A Night In Berlin
- August 6, 2020
- UnliminaSoftware
"A Night in Berlin" is a free-to-play third-person shooter set in a retro-inspired Berlin of 2024. Play as three MI6 agents with unique abilities, engaging in fast-paced, high-stakes combat where one shot can be the difference between life and death. Explore eight different environments with a soundtrack of 10 full-length synth-wave and EDM tracks.
Reviews
- The game offers a challenging and rewarding experience, reminiscent of classic titles like Hotline Miami.
- The visuals and soundtrack create an engaging atmosphere that enhances the gameplay.
- It's a free game that provides a unique blend of action and strategy, with different characters offering varied playstyles.
- The game suffers from inconsistent enemy AI and hitbox issues, making it frustratingly difficult at times.
- Many players find the lack of checkpoints and the trial-and-error nature of the gameplay to be overly punishing.
- Controls can be unresponsive, particularly with melee attacks, leading to frequent and unfair deaths.
- story46 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as minimal and difficult to follow, with many players expressing a desire for more depth and expansion. While some find the narrative intriguing and rewarding once all intel is collected, others criticize it for being underwhelming and lacking coherence, particularly in the later missions. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, which is often highlighted as the main draw of the experience.
“The story is pure genius with an ending that no one would ever see coming.”
“Both story and gameplay are top notch and worth a playthrough.”
“A night in Berlin offers limitless replayability among the eight total missions.”
“There is very little story present in this game, and what story there is is extremely hard to follow.”
“Even after collecting intel, it's very difficult to understand any part of the story.”
“The lack of coherent storytelling also resulted in massive disappointment when I found out that levels 7 and 8 featured no actual gameplay, and were simply glorified cutscenes.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its responsive controls and enjoyable mechanics, with many players appreciating the challenge it presents, likening it to a "high risk/high reward" experience. However, some users noted issues with hitboxes, inconsistent mechanics, and a lack of checkpoints that can lead to frustration. Overall, while the game offers a fun and engaging experience, it may require patience and practice to fully appreciate its depth.
“The gameplay mechanics are a pure joy to use.”
“Gameplay-wise, it's a fast-paced stealth game of watching enemy patterns and being smart with your movement.”
“Very fun game with a PS1 feel to it, gameplay is really smooth and fluid.”
“Those issues, combined with the unrelenting pace, insta-kill mechanic, and lack of checkpoints make it pretty much impossible or at least difficult to the point of rage and frustration.”
“Sometimes games present you with difficult moments, and you cry 'bullshit!' because something doesn't quite feel right, like the game is being unfair or you're being messed around by janky mechanics.”
“The lack in coherent storytelling also resulted in massive disappointment/slight relief when I found out that levels 7 and 8 featured no actual gameplay, and were simply glorified cutscenes.”
- graphics31 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic, retro aesthetic reminiscent of PS1 and N64 visuals, which many players find charming and fitting for the game's atmosphere. While some reviews highlight the innovative and immersive quality of the graphics, others note that they may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking modern visuals. Overall, the unique art style and integration with the game's music and story contribute positively to the overall experience.
“A challenging game, with great music that pumps you up and visuals that definitely give a fitting vibe.”
“Upon opening this game, I was struck instantly with innovative cutting-edge graphics that made me feel as if I were the player in the streets of Berlin.”
“Don't let the PS1 graphics fool you, especially when you follow along with the story as you shoot your way through Berlin.”
“For a game that has the graphics look of a PS1, N64, and Saturn, it includes a small map.”
“Fun short little game, style and look definitely hit those PS1 era graphics they were going for.”
- music30 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its energetic and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the gameplay. Many players find the soundtrack to be a standout feature, with its techno and synthwave influences creating a fitting vibe for the game's aesthetic. However, some users noted that the repetitive nature of the music, especially after frequent deaths, can lead to it becoming tiresome over time.
“A challenging game, with great music that pumps you up and visuals that definitely give a fitting vibe.”
“The art style is cool, the voice acting is quirky and the music suits the theme very well - it all comes together to create an original yet familiar experience.”
“The soundtrack really gets you pumped up.”
“The music restarts when you die, and you'll die a lot, so it gets old pretty quick.”
“(On a quick footnote, I didn't have a section dedicated to the music because it lacked melody and memorability. It added a bit of atmosphere to the game, but did very little to improve my experience.)”
“The thing a lot of people mention is the music, which is a sort of hazy neon electronica that thickens the air around you; the way the music stops whenever you finish the level is certainly startling and abrupt.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted as both challenging and entertaining, with players finding particular enjoyment in comedic elements, such as a Bruce Lee lookalike and the absurdity of kiting enemies for comedic effect. Overall, the game balances intense gameplay with moments of humor, making it a memorable experience.
“A night in Berlin is a very challenging but hilarious and interesting game.”
“Especially the third stage with the Bruce Lee lookalike was quite funny.”
“The game doesn't really lean on you to do this; but it's just as intense and funny if you spend the whole time kiting enemies into doorways so you can spray them with gunfire.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, highlighting its intense difficulty and the frustration of near victories turning into crushing defeats. The game's design evokes a sense of perseverance akin to other challenging titles, driving players to repeatedly attempt levels despite the emotional toll. Additionally, the immersive graphics enhance the emotional experience, making players feel truly present in the game's environment.
“It made me feel exactly like Hotline did; every time I get closer and closer, it pushes me to try again and again.”
“Upon opening this game, I was struck instantly with innovative, cutting-edge graphics that made me feel as if I were the player in the streets of Berlin.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the game offers decent replayability, particularly through the varying levels of other characters and the inclusion of a speedrun mode. The intriguing yet concise story, along with collectible intel in levels, adds to the overall replay value.
“The other characters' levels are much more replayable as a result, and the variety adds to the experience.”
“A short and simple yet intriguing story, with added replayability due to the intel you can find in levels and the speedrun mode.”
“The other characters' levels are a lot more replayable as a result, but variety isn't exactly abundant.”
“A short and simple yet intriguing story and some replayability because of the intel you can find in levels and the speedrun mode.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as a gritty and chaotic blend reminiscent of a Takashi Miike film, enhanced by a nostalgic nod to PS1 aesthetics. While the music lacks memorability, it contributes to the overall mood, complementing the intense and challenging gameplay as players navigate a night of assassinations with unique characters. The experience is short but impactful, evoking a sense of nostalgia and urgency.
“It's basically what could produce a drunk Takashi Miike playing Hotline Miami with a PS1 in a bar in Berlin. A short experience but a challenging and bloody one, great mechanics, a good soundtrack that sets the mood, and a particular atmosphere. You are playing three skilled assassins with unknown motives that go into one night of killing. Each character has their own skills and weaknesses, but all have one life. See it like an action puzzle game that challenges your reflexes and, of course, your brain. It's free, well made, and touches your Saturn/PS1 nostalgia. Go play it!”
“On a quick footnote, I didn't have a section dedicated to the music because it lacked melody and memorability. It added a bit of atmosphere to the game, but did very little to improve my experience.”
“It's basically what could produce a drunk Takashi Miike playing Hotline Miami with a PS1 in a bar in Berlin. A short experience but a challenging and bloody one. Great mechanics, a good soundtrack that sets the mood, and a particular atmosphere. You are playing three skilled assassins with unknown motives that go into one night of killing. Each character has their own skills and weaknesses, but all have one life. See it like an action puzzle game that challenges your reflexes and, of course, your brain.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that the game's stability is hindered by buggy controls and issues with NPC hearing, which detracts from the overall experience. While some players find the challenges acceptable, improvements in these areas are necessary for a more polished gameplay experience.
“If the controls were less buggy, NPC hearing was fixed, and perhaps a realistic amount of ammo (not really a big issue at all honestly, I do like a challenge), it would be passable by my standards.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without losing hours of gameplay.”
“I experienced constant frame drops and stuttering, which severely impacted my overall enjoyment.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features impressive character development that enhances the overall experience, complemented by realistic graphics and challenging gameplay. Reviewers highly recommend it for its engaging narrative and character growth.
“Aaa game, great character development, realistic graphics, challenging levels, would recommend.”