Ruiner (2017)

This is a fast-paced twin-stick shooter set in the cyberpunk city of Rengkok, the game throws you into the role of a masked anti-hero fighting through hordes of enemies in a neon-drenched dystopia. The gameplay is its strongest element, with fluid combat that mixes quick dashes, melee strikes, and a variety of powerful weapons. Encounters are challenging, rewarding quick reflexes and smart use of the environment. Combined with responsive controls and a high skill ceiling, the action feels both brutal and exhilarating.

Visually, Ruiner is striking, its bold red-and-black color palette, heavy use of neon lights, and stylish character designs create an oppressive yet captivating atmosphere. The soundtrack, filled with pulsating electronic and industrial beats, perfectly complements the violent, chaotic gameplay, making every fight feel intense. Especially in the atmosphere and OST department, this game is heavily inspired by what Hotline Miami was trying to do, from the gameplay perspective, so if you like that kind of game I would heavily recommend this one.

Where Ruiner falters is in its story though, the narrative is minimal and often cliché, with underdeveloped characters and little emotional weight. Dialogue is sparse and the plot feels more like a backdrop for the action than a driving force. The game is short but tightly paced, while some may find it lacking in replay value, others will appreciate its focused, adrenaline-fueled experience. Overall, this is a stylish and visceral action game that excels in combat and atmosphere but struggles to deliver a memorable story.

I bought it at a discount on a whim, as I liked the aesthetic of the character and the visuals.

Ruiner is a short shmup-like game with a big arsenal. A lot of the weapons feel alike however, so while there are a lot of weapons, the variety isn't that big.

The game most likely won't knock you on your butt, but if you're craving some visually cool cyberpunk action, Ruiner has got you covered for 4-5 hours :)

Ruiner lets you redistribute skill points on the fly for free. For that alone it basically deserves 3 stars. All too many games lack you into a build or have prohibitively high costs for respeccing.

This game is like a cheaper, easier Hotline Miami. More accessible but not as unique. Combat is smooth and feels 'good'. Progression is steady and interesting. The world is a kinda generic but reasonably well done.

Ruiner is not my thing but it's really really solid.

This game pulled me in immediately on the first day of playing. It's kinda short. I didn't realize I was at the end of the game until I was visited by some characters stating it would be the last time we'd meet and all I could think was "already?" The story also left something to be desired. It's not bad, it just left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about the creeps, the club where you only really visit once for a mission, the hag, and more about Rengkok South as a whole. More about the girl in your head, who's been guiding you through the game. More story in general.

But enough about the marks against it.

I loved the atmosphere, the art style, the world building that was there... and that MUSIC! I really do need to find the soundtrack. [Edit: Bought it. Also, I found out why I love the soundtrack so much. Susumu Hirasawa, of Berserk fame, had a hand in it. I thought I recognized the vocals in the city hub. I even said during my stream that it gave me Zerk vibes 😆] I also appreciated the skill system and it not forcing me to deal with skills that I didn't end up liking. It also helped when I wanted to heal quickly by moving points to a self heal skill, using it, switching back, and topping up on energy before moving on. Though that wasn't always needed cause there were plenty of health and energy chargers around arenas.

Combat was very twin stick, but I preferred K&M over controller for this one. I also noticed that I favored melee instead of guns, though they where very useful with the right build. Hacking enemies was also really useful come endgame, but I won't talk more on that.

I'll say it again. I can see where some people came away thinking this game was bland, but I think it deserves more credit and I can see myself easily picking up a more fleshed out sequel.

Jesus this game is good... I don't have much to say other than the music, atmosphere, art style, and game play are f***ing good.

I'm noticing some more blasé reviews here, which they are entitled to have, but I'm not seeing it yet. Either I'll continue liking this more as I play or, like them, I'll grow out of that feeling fast. It's only day one.

More to come.

Ruiner feels like a contemporary cyberpunk Hotline miami in it's stylization and aesthetic. It initially impresses as it's greatest strength is it's style consisting of a general nice loud and flashy look and satisfactory sound and music. It plays much more like something chaotic such as magicka. (but it lacks the satisfaction, precision and elegance with either of those games) It's chief drawbacks are some of the game elements, balancing, and lack of voice acting, and the terrible gnawing feeling that one can't help but want a tighter more fluid game like Hotline Miami instead of something outright flashy. There are feeble attempts at world building and story that feel out of place and not very inspired.

ultimately if this looks interesting to someone they'd likely find it worth their time for the presentation alone, however as a game its not as satisfying and leaves more to be desired.