Nobody Wants To Die encompasses all the classic elements of detective noir in one game. You step into the shoes of a hard-boiled detective with a troubled past and a penchant for alcohol. Teamed up with a partner, you navigate the murky waters of a murder case that exposes the city’s deep-seated moral corruption. Set against the backdrop of perpetually rainy New York City, it feels like a tribute to the film noir crime dramas of the mid-1900s.
While the game initially appears to follow the tropes of the genre, it surprises players by seamlessly blending cyberpunk elements with a gritty 1940s aesthetic. Despite some flaws, Nobody Wants To Die kept me engaged from beginning to end.
Back to the future
Transporting us to the year 2329, Nobody Wants To Die introduces James Karra alongside his wife, Rachel, in a vintage 1940s car. However, a sudden glitch reveals the futuristic setting with flying cars, reminiscent of Blade Runner. This unexpected twist immediately piques curiosity and sets the stage for a narrative that defies expectations.
In this future New York, issues like capitalism and corporate greed persist, compounded by a society where immortality is attainable through body subscriptions. The game cleverly critiques these themes, portraying a world where the affluent prolong their lives by exploiting the less fortunate. This juxtaposition of advanced technology with timeless human dilemmas adds depth to the narrative.
As James navigates this dystopian reality in a new body, the game delves into existential discussions, offering poignant reflections on mortality and human nature. These moments elevate Nobody Wants To Die beyond its genre conventions, making it a compelling experience.
I’ll be your guide
Gameplay-wise, players assume James’s role in investigating crime scenes using futuristic tools like the Reconstructor gauntlet. This device allows him to revisit events and uncover vital clues, supplemented by X-ray and UV light gadgets for thorough examination.
While the game excels in creating immersive crime scenes, it falls short by overly guiding players through investigations with little room for exploration. The lack of a fail state diminishes the challenge, steering the experience more towards passive observation than active deduction.
Despite this drawback, the storyline remains engaging, with multiple endings adding replay value. The narrative twists and emotional depth make each playthrough rewarding, even if subsequent iterations lose some allure.
Ultimately, Nobody Wants To Die captivates with its clever storytelling, evocative setting, and stylish presentation. While it doesn’t revolutionize the detective noir genre, its blend of familiar tropes with futuristic elements creates a unique and memorable gaming experience.
Nobody Wants to Die is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
