Quite often I’ll go back to one of my favourite consoles and wonder why there weren’t more titles in said genre – Landstalker springs to mind! - as they nail a niche that feels like there are deeper depths to be plumbed.
Back in 1990, Dick Tracy on the Mega Drive was the first time I played a game that melded both side-scrolling action and gallery shooter mechanics, and despite its flaws it remains a strong title in the MD library for me; not only because of its awesome music, noir atmosphere and presentation, but because it felt truly different on Sega’s awesome 16-bit machine.
Cue Neon Inferno. Yes, there have obviously been other titles in this dual genre over the years, but since the 16-bit heyday, I can’t recall too many games that blended these genres so well.
Cue Neon Inferno. Yes, there have obviously been other titles in this dual genre over the years, but since the 16-bit heyday, I can’t recall too many games that blended these genres so well.
Beginning with an absolutely gorgeous cyberpunk introduction with an anime visual style, we are introduced to the two main playable characters, Angelo Morano – an assassin for the mafia, and Mariana Vitti, a petty thief.
Alone or together – dependent on how many players are available – these two then take on corrupt cops and rival gangs in a high-octane, arcade blast through New York in 2055. Think constant smoking, endless night, heavy rain, metallic cityscapes, intense music, and lots and lots of bullets.
The game allows you to choose your next mission as well as which upgrades you’ll be able to use for the next stage, adding a touch of personalisation to the proceedings but make no mistake, this is a pure arcade thrill ride through and through.
The game allows you to choose your next mission as well as which upgrades you’ll be able to use for the next stage, adding a touch of personalisation to the proceedings but make no mistake, this is a pure arcade thrill ride through and through.
In fact, it’s this aspect that may put a few folks off, as the level of challenge is not shy. Whilst you’ll kick things off by learning the ropes, with dodge mechanics and the basics laid out for you. After a short while, you will be deflecting bullets in slow motion, countering, and balancing movement fire with static fire on two plains of action – and this only gets more frantic with bosses, vehicular levels and a second player doubling the craziness on screen.
SUMMARY
Neon Inferno is a title that brings back a niche genre that very much appeals to me, and the beautiful blend of pixel art with more modern graphic sensibilities, and a truly pulse-pounding soundtrack means that it’s a game that pops off the screen.
Neon Inferno is a title that brings back a niche genre that very much appeals to me, and the beautiful blend of pixel art with more modern graphic sensibilities, and a truly pulse-pounding soundtrack means that it’s a game that pops off the screen.
Mid-level bonuses and weapon drops would have a been cool to see, but the personality of each stage and the sheer pace of everything will keep you glued to the screen throughout as you learn patterns and fend off hundreds of foes.
A very cool title that deserves to be inhaled by the classic action lovers out there.
8.5/10
🆒COOL🆒
(also available on PS4/5, Switch, Windows)
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Developer – Zenovia Interactive
Publisher – Retroware
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