Name: 2084
Developer: Feardemic
Publisher: Feardemic
Platforms: PC
Reviewed on: PC
Early Access Released: 13.12.2018
Initial Release Date: TBA
Acquired: A copy of this game was provided from a publisher for review purpose
A game that started life during a 72-hour Game Jam, 2084 is a fast-paced FPS with hacking mechanics. The game is set in a cyberpunk, dystopian world, where VR and neural implants are a key to every citizens’ life. Oh, also it features some horror — which I don’t like, much to Kim’s enjoyment. I’m more than happy to take up a challenge, and got into 2084 and the dystopian future.
“Action Packed FPS with Hacking Mechanics
Battle your way through hordes of enemies and face multiple bosses. Discover the best strategy for each encounter by hacking elements of the environment as well as some of your enemies.
Two Game Modes: Story and Endless
Experience a Nano-Phage outbreak simulation gone wrong in the intense single player mini-campaign, or test your skills in the fiercely unforgiving endless mode.
Cyberpunk Setting
Experience a dark dystopian world where drugs, Virtual Reality and neural implants are the bread and butter of every citizen.
Community Driven Development
2084 was born out of a fun project from an internal 72 hour-long Game Jam. We loved what we created after it ended and thought you might like it too. We have a lot more coming in the upcoming weeks, and we want you to be a part of this journey we’re about to embark on.”
— About the game from Steam
The Good
2084’s story is very short, so far. Set in a future where computers and microchips has become a part of the human body the game focuses on the downside of these new additions to the human anatomy. Unfortunately, it must be said that the story is hard to grasp, as it’s told in small notes and few cutscenes, so I honestly don’t know exactly what to think about it. It can become a good story with some work, but it’s not there quite yet.
The game looks rather good too. With a frame rate that is both high and steady. There are some issues however, but more on that below. The audio design is also very good, especially when wearing a headset. I often got chills running down my spine, and hearing the zombies, or whatever I should call them, surely got the old heart racing.
The Bad
There’s really only one bad thing about 2084 – the fact that it is very much based on Observer. The graphics and objects are taken directly from Observer, so is the map, and the year. Not that Observer was a bad game, I can definitely see why the developers has taken lots of inspiration from it, but this is basically just a mod with a few new objects. Misunderstand me correctly, the game is great for being made during a Game Jam. However, it is just a prototype with placeholders. Graphically the game looks great, but that’s because someone else has gone through the hard work of adjusting and designing these items.
Then there’s the scary bits, although with a great audio design, the visual effects was way too dependent on jump scares. I don’t mind a few jump scares here and there, but when it’s a continuous stream of scares it definitely loses its impact after a short while. Take P.T. (the demo for Guillermo del Torro’s game that never launched), there are jump scares, but quite scarcely. That game focuses mainly on a creepy setting and spicing things up with jump scares, not the other way around.
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Early Access 5
5/10
Verdict
2084 absolutely has potential. Considering this was made in 72 hours it is a fantastic template for a game. The controls are pretty good too, although very simple. I do wish the game featured more of a story by now, I must admit that, but on the other hand, it features an endless mode that is rather good. The most disappointing thing about 2084 is all the objects and graphics taken directly from Observer, it feels very much like placeholders. Most of this will obviously become better with more work and given some more time the game can become an excellent one, for now though I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed. If you do like FPS games with a dystopian cyberpunk setting and don’t mind playing it while it’s in development I don’t see why you shouldn’t give this a go though.
Overall
5/10
User Review
( votes)Pros
- Looks good
- Has potential
Cons
- Takes graphics directly from Observer
- Way too short story mode so far
