DeadWire

About

DeadWire is a single player shooter game with a violence theme. It was developed by Shotgun Anaconda and was released on September 18, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Hack, link, and shoot in a fast-paced top-down cyberpunk shooter. Create devastating chain reactions to outwit enemies, break records and save your childhood mentor from a ruthless syndicate

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 20 reviews

gameplay7 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

Innovative mechanics combining tactical hacking with fast-paced twin-stick shooting, offering creative and strategic combat options.
Excellent cyberpunk aesthetic with detailed pixel-art visuals and an outstanding, immersive soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
Multiple approaches to levels with optional objectives and replay value, encouraging experimentation and rewarding skillful planning and execution.

Somewhat clunky hacking controls that require a learning curve, occasionally making it simpler to ignore the system and rely on run-and-gun tactics.
Technical issues including bugs with side objectives not registering and inconsistent achievement unlocking, which can undermine the sense of progression.
Difficulty is quite high and the pacing intense, which might deter players seeking more casual or snappy action-focused shooters.

gameplay
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
47%
16%
Deadwire offers fast-paced, challenging gameplay that combines classic top-down shooter action with a unique "rewire" hacking mechanic, encouraging creative, strategic play and puzzle-like problem solving. While its difficulty may be tough for casual players, the game’s fluid mechanics, clever level design, and tactical depth provide a fresh, engaging experience for fans of intense, skillful shooters.
- “Deadwire is a fast, stylish, and endlessly creative top-down action game that takes the best elements of tactical shooters and layers them with clever hacking mechanics.”
- “Gameplay is fast and once you get into it the linking mechanic allows you to be really creative and almost puzzle your way through levels.”
- “At first glance, the gameplay resembles classic top-down shooters: tight corridors, aggressive enemy AI, limited health, and split-second combat decisions.”
- “Although levels aren’t particularly large, they often include clever puzzle-like scenarios that make creative use of the hacking mechanic.”
- “It's hard, I'm dying a lot, but I've played each level differently every time I jump in because the variation in gameplay really works.”
music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
77%
23%
The music features a pulsing electronic and synth-driven soundtrack that effectively enhances the cyberpunk atmosphere and intensifies combat sequences. Reviewers consistently praise it as great, immersive, and energetic, contributing significantly to the game's fun and engaging experience.
- “The soundtrack complements the atmosphere with pulsing electronic and synth-driven tracks that heighten tension and momentum during combat sequences.”
- “Slick retro presentation with neon lit visuals, atmospheric sound design (and incredible soundtrack) and a sharp cyberpunk setting, Deadwire is as good to look at as it is to play, and as fantastic to listen to as it is to look at.”
- “The music also really helps set the scene and enhances the very cyberpunk-esque vibes.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The story is straightforward yet effective, providing enough engagement to make players care about the characters despite being in an action shooter. While some mission objectives and unlocks have issues with registration, the overall narrative and secondary goals enhance replayability and player investment.
- “Wasn't expecting to care so much about the characters and story in an action shooter, but it's actually quite the package!”
- “These secondary goals enhance replayability, encouraging players to revisit missions and refine their strategies.”
- “Some missions, such as completing a stage exclusively with a shotgun or destroying every stash of drugs, fail to register even after being fulfilled multiple times.”
- “Others may not unlock unless you proceed directly to the next mission, instead of returning to the main menu.”
- “The story is basic but does its job well without making things awkward.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics of Deadwire feature a gritty pixel-art style with strong cyberpunk influences, highlighted by neon-lit visuals and slick retro presentation. While the art style and atmospheric design are praised for their aesthetic appeal, some players find the busy screen occasionally hampers gameplay clarity. Overall, the visuals are engaging and complement the game's fluid experience.
- “Visually, Deadwire embraces a gritty pixel-art aesthetic infused with cyberpunk energy.”
- “Slick retro presentation with neon-lit visuals, atmospheric sound design (and incredible soundtrack) and a sharp cyberpunk setting, Deadwire is as good to look at as it is to play.”
- “Great art style.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
Replayability is enhanced through secondary goals, optional side objectives, unlockable weapons, and modifiers that encourage revisiting missions and refining strategies. However, some side objectives may not function properly, slightly impacting the experience. Overall, the game offers meaningful and varied replay value.
- “These secondary goals enhance replayability, encouraging players to revisit missions and refine their strategies.”
- “Beyond the core campaign, Deadwire offers meaningful replay value through unlockable weapons, modifiers, and optional challenges.”
- “Each stage includes optional side objectives to encourage replayability.”
- “Each stage includes optional side objectives to encourage replayability, but unfortunately, these don’t always function properly.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere is richly enhanced by a pulsing electronic and synth-driven soundtrack that heightens tension, paired with slick retro neon visuals and immersive sound design, creating a sharp and engaging cyberpunk setting.
- “The soundtrack complements the atmosphere with pulsing electronic and synth-driven tracks that heighten tension and momentum during combat sequences.”
- “Slick retro presentation with neon-lit visuals, atmospheric sound design, and an incredible soundtrack. Deadwire is as good to look at as it is to play, and as fantastic to listen to as it is to look at.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization is well-designed, with score-based incentives and time trials motivating players to perform precise and efficient runs for competitive rewards. This encourages skillful play and strategic improvement.
- “Score-based incentives and time trials encourage competitive optimization, rewarding players who can execute precise and efficient runs.”