Top-down twin-stick shooters are abundant, and so are rogue-lites. The Wild West genre often fuses with steampunk, cyberpunk, or science fiction, sometimes even combining all three. Dust & Neon falls into this familiar blend, reminiscent of games like Borderlands, West of Dead, 12 is Better Than 6, and a touch of SteamWorld. Yet, amidst these clear influences, David Marquardt’s latest creation distinguishes itself through its exceptional production quality and gratifying moment-to-moment gameplay.
What separates a successful game from a failing one? It could be countless factors – the visual style, well-placed audio cues, animated flourishes, or the movement of the camera. Even the smallest detail can transform the gaming experience. The triumph of Dust & Neon lies in its shoot-and-reload combat mechanism. Each bullet discharged from your rifle, revolver, or shotgun necessitates manual reloading.
Though this might sound exasperating in theory, the act of reloading quickly becomes instinctual in practice. This call-and-response dynamic forges a palpable link between the player and their firearm. More importantly, it sets the game’s tempo, infusing the action with a rhythmic cadence. The level’s components complement this design approach. Ample cover is available, and effectively utilizing it becomes crucial for prevailing against the mechanized adversaries. Skillful reloading, requiring patience to avoid being overwhelmed, often yields exhilarating results. Few experiences match the satisfaction of emerging from cover, firing two shots, reloading your shotgun, and discharging two more rounds just in time to vanquish an approaching foe. Despite its top-down perspective, Dust & Neon often exudes cinematic vibes through its set pieces.
The game also offers a wealth of discoveries for those who explore its nooks and crannies. Buildings, ranches, and train carriages hold treasures and ammunition, each collected with a gratifying sound. Between missions, you return to your base with your spoils, using them to acquire skill tree upgrades and apply defensive and offensive enhancements before venturing out again.
The loop is occasionally interrupted by a series of boss battles, but these moments aren’t to the game’s advantage. Each boss introduces its own unique element – a chainsaw or Gatling gun, for instance – and while the diversity is welcome, the encounters can feel cumbersome. This is the singular domain where a sense of control seems lacking. Thankfully, these challenges can be overcome with perseverance, and the game returns to its highlights. Aside from the bosses, it’s hard to resist the consistent joys that Dust & Neon delivers. While it doesn’t break new ground, it adeptly melds its influences into a harmonious blend. Its compact structure also positions it as a superb option for handheld gaming. The vivid, crisp visuals translate flawlessly to the Nintendo Switch, and it’s well-suited for Valve’s Steam Deck.
Does Dust & Neon pioneer innovative concepts? Not at all. Does it introduce something unprecedented in the realm of Western genre mash-ups or rogue-lites? Not at all. Does it provide an exciting experience for trigger-happy players? Absolutely.
