Dreadlocks and Badlands Games have a new game to immerse yourself in if you are a fan of Cyberpunk / Futuristic Dystopian type adventures. Dex is a 2D Action / Adventure RPG platformer, and while that sounds like a long title, it is very precise. Take a look at the official trailer before I delve deep into this world.
Quick Navigation
Dex Story
Dex takes place in a future where crime, poverty, filth, and little chance of survival plague the outskirts of the town.
The opposite side of the coin, the wealthier districts, is full of skyscrapers and bustling businesses, like many Dystopian tales. The game follows Dex, for whom the game is named, and her band of lovable characters, the mysterious Raycast, the father-like Decker, and the comic hacker Tony, who help Dex fight dangerous gangs, expose corporate secrets, immerse themselves in the depths of cyberspace, and develop the skills of Dex.
The story begins with a mysterious voice awakening Dex (Raycast) and having her escape people trying to kill her, and having her find Decker.
We find out that she is unique because she can connect to C-space (cyberspace) without a jack installed in her body, unlike most humans. The Complex is out to kill her because she may be the seed of a strong AI known as Kether, which survives.
Although the plot of the main story is very intriguing, like a real RPG, the side quests are almost equally fascinating. From a news reporter trying to uncover a conspiracy in a restaurant to an obsessed fan who’s threatening a famous lounge singer.
Dex Gameplay
Dex can be equipped with body augmentations as you go through the main story that will allow you to “jump higher, run faster, deduce faster, and kick-ass harder.” This allows you to really take on the difficulty that awaits you. The game is challenging and because I was not careful in the fighting sections, I found myself doing parts a few times more than often. It’s a little slow to level up, but this makes you think carefully as you select your upgrades. The stealthy assassin, the gunner, the brawler, the hacker, the thief, the smooth talker or a combination of choices can be your choice. I found myself creating and having the time of my life as a brawler / thief / hacker.
The Augmented Reality portions of the game were one of Dex’s best game mechanics. Hacking plays a huge role and it reminds me of I Made A Game With Zombies In It, one of the best indie games I have ever played.
If you’ve never played it before, it’s a lot like Halo: Spartan Assault. It’s a top-down shoot’em up either way. This section is incredibly fun and colorful despite its simple graphics and can be very difficult even with an upgraded hacking mechanic.
There are many ways that Dex can be played and the result can change the overtime you play. Side quests have multiple endings, conversations can change depending on your choice of words, depending on how you choose to fight, battlegrounds can be overwhelming, and so many other things can happen. There is also a lot to explore, despite its side-scrolling essence. There are hidden coves in sewers, buildings, and streets, all of which lead you somewhere new.
I found myself trying to explore every inch, whether it be treasures to find, battles to take part in, or just your doom. Despite being covered in trash, the game is beautiful. The lighting in the game creates an incredible atmosphere. And I found myself laughing as part of the dialogue more than once. For instance, “I guess it’s time for the Borgs and the Bees chat,” when Decker is trying to explain to Dex about “plugging in,” just nerdy inside jokes that made me chuckle.
Overall
This game is a wonderful, intriguing look at the cyberpunk genre. It is entirely worth your time, beautifully made, and fun to play with. Either the tale, the action, the puzzles, the treasure hunting, the augmentations, or just all of it, you will find some enjoyment. Dex and her team who help you are beautifully written, fully voiced, and sometimes a little weird (you’ll know what I mean when you meet Dr. Niles). There’s really nothing bad to say about this game. I would say sometimes the controls were a bit confusing if I had to give it one cretic. Shooting with the gun mechanic is also a bit sensitive and sometimes difficult to aim. It’s that.
So, jump into the Harbor Prime streets and escape from The Complex. You can find Dex for $19.99 now on your PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. On PlayStation 4 in select territories, there will also be a physical release. It is expected that the PlayStation Vita and Wii U versions will arrive later this year. Check out some additional screenshots below.