Dex

Dex isn't an especially original game. The story is pretty much a default cyberpunk plot, with the Evil Corporation (TM) vs. the good hackers. And the gameplay isn't especially amazing - it's nice but it's basically a 2D platformer style with some Metroidvania elements and a mediocre combat system (the melee fights are especially tedious, since there's very little variety to them). However, what really made this game work for me was how much it felt like an RPG of old. The world is full of secondary characters ready to drop side quests that are rich and complex; exploration pays off and returns a lot of perks and EXP - which then of course results in you being able to level up, increasing both your abilities and stats in many directions, transforming you into a powerhouse by the end of the game. The hacking sequences work like a twin-stick shooter - they're not the top of creativity but they can be fun. As a general rule the game becomes much better as you expand your toolset of moves and tricks, because at that point you really have multiple strategies to approach the same problems. You can be clever, sneaky, use your hacking abilities, go in guns blazing or simply pummel everyone to death with your bare (if possibly cyber-augmented) fists. This all works quite well, making the game a fun romp. Maybe you'll appreciate it more if you like the genre - and by this I mean western RPGs even more than action/platformers/metroidvania - but on sale it's probably a worthy buy for anyone.

A good combination of story line, side-scrolling action, stealth, Dex impressed as an indie cyberpunk game. Being familiar with the tropes but never really having explored the genre much, it felt like a safe introduction to the tried and tested formula of future dystopia blessed and cursed by advanced technology and the moral struggles that come with the question of what it is to be human. The combat action's fast-paced and just challenging enough to feel satisfying without making you want to smash the mouse/keyboard combo. Experienced games may find it a little on the easy side, but choosing between melee, ranged and sneak attacks is only part of the game. There are plenty of puzzles and a good few platformer sections to keep you occupied, as well as a huge cast of voice-acted characters to interact with. All of these things can be influenced by buying character and weapon upgrades, though you have to make difficult choices over which buff you think would be the most useful - your slots are limited and permanent. The hacking mini game sections provide another layer of challenge, and while I usually detest non-optional mini games (mad skillz; I does not have them) these ones were just about right once you got the hang of it. The music and pixel art style is another high point amid the snappy, gritty, and sometimes emotional writing. Oh, the ending... The only down side was that, as time went on and side quests to level became order of the day, my interest started to wane. You probably could complete the game without gaining the extra cash/skills/levels, but part of the game's charm is the ability to explore everything. Caution: may cause a serious case of FOMO. Overall a fun if surprisingly serious game.

I own this game on Steam, but I'll be leaving my review here as this little gem is worth getting some extra attention. This entire game is a tribute to classic cyberpunk in the style of Blade Runner. The aesthetic, the plot, the characters - they're tropey as all hell, but that's exactly what the game is after. It's a near perfect encapsulation of that 80s/90s vision of a dystopian future. Mechanically the game is reminiscent of a 2D platforming version of Deus Ex. You'll use dialogue, hacking, and stealth to negotiate the game's many puzzles. The game also rewards you for exploration, as the world is remarkably fleshed out with notable side characters and plots that you can discover all on your own. The voice acting is also a definite surprise given the indie status of the game and lends the game quite a bit of polish. If you're a fan of the cyberpunk subgenre, this is a must play.

Great game! Got my money's worth. :) Music was excellent. I especially liked the music for the Downtown area. I experienced slowdown in some areas (e.g. Chinese Quarter). But maybe that's because I was running it in 1080p on an anemic 740M card. Game gets easier though the farther you progress even in Classic difficulty. But I built my character like a tank. She can't shoot to save her life but she sure packs a punch!

Let me get one thing out of the way: I did enjoy this game and I think it's worth both your time and your money, to a point. Dex is a game that has potential and is very funny to play, but stops a bit short from being great. The story is good and hit all the classic cyberpunk marks. It can a bit too formulaic here and there, but the writers clearly know what they're working with. I enjoyed that the protagonist is "special", but this doesn't amount to much without some serious backup items and skilled gameplay. The voice acting is perfect, eahc and every NPC I met was instantly recognizable and unique. I really wished there were more cutscenes. The plaforming element is prefectly serviceable and it doesn't get in the way of the story. The one thing I really didn't enjoy all that much is that some sections rely heavily on combat and that part is not well executed. While there are several options the game severely lack in non-lethal ones, for those who want to be more stealthy, and there are a few dirty tricks that can be exploited over and over again to gain a massive advantage, even against the few bosses. Overall it's an admirable effort and I think a good show of skill, especially considering how small the original budget was.