Nobody Wants to Die review - a noiry cyberpunk tale told beautifully

Jul 27, 2024

Nobody Wants to Die by Critical Hit Games is a noiry cyberpunk game set in a dystopian New York, featuring guided investigations and a compelling story.

Nobody Wants to Die review - a noiry cyberpunk tale told beautifully

: Nobody Wants to Die is a cyberpunk detective game by Critical Hit Games, set in a dystopian 2329 New York. The protagonist, James Karra, navigates a world where immortality is attainable at a high societal cost. Guided investigations that use tools like a time-manipulation bracelet keep players engaged. The narrative explores themes relevant to present-day issues, from wealth inequality to the commodification of human bodies.

Nobody Wants to Die, developed by Critical Hit Games and published by Plaion, is a compelling cyberpunk detective game. Set in New York circa 2329, the game introduces immortality through a substance called ichorite but with a dystopian twist: you rent your body, and failing to pay results in your body being auctioned off.

Protagonist James Karra, a former baseball player turned detective, investigates murders using a time-manipulation bracelet and other tools. The game guides players through investigations, providing an engaging yet highly directed experience, while also offering moral conundrums and dialogue choices.

Rich in atmosphere and visual design, the game contrasts grand dystopian themes with mundane realities, making its world deeply immersive. Though built on established tropes, its relevance to current societal issues, like healthcare access and economic disparity, adds weight to its narrative. The short runtime of five to six hours keeps the story tight and encourages replayability.