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CRITIK

Nobody Wants to Die

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Nobody Wants to Die
Item: Nobody Wants to Die
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Interactive Movie, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJul 17, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperCritical Hit Games

Overview

Lose yourself in the dystopian world of New York, 2329; immortality comes at a price that someone has to pay. In this interactive noir story, lead the investigation using advanced technology, as Detective James Karra who risks it all in pursuit of a serial killer targeting the city’s elite.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Nobody Wants to Die has garnered positive feedback from several critics for its intriguing and thought-provoking narrative. Critics like Pure Xbox, GamingBolt, and PlayStation Universe commend the game for exploring themes such as political corruption, socio-economic inequality, and the consequences of immortality. They appreciate the strong character development, multiple endings, and compelling protagonist that add depth to the storytelling. The game's setting in a dystopian future New York, where bodies are rented out and consciousness can be transferred, creates a unique backdrop for the narrative, as noted by Eurogamer and VideoGamer. The concept of eternal life affecting society and the moody cyberpunk atmosphere are highlighted as strengths by Pure Xbox, enhancing the overall immersive experience. On the downside, some critics, like Jeuxvideo.com and New Game Network, express concerns about the lack of depth in storytelling and unresolved plot points. They point out weaknesses in dialogue, voice acting, and exposition delivery, which hinder the narrative's impact. IGN Italia mentions a shift towards an existential and philosophical narrative that may disappoint those expecting a more traditional crime-solving plot. New Game Network specifically criticizes weak dialogue and unconvincing voice acting, which detract from the overall immersion and engagement with the story. These criticisms suggest that while the game has strong thematic elements and potential, there are areas where the storytelling could be improved to create a more cohesive and satisfying experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Nobody Wants to Die offers a compelling narrative with a mix of film noir, cyberpunk, and dystopian elements that captivate players. The game's exploration of complex themes, intriguing mystery, and choice-driven storytelling are praised by multiple reviewers. Despite some reservations about storytelling depth and execution, the majority of critics appreciate the unique setting, strong character development, and thought-provoking concepts presented in the game. The positive aspects of the narrative seem to outweigh the negatives, making Nobody Wants to Die a recommended experience for players looking for a narrative-driven adventure with thematic depth and multiple layers of storytelling, as highlighted by Push Square and COGconnected.

TL;DR

story and narrative

In "Nobody Wants to Die," critics praise the game for its compelling narrative exploring themes like political corruption and immortality in a dystopian future New York. They commend the strong character development and multiple endings, but some express concerns about storytelling depth and unresolved plot points. Despite criticisms of weak dialogue and voice acting, the game's mix of film noir, cyberpunk, and dystopian elements captivates players with its unique setting and thought-provoking concepts. Overall, the game offers a recommended narrative-driven adventure with thematic depth and multiple layers of storytelling, making it a standout experience for players seeking an immersive journey.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The critics generally agree that Nobody Wants to Die offers some positive aspects in its gameplay. Innovative detective mechanics, such as the use of future tech like the Reconstructor and portable x-ray, as highlighted by XboxEra, add a fresh and engaging element to the gameplay experience. The inclusion of impactful decision-making and choice systems, as noted by XboxEra and Game Informer, also contributes to creating a sense of player agency and involvement in shaping the narrative. Additionally, the game's focus on crime scene investigation, clue connecting, and the utilization of detective tools, as mentioned by several critics like Push Square and Game Informer, provides a solid foundation for an immersive detective experience. On the negative side, several critics express concerns about the gameplay of Nobody Wants to Die. One common criticism is the game's tendency towards a walking simulator experience with linear mechanics, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Italia. This lack of autonomy and true investigative challenges may lead to a feeling of limited player agency, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Eurogamer. Some critics also mention that the gameplay can feel repetitive and somewhat guided, with limited interaction with environments and minimal puzzle challenges, as pointed out by Pure Xbox and IGN. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Nobody Wants to Die offers a mixed gameplay experience. While the game introduces innovative detective mechanics and decision-making elements that enhance player engagement, there are concerns about the repetitive nature of the gameplay, lack of true investigative challenges, and limited player agency. Critics like VideoGamer and Pure Xbox highlight the potential for improvement in providing more challenging puzzles and enhancing player choice in shaping the narrative direction. Despite these criticisms, the game manages to maintain a decent level of engagement through its crime scene investigation gameplay and storytelling elements, as acknowledged by critics like Game Informer and Push Square.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Nobody Wants to Die for its innovative detective mechanics and engaging decision-making elements, providing a solid foundation for an immersive experience. However, concerns are raised about the game's tendency towards a linear walking simulator, lack of autonomy, repetitive gameplay, and minimal puzzle challenges. While the game shows potential for improvement in offering more challenging puzzles and enhancing player choice, it still manages to maintain engagement through its crime scene investigation gameplay and storytelling elements.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Nobody Wants to Die, highlighting its stunning visuals, detailed cityscapes, and immersive cyberpunk atmospheres. Critics like Pure Xbox and XboxEra commended the game for its gorgeous visuals on Xbox Series X, with XboxEra specifically mentioning the gothic-noir-style visuals that create an immersive future metropolis setting. Eurogamer and GamingBolt also lauded the game for its beautiful world design, dramatic cityscapes, and attention to detail, effectively immersing players in visually rich environments. IGN Italia and Push Square appreciated the captivating film noir atmosphere, dark rainy environments, and wonderfully realized locations that contributed to a convincing future cityscape. On the flip side, some critics pointed out minor flaws in the graphics and visual design of Nobody Wants to Die. Jeuxvideo.com noted that character modeling was considered the least aesthetically developed aspect of the game, which was echoed by Push Square mentioning rough character models. PlayStation Universe mentioned that some textures appeared muddy up close, potentially detracting from the overall visual experience. COGconnected also highlighted occasional graphical wonkiness, suggesting that there were some inconsistencies in the art direction that could have been improved for a more polished presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Nobody Wants to Die. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and immersive cyberpunk atmospheres that effectively transported players into a futuristic world filled with rich details and atmospheric storytelling. Despite some minor criticisms regarding character modeling and graphical inconsistencies, the majority of critics found the game to be visually impressive and captivating, with a fusion of classic and futuristic elements that contributed to a unique and immersive experience. Critics like Game Informer and New Game Network highlighted the top-notch graphical fidelity, beautiful lighting, and impressive art style that further enhanced the overall visual presentation of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Nobody Wants to Die wows critics with stunning cyberpunk visuals, immersive cityscapes, and atmospheric design. While some note minor flaws like rough character models and muddy textures, the majority praise the game's captivating film noir atmosphere, rich details, and unique futuristic world. Overall, critics find the graphics impressive and visually immersive, making for a top-notch gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Nobody Wants to Die, highlighting its ability to immerse players in the dark and atmospheric world of the game. Critics like XboxEra and IGN Italia appreciated the sweeping orchestral soundtrack with saxophones, trumpets, and beautiful arrangements that enhanced the noir atmosphere. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com and Multiplayer.it commended the meticulous sound design and fitting soundtrack that contributed to the immersive experience. The use of intense musical scores with nods to noir classics, as mentioned by COGconnected, and the jazzy music that added to the noir setting, as noted by New Game Network, were also positively received, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some critics did point out areas for improvement in the Sound Design and Music of Nobody Wants to Die. Jeuxvideo.com mentioned that the game could benefit from more open spaces to fully appreciate the city's construction, suggesting that the sound design might not have been fully utilized in certain areas of the game. COGconnected also noted that the musical score, while intense and fitting, could be slightly repetitive at times, potentially impacting the overall experience for players. These critiques indicate that while the majority of critics found the sound design and music to be very good, there were still some minor issues that could be addressed to further enhance the overall quality of the audio experience in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Nobody Wants to Die. The engaging voice work, commendable music, and immersive atmosphere created by the sound design were widely praised by reviewers such as PlayStation Universe, GamesHub, and VideoGamer. While there were minor criticisms regarding the need for more open spaces in the game and occasional repetitiveness in the musical score, these were outweighed by the overall appreciation for the audio elements in Nobody Wants to Die. The combination of well-crafted sound design and fitting music succeeded in enhancing the noir setting of the game, contributing significantly to the immersive experience and enjoyment of players, as reflected in the positive sentiments expressed by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about the immersive Sound Design and Music of Nobody Wants to Die, praising its orchestral soundtrack and meticulous sound design that enhanced the noir atmosphere. While some noted minor issues like repetitive music and lack of open spaces, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the engaging voice work and immersive atmosphere created by the audio elements. Ultimately, the well-crafted sound design and fitting music successfully enhanced the noir setting of the game, delighting players and critics alike.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in "Nobody Wants to Die" has received high praise from the majority of critics. Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Italia both highlight the engaging performances of the protagonist, fitting the film noir theme effectively. XboxEra and COGconnected also commend the voice work for bringing the characters to life and adding depth to the storytelling. GamesHub specifically mentions Karra as a complex and engaging character, expertly portrayed by the voice actors. The strong voice performances, especially those of Sara, create a genuine and endearing relationship between characters, as noted by Game Informer. On the other hand, there are some critics who have pointed out drawbacks in the voice acting of the game. New Game Network criticizes the stiff and robotic performances, mentioning a lack of emotion and chemistry between characters. They also note that the dialogue feels unconvincing and filled with strange turns of phrase. Jeuxvideo.com and IGN Italia mention the rushed narrative delivery and the absence of a journal to track the investigation as drawbacks, which may have impacted the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the voice acting in "Nobody Wants to Die." The majority of reviewers appreciate the excellent performances that enhance the immersive experience and fit the film noir theme effectively. While there are some criticisms regarding specific aspects like rushed narrative delivery and lack of emotion in performances, the general sentiment is that the voice acting adds depth to the storytelling and keeps players engaged throughout the game. Positive feedback from critics like XboxEra, COGconnected, and GamesHub outweigh the negative comments, indicating that the voice acting in the game is a strong aspect that contributes positively to the overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in "Nobody Wants to Die" for its engaging performances that enhance the film noir theme and bring characters to life. Some critics note drawbacks like stiff performances and rushed narrative delivery, but overall, positive feedback outweighs the negatives. The voice acting creates genuine relationships between characters and adds depth to the storytelling, keeping players engaged throughout the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Pure Xbox commend Nobody Wants to Die for offering a choice between performance and quality modes, running smoothly on the console, and leveraging Unreal Engine 5 support. This results in a visually stunning and AAA-feeling experience, as noted by Pure Xbox. The game's successful cyberpunk representation on the Xbox Series X is a standout feature appreciated by Jeuxvideo.com. On the flip side, while the game generally performs well on PS5, critics such as IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it highlight minor differences in resolution and frame rate between the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions. Despite this, the game maintains smooth gameplay and offers quality and performance options on both platforms. However, New Game Network points out some blemishes on the PC version, including minor bugs and hard crashes to the desktop, affecting the overall experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Nobody Wants to Die excels in technical performance across all platforms, with the game effectively utilizing Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a visually impressive experience. Despite some minor issues like graphical wonkiness on PC and slight differences in performance between consoles, the game manages to offer a seamless gameplay experience with the choice of graphical modes. Push Square's acknowledgment of the game's ability to hide its lower budget roots while executing an ambitious vision reflects the general sentiment that Nobody Wants to Die succeeds in delivering a solid technical performance across Xbox Series X, PS5, and PC.

TL;DR

technical performance

Nobody Wants to Die impresses critics with its technical performance on Xbox Series X, offering a visually stunning experience with smooth gameplay and Unreal Engine 5 support. While minor differences exist between PS5 and Xbox Series X versions, the game maintains quality and performance options. However, PC version suffers from bugs and crashes. Overall, the game excels in technical performance on all platforms, delivering an impressive gameplay experience with some minor issues.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The critics generally agree that "Nobody Wants to Die" offers some positive aspects that contribute to its replay value. XboxEra notes that player choices impact the narrative and ending, encouraging replayability to explore different outcomes. Game Informer also highlights the choice-driven dialogue and significant decision-making moments that provide incentive for replayability. Additionally, COGconnected praises the strong narrative, multiple endings, and compelling writing and visuals that encourage at least one additional playthrough. These elements suggest that the game's branching paths and multiple endings offer motivation for players to revisit the experience. On the other hand, several critics point out some negative aspects that may hinder the game's replay value. GamingBolt criticizes the game for being too linear, limiting player agency and investigative freedom. IGN Italia mentions that the final part of the game may feel forced and unsatisfying, potentially limiting the replay value for some players. New Game Network also expresses disappointment in the underwhelming and unearned different endings, coupled with the lack of a chapter select feature, making replaying for different outcomes not worthwhile. These limitations in player agency, unsatisfactory endings, and lack of replay-friendly features can detract from the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the replay value of "Nobody Wants to Die" is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the game's narrative depth, impactful player choices, and multiple endings that encourage replayability, others criticize its linearity, lack of player agency, and unsatisfying conclusion that may limit the desire for multiple playthroughs. The game seems to offer a compelling initial experience with engaging storytelling and thematic elements, but its replay value may vary depending on individual preferences for exploration of different outcomes versus the constraints of a relatively short and linear narrative. Ultimately, players who enjoy immersive worlds and thematic resonance may find value in revisiting "Nobody Wants to Die," while those seeking extensive player agency and varied outcomes may find its replay value lacking.

TL;DR

replay value

"Nobody Wants to Die" offers replay value through impactful player choices and multiple endings, but critics disagree on its overall appeal. Some praise the narrative depth and engaging storytelling that encourage revisiting, while others criticize its linearity and unsatisfying conclusions that may deter multiple playthroughs. The game's strengths lie in its thematic elements and storytelling, but its replay value may be limited for those seeking extensive player agency and varied outcomes.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Nobody Wants to Die has garnered praise for its exceptional visual design, atmospheric sound, and captivating world-building. Critics like IGN Italia and Game Informer commend the game for its stunning visuals, engaging characters, and strong thematic depth. The cyberpunk film noir atmosphere, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Pure Xbox, adds to the immersive experience of the game. The narrative elements, world-building, and thematic depth have resonated strongly with reviewers, making Nobody Wants to Die a visually rich and captivating title. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out the shortcomings of Nobody Wants to Die, particularly in terms of gameplay depth and replayability. Reviewers such as Pure Xbox and Multiplayer.it note that the game lacks gameplay depth and replay value, which may deter players looking for more interactive experiences. Eurogamer mentions that the guided investigations in the game may limit player agency, while New Game Network criticizes the weak story execution and repetitive gameplay. These criticisms suggest that while the narrative and visuals are strong, the gameplay aspects of Nobody Wants to Die may not be as engaging or varied. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Nobody Wants to Die offers a compelling narrative experience with exceptional visual design and atmospheric sound. The game excels in creating a captivating cyberpunk world with strong thematic depth, engaging characters, and stunning visuals. However, the criticisms regarding gameplay depth, replayability, and narrative execution cannot be overlooked. While some reviewers like XboxEra and VideoGamer praise the game for its engaging gameplay and gripping story, others like New Game Network and Multiplayer.it highlight the shortcomings in gameplay variety and narrative execution. Ultimately, Nobody Wants to Die seems to excel in its world-building and thematic elements but falls short in providing a fully immersive and interactive gameplay experience for all players.

TL;DR

Nobody Wants to Die impresses with its breathtaking visuals and immersive cyberpunk world, earning praise for its strong narrative and thematic depth. However, critics point out shortcomings in gameplay depth and replayability, raising concerns about limited player agency and repetitive gameplay. While the game excels in storytelling and visuals, it may not offer a fully engaging interactive experience for all players.

CRITIK

Reviews

81 reviews found

XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Jul 18, 2024