Nobody Wants To Die, developed by Critical Hit Games and published by PLAION, isn’t a new James Bond spin-off. Instead, it plunges players into a futuristic version New York City in the year 2329 for some detective work. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, this first-person detective adventure aims to modernize the genre with its innovative mechanics and an immersive narrative – here’s our take on the PS5 version.
Set in a dystopian future where technology has advanced to the point of offering eternal life to those who can afford it, the game centers around Detective James Karra of the “Mortality Department”. Players take on Karra’s role as he investigates a series of murders targeting the city’s elite, committed by an elusive serial killer who is seeking eternal life for himself. This premise, while rich in potential from a sci-fi and philosophical perspective, occasionally falls into familiar tropes, though it manages to keep players engaged with its dark, noir-inspired storytelling.
One of the most striking aspects of Nobody Wants To Die is its use of futuristic technology within the game world. Players utilize time manipulation, x-ray vision, and other advanced tools to reconstruct crime scenes and piece together clues. These mechanics are reminiscent of the crime scene investigations in games like Batman: Arkham Origins (which the developers mention as a source of inspiration), but with a futuristic twist that makes them feel fresh and engaging. The ability to manipulate time, for example, adds a unique layer to the detective work, allowing players to see events unfold and catch details that would otherwise be missed.
The game’s control scheme on the PlayStation 5 is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate through its complex environments and interact with various elements. However, there are moments where the controls can feel a bit clunky, particularly during more intricate sequences that require precise timing and movement. This minor issue, while not game-breaking, can occasionally pull players out of the immersive narrative experience.
Visually, Nobody Wants To Die is a showcase for current gen systems. Utilizing the power of Unreal Engine 5, the game boasts photorealistic graphics that bring its dystopian vision of New York to life. The attention to detail in the environments, from the neon-lit streets to the high-tech crime scenes, is impressive and adds to the overall noir atmosphere. The character models and animations are also top-notch, contributing to the game’s immersive storytelling. The audio design complements everything perfectly, with a moody, atmospheric soundtrack and high-quality voice acting that enhance the narrative depth.
But despite its obvious strengths, Nobody Wants To Die isn’t perfect either. The narrative, while compelling, occasionally veers into predictable territory, and some plot twists can be seen coming from a distance. Additionally, the pacing of the story can be uneven at times, with moments of intense investigation followed by slower, less engaging segments. These issues, however, are relatively minor and do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
In conclusion, Nobody Wants To Die is a standout title in the detective genre with its futuristic setting, offering an immersive and visually stunning experience. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with a rich narrative and high production values, make it a must-play for fans of noir and/or sci-fi detective stories. While it has a few minor shortcomings, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, ensuring that players will be thoroughly engaged from start to finish.
Score: 8.2/10
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