Cloudpunk was added to the PlayStation Plus Extra catalogue and, after seeing the cover art, I figured I’d boot it up just to see… and then ended up playing for about three hours straight. The game seems unassuming at first but man is it addictive.

Cloudpunk is an atmospheric adventure set in a cyberpunk metropolis, developed by ION LANDS. You assume the role of Rania, a newcomer to the sprawling, multi-layered city of Nivalis. Rania takes a job as a delivery driver for the not-entirely-legal Cloudpunk delivery service, piloting a flying vehicle through the city’s neon-soaked streets. As you carry out Rania’s deliveries, you become tangled in a complex narrative involving corporate intrigue, societal issues and the stories of the characters you encounter. One of the unexpected elements for me was the inclusion of plot-changing choices you’re given at various stages of the game. Your choices impact the story, and there are many moments where you wonder if you made the right call (my first major choice was whether to deliver a package that was ticking to its intended destination, or destroy it because something felt very off about it).

Here are a few things I really enjoyed about Cloudpunk:

The Neon City of Nivalis

At the heart of Cloudpunk’s is its meticulously crafted world. Nivalis, a city that breathes with a life of its own, showcases the game’s exceptional design. From the towering skyscrapers to the narrow, bustling streets, the cityscape is an intricate web of high-tech marvels and downtrodden alleyways. The neon lights that speckle every corner create a mesmerising visual spectacle, transporting you into a cyberpunk dreamscape that’s as beautiful as it is mysterious. There were many times during my playthrough where I just hovered in my car, rotating my POV so that I could soak up the scenery.

As the story unfolds, you find yourself entwined in a narrative web of corporate intrigue, societal disparity and personal discovery. The characters encountered during Rania’s deliveries each have their own stories to tell, adding layers of depth to the overarching plot. The city itself serves as a character, with its own history and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

A Delivery Driver’s Odyssey

You navigate the city in a flying vehicle, weaving through the skyscrapers as you dive into the intricacies of the city’s architecture. The flying mechanics provide a sense of freedom, and you’re free to explore the verticality of Nivalis while soaking in the breathtaking cityscape.

Mission delivery is nicely paced, too. As Rania, you traverse the city to deliver packages to a diverse cast of characters. As I said above, the decisions made during these deliveries can influence the course of the narrative, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. It can also set you on edge. The choices aren’t always easy, and the consequences can be far-reaching, adding a layer of moral complexity to the game.

Camus, Your Canine AI Companion

So this was an unexpected and utterly adorable addition to the game! Rania’s constant companion in the cyberpunk cityscape of Cloudpunk is her loyal and endearing robotic dog, Camus. A marvel of artificial intelligence, Camus is more than just a mechanical sidekick; he is the emotional heartbeat of Rania’s journey. With his curious and innocent nature, Camus provides not only comic relief but also a poignant connection to the humanity that persists in the high-tech labyrinth of Nivalis. You witness the unfolding story through the lens of Camus, who brings a unique perspective to the game. His interactions with Rania and the denizens of the city add a layer of warmth to the otherwise cold and detached world, which makes him an integral part of the emotional fabric of Cloudpunk. Camus isn’t just a virtual pet; he’s a companion that, in the midst of a dystopian future, embodies the enduring bond between humans and their creations.

Small Details Bring Your Gameplay to Life

Don’t forget to refuel your car! I like that there are some light micro-manage mechanics in the game, but they are never too overwhelming.

Some missions are also time sensitive, so you have to get used to flying and avoiding crashes with other vehicles (or buildings).

A Symphony of Sound and Visuals

Cloudpunk’s audio-visual presentation is a feast for the senses. The neon-drenched aesthetic is complemented by a synthwave soundtrack that perfectly captures the cyberpunk vibe as you fly around in your awesome delivery car.

The ambient sound design immerses you in the bustling city life, from the hum of flying vehicles to the chatter of pedestrians. The attention to detail in both the visual and auditory aspects creates a cohesive and atmospheric experience.

Overall

Cloudpunk is definitely a journey – one that is full of difficult decisions and emotions, interesting characters and a diverse landscape. It’s a wonderful and highly addictive indie game that I’d recommend if you like solving narrative mysteries and you’re a fan of the cyberpunk genre.