Can this Cyberpunk shooter strike hard?
Ruiner is a twin-stick shooter set in a cyberpunk dystopia. You push forward against enemies to reach the next area, some can be dealt with at close range, while others will need more tact. Luckily you’ll get plenty of upgrades and tools to help you overcome enemies ranging from soldiers and mines to bosses.
The story is basic, but essentially you begin with a mission to “Kill Boss” but are stopped at the last minute from completing the mission as you find out your brain was hacked. You play as a wired sociopath who lashes out against a corrupt system to uncover the truth and retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend.
One thing about Ruiner is that it’s tough, sometimes to the point where it can be a little off-putting. But if you can overcome it, then you’ll find Ruiner to be a highly enjoyable shooter. The art style is brilliant and the cyberpunk aesthetics really work well within the context of the game and the story. It’s definitely one of the more enjoyable cyberpunk games and one that definitely left an impact on me.
Visually, the game isn’t going to win any awards…but like I said, the art style is great and the game runs at a fairly solid framerate and the sound effects and music are well done. All in all, it’s an impressive package.
The Verdict
Ruiner may not be innovative in the twin-stick shooter genre, but it is highly enjoyable and memorable with it’s pleasing cyberpunk art style. If you are looking for a challenge and love the whole cyberpunk/shooter theme, then this is for you.