Travis Bruno of Capsule Computers writes:
"You never really know where the next indie game might be drawing inspiration from for its retro-inspired title. There are tried and true classics that can be referenced in any genre and when it comes to run-and-gun arcade shooters, the options are numerous. This includes the likes of Contra, Metal Slug, and even a classic favorite of mine, Sunset Riders. What few would have been looking for however happens to be a game that developers Zenovia really pulled out of nowhere for inspiration for its neon-soaked cyberpunk themed pixel game, and that is Wild Guns of all things. Featuring numerous inspirations from this unique pull from the early ‘90s and putting their own spin on things, how has Neon Inferno ended up?"
Despite turbulent times in the industry, these nine titles shined through.
Absolum chose a terrible year to release, its such a fun game but massively overshadowed by the big hitters from 2025.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy, No Sleep for Kaname Date, Shuten Order, Doom: The Dark Ages and The Outer Worlds 2 are the GOATs.
didn't even realize No Sleep for Kaname Date released last year.... I stumbled on a [console] pre-order for it the other night and immediately placed an order. guess I should check Steam a little more often lol.
Anyway, the two previous AI: The Somnium Files games are excellent so looking forward to another journey. Also a great reminder of why one should step out of their comfort zone from time to time. might love it, enjoy it, hate it or anything in between, but one won't know until they step outside their gaming walls and give something different a try.
That's what The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is for. It's from the creator of Danganronpa and the creator of AI: The Somnium Files. It took me 400 to complete all 22 routes and 100 endings. Best gaming experience I've had since the 80's.
clair obscute definitely made a huge impact on me, such a fantastic game
and Silent Hill f biiiiiitch, it was so good
Greg @ FG: A retro-inspired run-and-gun/gallery shooter, does Neon Inferno bring the heat to the table? The Finger Guns review.
Richard Bailey Jr. of The Koalition writes: Neon Inferno is one of many games I played during PAX West back in September. Developed by Zenovia Interactive and published by Retroware, this cyberpunk-styled 2D run-and-gun, side-scroller, and shooting gallery game is reminiscent of Contra, Wild Guns, and Metal Slug, three specific titles that heavily inspired the creators.
