Pixel Noir
- June 7, 2019
- SWDTech Games
Get on Steam"Pixel Noir" is a narrative-driven, retro-style detective game where you play as a discredited former cop seeking redemption. Operating out of a run-down apartment, you'll take on various cases as a private eye, from simple missing pet requests to gruesome murder investigations. Navigate the seedy underworld of Pinnacle City, a hub of criminal activity and corruption, to uncover the truth, clear your name, and maybe even regain your sanity.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game features a gripping story with intriguing characters and a unique noir atmosphere that keeps players engaged.
- The developers are responsive and actively work on fixing bugs, which enhances the overall experience.
- The retro pixel art style and engaging turn-based combat system evoke nostalgia and provide a fun gameplay experience.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches, including game-breaking issues that can hinder progress.
- Combat can feel tedious due to long enemy encounters and the mechanic of enemies respawning, making exploration frustrating.
- The battle system relies heavily on timed inputs, which can be overwhelming and detracts from the enjoyment of combat.
- story86 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it intriguing and engaging, particularly appreciating its detective noir and Lovecraftian elements. While some praise the writing and character development, others feel the narrative can be linear and overly guided, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the story's potential for replayability through branching paths and its nostalgic homage to classic JRPGs resonate well with fans of the genre.
“The story is very intriguing and makes me want to play to see what is going on.”
“Great story and writing, which is really the most important part to these types of games, so they did a good job here.”
“The plot is so gripping - I'm so invested in what's happening to the main character, and what's going on in the story.”
“Got softlocked because plot-critical enemies refuse to spawn.”
“Every time I interact with a marker for said story case, I get a crash... frustrating :/ so the story is stuck and I cannot continue.”
“The game as it stands holds your hand heavily as it leads you through this story which can get a bit old and feels forced.”
- graphics34 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the charming pixel art and nostalgic retro style reminiscent of SNES and Sega titles. While some players find the visuals smooth and engaging, others have reported issues such as graphical glitches and performance stuttering. Overall, the graphics are seen as a strong point that complements the game's intriguing storyline and engaging soundtrack.
“The good: great pixel artwork (though very mismatched with the cut scenes), good music and the story is fresh and engaging.”
“Music is good, visuals are insanely pleasing and it doesn't just look like a modern take on retro - it looks and feels like a SNES/Sega title.”
“I’m actually pretty invested in the story, but the art style is what initially drew me to the game, and man it does not disappoint.”
“From game freezing, progress locking, graphical glitching, performance stuttering mess, pixel noir is the complete package of issues.”
“Instead, we have a game and structure that flows well in the present time despite 8-bit graphics!!”
“But the graphics and style take me back to my days of Shadowrun on the SNES.”
- gameplay28 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Pixel Noir features a basic loop centered around exploration and grinding, which some players find enjoyable initially but tedious after a certain point. While the combat mechanics are considered simple, with timely hits being a core feature, the game compensates with a rich narrative and intriguing world. However, the inclusion of certain mechanics has drawn criticism, suggesting that improvements could elevate the overall experience.
“I enjoyed the basic gameplay loop and didn't mind the emphasis the game puts on exploration and grinding to get higher levels.”
“The battle mechanics are very well done; I absolutely loved what I have gotten to play.”
“What the game doesn't offer in terms of combat mechanics (JRPG players will find combats quite simple), it provides more than triple in the story, world, intrigue, and graphics.”
“However, after chapter 5, I started to find the gameplay loop very tedious.”
“It's downright horrific how someone could include this garbage in a game built on classical JRPG mechanics.”
“The inclusion of an option to turn these horrific mechanics off would catapult this game from barely playable to a mediocre, perhaps even good little indie game.”
- music28 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised as one of its standout features, with many reviewers considering it among the best soundtracks in indie gaming. While some may find the music generic when isolated, it is noted to perfectly complement the game's atmosphere and enhance emotional engagement. The sound design is also highlighted for its immersive qualities, further enriching the overall experience.
“The music is phenomenal - it really enhances the emotions and the stakes of the situations, and I love the main theme.”
“Came for the art style and setting, stayed for the amazing soundtrack!”
“The music, if separated from the game, may sound generic to some, but in the game, it fits the world like a glove.”
“Restarted the game and tried to load my saves and now it just gets me to a black screen with music playing.”
“- get some other music”
- grinding26 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
Reviews on the grinding aspect of the game are mixed; while some players enjoy the exploration and leveling up, many find the grinding tedious and repetitive, especially after a certain point in the game. The battles are often described as boring, detracting from the overall experience, and some players feel that better battle options could improve the gameplay significantly. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate light RPG-style grinding, but it may frustrate players seeking a more dynamic experience.
“However, after chapter 5, I started to find the gameplay loop very tedious.”
“The game loop lost all fun and was just tedious, grinding to get higher levels in order to survive against the bosses, picking up some glass cannon additional party members who are weak and require more grinding to level up.”
“It's tedious as heck to battle - if they add better battle options then I could recommend the game, but as it is I can't recommend such a painful slog.”
- stability16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game's stability is severely criticized, with numerous reports of game freezes, crashes, and a plethora of glitches that hinder gameplay. Many users describe it as unfinished and unpolished, warning potential buyers to avoid it unless they are willing to tolerate significant bugs and invest time in hopes of future improvements. Overall, the consensus is that the game is plagued by stability issues that detract from the experience.
“I previously stated that the game is bug-free.”
“I previously stated that the game is bug-free.”
“Unless you don't mind game-locking bugs, tons of glitches and issues, and you're willing to invest and waste time/money for the potential of a solid game sometime down the road - do not purchase this game.”
“The game is unfinished, unpolished, and buggy.”
“The game seems like it could be great but it's very buggy.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its uniqueness and engaging vibe, complemented by solid writing and incredible music. Players express a strong desire to explore the richly crafted environment, even when progress is hindered, indicating that the atmosphere significantly enhances their overall experience. Overall, it is seen as a standout feature that shows great promise.
“The atmosphere and music are incredible.”
“Highly unique atmosphere for this style of experience and love my characters.”
“The writing is solid, the atmosphere is fantastic, I really dig the vibe.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in Pixel Noir is characterized by its quirky, modern setting and playful references, which contribute to an enjoyable experience. Unlike many games that rely on forced jokes, Pixel Noir embraces a goofy and fun approach, successfully delivering humor that resonates with players. Overall, the game's attention to detail enhances the comedic elements as players explore its vibrant world.
“It has a fun, modern setting, quirky humor and references, as well as a lot of detail to appreciate as you walk the streets and enter people's homes and buildings.”
“Pixel Noir has good humor because it just attempts to be goofy and fun, instead of trying to turn it into an open mic night.”
“On the note of humor, a lot of games have horrible humor that is more of 'I bet everyone will think this is funny if I say it out loud' but ends up falling flat.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, as many players feel it loses momentum after the halfway point. Although it lacks multiple endings, the branching storyline allows for some exploration of different decisions, providing a slight incentive for replay.
“Game runs out of steam and replayability hard after the halfway act.”
“While the story does not have multiple endings, it does have a branching storyline; so it has some replayability if you would like to see how a decision would have turned out differently.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is heavily criticized, with users reporting severe issues such as game freezing, progress locking, and graphical glitches, leading to a stuttering experience. While some minor performance problems occur during intense moments, players remain hopeful for future fixes as the game is still in its early stages.
“From game freezing, progress locking, graphical glitching, performance stuttering mess, Pixel Noir is the complete package of issues.”
“Minor performance issues, especially when being chased by enemies (will probably be fixed at some point, the game is young!).”
