likes, and what is there is more time-based and only on a few occasions. Cloudpunk is more focused on creating a meditative experience. Juiced full of synth wave jams, this is a game that’s looking to give its players a lo-fi narrative experience in it’s beautiful world. Playing as Rania, a newcomer to the city, and on her first night as a delivery driver for the seedy company Cloudpunk, the player is tasked with doing some rather simple, and eventually repetitive, deliveries that usually come with a handful of extra narrative that help feed the main story. These deliveries, while various in nature, are the crux of the gameplay loop, though there are plenty of side characters to stop and talk to when exploring the city outside of the HOVA. Some of these characters will provide side content that will add some exploration variety to the game, it’s ultimately the same actions. This is where I personally would’ve liked to see more from Cloudpunk, as there is a lot of potential to add more activities that would tie-in to this world without much interruption - and could even just simply expand on what is already in the game, but I’m sure these sort of things were held back by budget. This game already seems to be doing a lot with what it’s been given, but given its prowess to make narrative it’s priority, I could see some cool improvements if a sequel were ever a possibility. One thing to note that is a cool feature is the ability to explore the city areas in either first or third person view, which is extremely helpful in terms of immersion. In the end, I’m okay with the design choice to use lo-fi voxels, I think I’d still rather see this game utilize a more animated look, though I’d hate see anything taken away from the beauty of the immersive atmosphere. The gameplay loop, and options, could definitely be expanded upon, though they are what they are in the game that exists, and I still had a good time with the game. The story was wonderful on several levels, even when it was somewhat weak in a few instances, there was still more than enough to keep me hooked for the 10 hours it took to finish. And when the credits rolled, I just sat in thought on how cool of an experience Cloudpunk is - far more than I ever expected to get when I first put the disc in. This game has heart, and it beats to a synth wave rhythm that’s weird and wonderful.

We all know the disaster that was cyberjunk 2077, so lets not even talk about that one. Well, here is cloudpunk, which is what we all wanted. A game based on a futuristic blade-runner type city, great stories to follow, great backgrounds and most important, it doesn't crash. Yes the graphics are somewhat pixelated, then again graphics DO NOT make a game. In this city you get to deliver items, kind of what the guys with the U driving a brown truck do. But is the interaction with the characters that keeps you going, and sometimes you discover new characters and it ads up to NEW stories which are fun to investigate. Flying across the city in your vehicle is fun and i wish it had a VR mode. Great Indie game to collect, get it while you can on this low price. Great hidden gem.

This is such a cozy game. Exploring the city, embracing the lights and music while learning so much from the NPCs.

Cool sci-fi driving indie game. Really good story, atmosphere and graphics. Great characters and narrative!

Controls are a bit hard to get used to. Game looks as if it could spend some more time in the "graphics" oven. The 2D scrolling during most of the game play feels a bit awkward. I was a bit disappointed, but I had not researched this game, at all, before purchase....so.