From stealth-based games like Foreclosed to the dual-stick shooter The Ascent, this year has seen an influx of cyberpunk shooters. These games typically feature relentless firefights set against backdrops of neon-soaked billboards, towering metallic skyscrapers, and a heavy dose of randomly placed Asian-inspired motifs.
However, Gamedec sets itself apart from this trend. It embraces a no-combat philosophy, focusing instead on the crime fiction aspects of cyberpunk. Here, you play as a detective conducting genuine investigative work rather than resorting to gunplay. Your tasks involve searching for clues, making logical deductions, and drawing conclusions that shape your cases’ outcomes.
In this world, you’re not just any detective but a “gamedec,” a specialist who investigates crimes within virtual realities. By connecting to digital worlds like MMORPGs, you solve cases ranging from locating missing individuals to rescuing addicts overwhelmed by their excessive online presence. Your character’s abilities, shaped during creation, significantly influence how you navigate these scenarios.
While many cyberpunk games lean into flashy aesthetics and shallow spectacle, Gamedec offers a refreshing take on the genre. Neon lights still exist, but much of the game occurs indoors, away from relentless acid rain, or in virtual worlds far removed from reality. For example, Harvest Time, a farming game dressed in a Wild West theme, presents a sunny, idyllic contrast to the grim dystopia outside.
These virtual worlds form the core of Gamedec’s charm. Each digital realm is uniquely crafted, filled with personality and clever humor. In Harvest Time, for instance, you’ll endure the monotonous cycle of virtual farming, growing pumpkins, collecting shiny rewards, and being cheered on by an enthusiastic cowgirl. On the flip side, Twisted & Perverted, an adult-themed world, plunges you into morally dubious tasks like gratuitous violence for rewards—offering a satirical critique of grind-heavy gameplay.
Unlike many RPGs, Gamedec avoids grind mechanics. There’s no endless accumulation of gear, currency, or collectibles. Instead, the gameplay revolves around exploration and dialogue. You’ll examine objects, sift through personal belongings, and interrogate witnesses to gather intel before making deductions that influence your case conclusions.
One drawback during the review was the incomplete English translation of the original Polish text, particularly in the extensive codex entries. These entries, vital for understanding Gamedec’s complex realities, felt essential rather than optional lore. While the developers promised complete translations at launch, the lack of clarity in the review build hindered some of the investigative experience.
