Of course, the visual homage is just one aspect that nails the post-apocalyptic world to a T. Everything is bleak, run-down, as if it hasn’t been used in centuries. The worlds are large and nasty, but also have graces of subtle beauty hidden beneath the mangy exterior, such as…well actually its all pretty bleak. Attention to detail is key here, from rusting cars to abandoned buildings, the self-proclaimed “most powerful isometric engine ever used” is working overtime to bring a visual feast to your eyes. Dubbed IRIS, it does have some pretty nifty effects for an “old school” 2D game, such as dynamic lighting, rain, fog, smoke, and a host of impressive explosive effects. I almost prefer this look to the flashier, yet not as intricate polygon-based designs. Sprites for the win people! At times it can bog down when the action heats up, but it should still run smooth on most rigs out there. The loading times are a pain too, but just think of this as a time to ponder your next move in this decrepit land.
Character designs are also pretty interesting, if a bit repetitive. The 4 main characters all have enough life put into them to make the grade, but the enemies seem to be clones (hey it’s 2083 - they just might be clones). Basically, the visuals are a mix of Diablo 2 and Fallout, with some recent graphical advancements thrown in.
The sounds help to match the futuristic ambiance as well. It’s a solid techno beat and should keep you grooving right along as you go about your nefarious errands. The voices leave a lot to be desired however, some very wacky and out of place dialogue here. This may be due to the fact it was German translated into English, or so I am told (Master Creating is based in Germany).
