Nobody Wants to Die Review – The Meaning of Life

Nobody Wants to Die Review – The Meaning of Life

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must confess that I’ve played my fair share of narrative-driven adventure games. But none have left me as intrigued and captivated as Nobody Wants to Die. This game is a masterclass in storytelling and world-building, one that resonates deeply with my love for the cyberpunk genre.


In the intricately crafted universe of cyberpunk, several significant topics surface. These include political decay and the widening socio-economic gap. Yet, what truly sets cyberpunk apart are its reflections on existence and mortality. Shows like “Altered Carbon” and games such as “Cyberpunk 2077,” particularly through the interactions between protagonist V and Johnny Silverhand in the latter, masterfully explore these profound themes.

Nobody Wants to Die‘s desire to be recognized as a significant cyberpunk story is evident, as it tackles various themes including politics, commerce, and the spiritual. This narrative adventure game disguised as an investigative title invites players to unravel cyberpunk mysteries by solving puzzles.

Let’s discuss the gameplay in “Nobody Wants to Die” later, but first, I must emphasize its visual appeal. This game is strikingly beautiful. As you launch a new game, be prepared to be captivated by an enchanting portrayal of New York City in 2329. Drawing inspiration from classics like “Blade Runner” and “Cyberpunk 2077,” the future in “Nobody Wants to Die” is characterized by a skyline adorned with neon lights that pierce through dense smog and haze, resulting from environmental degradation. The game further immerses you in its noir aesthetic as all action unfolds under the cover of night.

At crime scenes and on a smaller scale, the game “Nobody Wants to Die” maintains an impressive visual appeal. Meticulous care has been given to seemingly insignificant details, enhancing the title’s storytelling through its immersive environment. The fastidious attention to small environmental objects is essential for one of the key gameplay mechanics in “Nobody Wants to Die,” which we will discuss shortly.

Let’s discuss the gameplay experience now. Contrary to what may seem at first glance, Nobody Wants to Die is not primarily about using your own detective skills to solve mysteries. Instead, it’s more akin to a classic point-and-click adventure game. In this game, you won’t have the freedom to fail in your deductions because the storyline is carefully planned out. This becomes apparent right from the start when you can’t explore freely or navigate around the vibrant city of New York. Instead, you select locations by scanning the skyline and pressing a button, which causes your car to fly there gradually.

Nobody Wants to Die Review – The Meaning of Life

Smaller details, which typically don’t require user interaction, have been meticulously designed.

As someone who grew up playing classic adventure games from LucasArts and Sierra, I was pleasantly surprised by “Nobody Wants to Die.” At first, the idea of very limited gameplay might have sounded off-putting to me, but after giving it a chance, I found myself immersed in a throwback experience that felt both nostalgic and fresh.

During your examination of a crime scene, you’ll come across crucial pieces of evidence that help piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crime. The intrigue deepens as you reconstruct the crime scene, and you may need to move back and forth in time while doing so to uncover fresh clues. In the game Nobody Wants to Die, which is presented from a first-person perspective, this requires you to explore your rebuilt crime scenes from various viewpoints to discover new hints. Fortunately, there’s also a helpful hint button that reveals what you need to interact with next to advance further in the investigation.

As a fan, I find the Reconstruction mechanic absolutely captivating. The ability to leap through time is not only functional but visually stunning. Time travel transitions are smoothly animated, adding a touch of elegance and excitement. For instance, watching an explosion rewind and then fast-forward again in a trail of colorful sparks is a real treat!

Nobody Wants to Die Review – The Meaning of Life

The experience of playing is primarily focused on uncovering the depths of a massive conspiracy, layer by layer.

In the game “Nobody Wants to Die, players are constantly faced with making decisions that influence the story’s outcome. Ranging from trivial responses to significant choices, such as whether to destroy incriminating evidence implicating corrupt politicians and business leaders. Each decision aligns perfectly with detective James Karra’s character.

In the intriguing opening of “Nobody Wants to Die,” a murder occurs that defies logic in this unique world where wealth permits one to transfer their consciousness into a new body after death. As an employee at the Mortality Department, Karra is covertly assigned to probe this enigma. Upon examining the crime scene, serving as the initial instructional phase for the game’s “investigative” features, she discovers that this victim’s demise is irreversible. With mounting proof suggesting foul play and the imminent arrival of federal investigators, Karra must urgently escape the crime scene to avoid being wrongly implicated in the heinous act.

In “Nobody Wants to Die,” writing plays a powerful role. It skillfully constructs an engrossing universe – one marked by an intensified divide between wealth and poverty. This intriguing setting raises challenging queries about surviving in such a reality. The game doesn’t flinch from exploring the political ramifications of its central themes, like the loss of personal body ownership. As a result, even casual conversations among characters become thought-provoking.

Nobody Wants to Die Review – The Meaning of Life

“The game doesn’t shy away from the political implications of several of its key plot points”

James Karra is an intriguing figure, having survived “the accident” yet grappling with the aftermath that leaves his mind in a fragile state. His thoughts are frequently invaded by vivid images of a woman, believed to have once been his significant other. To alleviate this mental turmoil, Karra often turns to forbidden substances, which are now prohibited due to the demand for flawless bodies to be sold on the black market.

As a gamer, I’d say: Nobody Wants to Die is an exceptional entry into the cyberpunk genre that doesn’t shy away from tackling the gritty socio-economic and political issues of Critical Hit Games’ world. In fact, it embraces them, making for a more captivating and enjoyable exploration. The game presents a complex protagonist with enough internal struggles that every pivotal choice feels like something he would do. Plus, an intriguing mystery unfolds from the get-go, making this narrative adventure game a must-play for anyone craving a thought-provoking gaming experience.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in various video games throughout my life, I have come to appreciate the unique experiences each one offers. However, I must confess that there is a certain type of game which, while not without its merits, doesn’t quite resonate with me in the same way as those that allow for greater freedom and exploration.

This game was reviewed on PlayStation 5.

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2024-07-22 16:13