Hirilun

Hirilun is a cyberpunk action-platformer set in a dark sci-fi world, where players navigate through a first-person perspective. Developed by Gone Mad Studios and published by Meridian4 and Ratalaika Games, the game offers a mix of platforming and direct combat, with support for gamepad, keyboard, and mouse controls. Released in 2022 for Windows and later expanded to multiple consoles, Hirilun immerses players in a futuristic, dystopian environment filled with challenges and exploration.

Hirilun: A Cyberpunk Speedrunner’s Dream or a Niche Nightmare?

Introduction: The Need for Speed in a Neon-Lit Labyrinth

In the crowded landscape of first-person platformers, Hirilun emerges as a stark, uncompromising challenge—a game that doesn’t just test your reflexes but demands perfection. Developed by Gone Mad Studios and published by Ratalaika Games and Meridian4, Hirilun thrusts players into a cyberpunk cityscape where the only currency is time, and the only reward is the fleeting glory of a leaderboard spot. Released in March 2022, this game is a love letter to the hardcore speedrunning community, but its brutal difficulty and minimalist design raise the question: Is Hirilun a hidden gem or a niche experiment that only a select few will appreciate?

Development History & Context: A Passion Project in the Shadows

Gone Mad Studios, a relatively obscure developer, crafted Hirilun with a clear vision: to create a pure, adrenaline-fueled platforming experience. The game’s development was likely influenced by the rising popularity of precision platformers like Mirror’s Edge and Portal, but Hirilun carves its own identity by stripping away narrative and focusing solely on movement and mastery. The cyberpunk aesthetic, a staple of the genre, is more than just window dressing—it’s a deliberate choice to evoke the neon-drenched, high-stakes energy of classic arcade racers.

The game’s release across multiple platforms—Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch—suggests an ambition to reach a broad audience. However, its lack of mainstream marketing and the absence of a significant critical reception (only two critic reviews on OpenCritic) hint at a game that flew under the radar. This obscurity is both a curse and a blessing: Hirilun avoids the scrutiny of AAA titles but also struggles to find its audience in a market dominated by narrative-driven experiences.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: The Silence of the City

Hirilun is a game of absence. There is no story, no characters, no dialogue—just you, the city, and the clock. This minimalism is intentional, forcing players to focus entirely on the mechanics and the sheer thrill of movement. The cyberpunk setting, with its towering skyscrapers and hidden alleys, serves as both a playground and a prison. The city is alive in its own way, pulsing with neon lights and the hum of unseen machinery, but it is indifferent to your struggles. You are just another runner in a world that doesn’t care if you succeed or fail.

The themes of Hirilun are implicit but powerful. It’s a game about perseverance, about the relentless pursuit of perfection in a world that rewards only the fastest and the most precise. The lack of narrative allows players to project their own motivations onto the experience—whether it’s the desire to conquer a personal best, the thrill of competition, or simply the joy of mastering a difficult skill.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: The Art of the Run

At its core, Hirilun is a first-person platformer with a heavy emphasis on speed and precision. The gameplay loop is simple: navigate through a series of checkpoints in the shortest time possible, using a combination of running, jumping, dashing, sprinting, and gliding. The controls are tight and responsive, but the margin for error is razor-thin. A single mistimed jump or a misjudged dash can send you tumbling into the abyss, forcing you to restart the level.

The game’s mechanics are designed to reward mastery. Each level is a puzzle of sorts, with multiple paths to the finish line. Some routes are straightforward but slow, while others require daring leaps and perfect execution to shave off precious seconds. The game encourages experimentation, but it also punishes hesitation. The limited use of abilities like dashing and sprinting adds a layer of strategy—do you conserve your stamina for a tricky section, or do you burn it all now to gain a slight edge?

The leaderboard system is the game’s lifeblood. Competing against friends and strangers alike adds a competitive edge that keeps players coming back. However, the lack of a single-player campaign or any form of progression outside of leaderboard rankings may leave some players feeling unfulfilled. Hirilun is a game for those who thrive on challenge and competition, not for those seeking a casual experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound: A Cyberpunk Symphony

The world of Hirilun is a feast for the eyes. The cyberpunk aesthetic is executed with a moody, atmospheric flair. The city is a maze of neon lights, towering buildings, and hidden shortcuts, all rendered in a stylized, almost dreamlike fashion. The art direction is cohesive and immersive, drawing players into a world that feels both familiar and alien.

The sound design complements the visuals perfectly. The hum of the city, the echo of your footsteps, and the occasional burst of electronic music create a soundscape that enhances the sense of speed and urgency. The lack of dialogue or narrative means that the sound design carries much of the emotional weight, and it does so admirably.

Reception & Legacy: A Game for the Few

Hirilun’s reception has been mixed but telling. Critics have praised its precision platforming and cyberpunk aesthetic but have noted its steep difficulty curve and lack of accessibility. The Games Machine’s review highlights the game’s punishing nature, describing it as “intended for hardcore audiences who are not scared to try the same jump hundreds of times before finding perfection.” Nindie Spotlight’s review is more measured, acknowledging the game’s distinctive style but ultimately finding it a mixed bag.

The game’s legacy is still being written. With only a handful of reviews and a small but dedicated player base, Hirilun is far from a mainstream success. However, its uncompromising design and focus on pure gameplay mechanics have earned it a place in the hearts of speedrunning enthusiasts. It’s a game that doesn’t apologize for its difficulty, and that’s both its greatest strength and its biggest weakness.

Conclusion: A Flawed Masterpiece

Hirilun is not a game for everyone. It’s a brutal, unforgiving experience that demands patience, precision, and a willingness to fail repeatedly. But for those who are willing to put in the time, it offers a uniquely satisfying challenge. The cyberpunk setting is immersive, the gameplay is tight and rewarding, and the competitive leaderboards add a layer of replayability that keeps the experience fresh.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Hirilun is a niche title—a game that won’t be remembered by the masses but will be cherished by those who appreciate its uncompromising vision. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, less is more, and that a game doesn’t need a sprawling narrative or a cast of characters to be compelling. All it needs is a city, a clock, and the will to keep running.

Final Verdict: Hirilun is a cyberpunk speedrunner’s dream—a game that rewards mastery and punishes hesitation. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave a challenge, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring. 7.5/10