4 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 2.3 hrs on record
Posted: Aug 7, 2024 @ 8:50pm
Updated: Feb 13 @ 6:48pm
Product received for free

Early Access Review
Welcome to a neon-soaked dystopia bursting with energy and oozing style. The pixel art is stunning, capturing the essence of classic shooters while adding a fresh, modern twist. The environments are richly detailed, with a combination of dark alleys, bustling streets, and high-tech facilities that truly bring the cyberpunk world to life. The lighting effects are particularly impressive, enhancing the atmosphere with a vivid, dynamic glow that immerses you in the setting. Vibes are immaculate.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3304949663

The combat is fast-paced and incredibly satisfying, with a perfect blend of old-school run-and-gun action and new-age mechanics. Each level is meticulously designed to challenge your reflexes and strategic thinking, with a diverse array of enemies that keep your reflexes sharp. The weapon variety is fantastic, ranging from powerful shotguns to high-tech energy weapons, allowing for plenty of experimentation and different playstyles. Each weapon feels distinct and impactful, making combat feel fresh and exciting throughout the game.

One of the standout features is the smooth movement system. Beyond Sunset embraces the fluidity of classic FPS games, allowing you to dodge, sprint, and jump with ease, adding a layer of agility that enhances combat and exploration. Mastering these mechanics is crucial, as enemies are relentless and demand quick reflexes and smart tactics to overcome.

Combat is visceral and bloody. Your trusty katana slices through a hundreds of enemies each 5 minutes or so, leaving a trace of severed limbs. Guns are satisfying to shoot (shoutout to the dev who made the shotgun).

The soundtrack is an absolute banger, perfectly complementing the game's frenetic pace and immersive atmosphere. It's a pulsating mix of synthwave and electronic beats that gets your adrenaline pumping and keeps you in the zone as you blast through hordes of enemies. The sound design, from the satisfying weapon effects to the ambient city noises, further adds to the immersion.

If there's one thing I'm on a fence about, it's Beyond Sunset's level structure and size. While I'm no stranger to oldschool/oldschool style FPS games such as DOOM, DUSK, BLOOD, QUAKE and their map designs, some maps in Beyond Sunset are confusing to me. Even in the first level, after blowing up some coolant canisters, I had to get to lower coolant room, so I've searched and searched and searched for the button to open the door, combing through a level multiple times, I couldn't find it. Door was simply closed. So I had to resort to cheating and clipped through the door with the help of noclip command. Was it a bug? Was it my own stupidity? I don't know, but it left an unpleasant feeling. Although, I have to admit, this was the only time I had to do somehing like this.


Carmack once said: "Story in a game is like a story in a porn movie. It's expected to be there, but it's not that important." Agree to disagree!

The story, while it's not gonna win any awards, is engaging, pulling you into a world filled with intrigue and mystery. As you progress, you'll uncover layers of narrative that add depth to the game's universe. Through conversations with intriguing characters and hidden lore scattered throughout the levels, the game slowly reveals a story about rebellion, corporate control, and the fight for identity in a technologically advanced world. These narrative elements add a meaningful context to your actions, making it more than just a shooter but an experience that resonates.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3304949615

Beyond Sunset's gameplay is interesting enough for newcomers while still providing some challenge for FPS veterans. The replayability is high, with secret areas and collectibles that encourage exploration and reward curiosity.

Overall, Beyond Sunset is a must-play for fans of retro FPS games and cyberpunk aesthetics. It successfully captures the spirit of its inspirations while carving out its own identity. The combination of stellar visuals, tight gameplay, and a captivating story makes it a standout title in the genre.

**Pros:**
- Gorgeous pixel art and atmospheric design
- Fast-paced, satisfying combat with fluid movement
- Excellent soundtrack that enhances the experience
- Engaging story and immersive world-building
- High replayability with secrets and collectibles

**Cons:**
- Level size and structure may confuse some people
- Some might find the difficulty spikes challenging
- Gamepad controls are sub-par

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If you love classic shooters and cyberpunk settings, do yourself a favor and dive into Beyond Sunset. You won't regret it!
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2 Comments
Je/s/us Aug 8, 2024 @ 5:05pm 
Thank you. It is fun.

I dunno, as I said, I checked every corner. :steamfacepalm:
janner66 Aug 8, 2024 @ 4:23pm 
Great review. Looks like a fun shooter.

Maybe there was a puzzle you missed with the coolant room. Hopefully, the dev will reply with the answers as it's even bugging me and I didn't play it! :lunar2019crylaughingpig: