Ruiner (PC) Review

Kill 'em all.

 In a year full of some stellar indies, Ruiner is the violent debut title of indie developer Reikon Games. Set in the stylish future, Ruiner follows the adventure of  a lone wolf who sets out on a journey to save his kidnapped brother. It's a challenging action-shooter that borrows influences from other indie hits such as Hotline Miami and starts a cyberpunk premise that manages to impress. 


STORY- In the distant cyberpunk future, an augmented lone wolf, guided by a mysterious hacker, sets out to destroy the corrupt government of the fictitious city of Rengkok while ultimately saving his kidnapped brother in the process. The narrative is simple to grasp and the characters were all right though cold have benefited from some sort of backstory. Additionally, the setting was intriguing but the rather sudden ending leaves many questions unanswered. 

The premise is neat and the characters are enjoyable

but the ride's over prematurely.

GAMEPLAY- Ruiner is a top-down beat 'em up with RPG elements. Combat is fast-paced and tough as enemies will come in packs and are relentlessly on the offensive, in a manner similar to Hotline Miami. Gameplay encourages one to be constantly on the move as enemies can easily group up and things can become overwhelming. Ruiner features lots of reflex-testing boss fights. Thankfully, the game features an upgrade system to give an edge during the encounters. "Karma", the in-game currency, can be dropped from enemies and be used to unlock and level up the protagonists' abilities. Such abilities include the ever-helpful, essential Dash, a protective barrier that blocks gunfire, a health-regenerating system, and so on. Ruiner is said to be difficult though that shouldn't drive one away as the game is balanced and never too frustrating. There's plenty of room and navigate through and much of the mechanics become second nature with time. 

Ruiner's top-down gameplay's full of challenge 

and reflex-testing moments.

 The city of Rengkok acts as a hub world in between missions. The protagonist can partke in simple activities such as interacting with non-playable characters, scanning suspicious stray cats, collecting a set amount of coins, and meet certain in-mission requirements. Stylish in nature, Rengkok could have benefited from more activities as the place feels overall empty. Additionally, the levels could have benefited from variety as they become an eye-sore to look overtime. 

While captivating, the hub world

generally feels lifeless.

PRESENTATION- Ruiner is one of the most seriously stylish indies of the year. Utilizing the Unreal Engine, Ruiner dishes out a cyberpunk that's full of the stylistic use of red and superb shadow effects. The backgrounds are rich in bleak cyberpunk vibrancy and the character models are for the most part detailed. There's no voice acting in cut-scenes sadly, though the dialogue is well-written enough to compensate. Indie games are also known for often boasting some fantastic soundtracks and Ruiner is no different. The game's full of upbeat, techno tracks that capture the many intense moments of the journey.

Ruiner is easily among the stylish indies of the year.

OVERALL- Ruiner was an enjoyable game from start to finish. Repetitive levels and a brief runtime of around 5 hours aside, solid gameplay, faced-paced action, and the high level of challenge will please even the most hardcore of action enthusiasts. Not to forget that it also packs some of the best indie soundtracks out there. Ruiner should be list of those looking for a wild action-filled ride.