Beyond the Sunset

Beyond the Sunset is a cyberpunk-themed action game set in a future where humanity has lost a war against machines. Players take on the role of Lucy, an amnesiac cyber-samurai who awakens in a laboratory overrun by hostile robots. With her genetically augmented body and superhuman abilities, Lucy must fight her way through hordes of enemies while uncovering the truth about her past and the world’s fate. The game blends first-person shooter and hack-and-slash mechanics, featuring stylish combat, platforming, and a quest for identity in a dystopian wasteland.

Beyond the Sunset: A Cyberpunk Odyssey of Memory, Violence, and Neon-Drenched Chaos

Introduction: A Blade in the Dark

Beyond the Sunset is a game that defies easy categorization. At its core, it is a cyberpunk first-person shooter, but it is also a narrative-driven RPG, a puzzle-laden adventure, and a love letter to the retro aesthetics of the 1990s. Developed by the Australian indie studio Metacorp, this game thrusts players into the neon-soaked streets of Sunset City, a dystopian metropolis teeming with crime, corruption, and cybernetic horrors. You play as Lucy, an amnesiac cyber-samurai with a katana in hand and a past shrouded in mystery. The game’s premise is simple yet compelling: Lucy awakens from cryostasis with no memory of who she is, only to find herself embroiled in a violent conspiracy that spans the entirety of Sunset City.

From the outset, Beyond the Sunset makes it clear that it is not just another retro shooter. It is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve—Doom, Deus Ex, and System Shock are all evident in its DNA—but it also carves out its own identity through its unique blend of fast-paced combat, deep RPG mechanics, and a richly detailed world. The game’s use of the GZDoom engine gives it a distinct retro feel, but it is far from a mere throwback. Instead, it is a modern reinterpretation of classic shooter mechanics, infused with contemporary storytelling and gameplay innovations.

This review will delve deep into every aspect of Beyond the Sunset, from its development history and narrative depth to its gameplay mechanics, world-building, and legacy. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what makes this game a standout title in the cyberpunk genre and why it deserves a place in the pantheon of great indie games.

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Development History & Context: The Birth of a Cyberpunk Dream

The Studio and the Vision

Metacorp, the Australian indie studio behind Beyond the Sunset, is a small but ambitious team with a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve. The game was initially conceived as a board game before evolving into a full-fledged video game, a testament to the studio’s creativity and adaptability. The developers drew inspiration from classic first-person shooters like Doom and Duke Nukem 3D, as well as cyberpunk staples like Deus Ex and Blade Runner. Their goal was to create a game that captured the essence of these influences while also pushing the boundaries of what a retro-style shooter could be.

The game’s development was not without its challenges. The team had to work within the constraints of the GZDoom engine, which, while powerful, is not without its limitations. However, they managed to leverage the engine’s strengths to create a game that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The lo-fi aesthetic, inspired by the pixel art of the 1990s, is a deliberate choice that enhances the game’s cyberpunk atmosphere. The developers also placed a strong emphasis on fluid movement and combat, ensuring that the game’s action is as fast-paced and dynamic as possible.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

Beyond the Sunset was released in Early Access on November 8, 2023, a time when the cyberpunk genre was experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Ascent had already set a high bar for what players expected from the genre, but Beyond the Sunset managed to carve out its own niche by focusing on retro aesthetics and fast-paced gameplay. The game’s Early Access release allowed the developers to gather feedback from players and make adjustments before the full release, which was scheduled for September 12, 2025.

The gaming landscape at the time of Beyond the Sunset’s release was dominated by big-budget titles, but there was also a growing appreciation for indie games that offered unique experiences. Beyond the Sunset fit squarely into this category, offering a blend of retro and modern elements that appealed to both nostalgia-seeking veterans and newer players looking for something different. The game’s use of the GZDoom engine also made it stand out, as it allowed for a level of customization and modding that is rare in modern shooters.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

One of the most impressive aspects of Beyond the Sunset is how the developers managed to work within the constraints of the GZDoom engine to create a game that feels modern and polished. The engine, while powerful, is not designed for the kind of complex RPG mechanics and open-world exploration that Beyond the Sunset offers. However, the team at Metacorp was able to push the engine to its limits, creating a game that is both visually stunning and mechanically deep.

The game’s use of pixel art and lo-fi aesthetics is another example of how the developers turned limitations into strengths. By embracing the retro look, they were able to create a game that feels timeless, evoking the spirit of classic shooters while also offering something new. The synthwave soundtrack, composed by Karl Vincent, is another standout feature, perfectly complementing the game’s cyberpunk atmosphere.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: Memory, Identity, and the Cost of Power

The Plot: A Journey Through the Neon Wasteland

Beyond the Sunset’s story is a classic cyberpunk tale of memory loss, corporate conspiracy, and the struggle for identity. Lucy, the protagonist, awakens from cryostasis with no memory of who she is or how she came to be in Sunset City. She is quickly drawn into a violent underworld, where she must fight her way through hordes of enemies to uncover the truth about her past. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious woman named Yuri, who offers to help her regain her memories in exchange for her services as a street samurai.

The game’s narrative is delivered through a mix of cutscenes, dialogue with NPCs, and environmental storytelling. The writing is sharp and engaging, with a strong emphasis on character development and world-building. Lucy’s journey is not just about regaining her memories; it is also about discovering who she is and what she stands for. The game’s themes of identity, power, and the cost of violence are explored in depth, making Beyond the Sunset more than just a mindless shooter.

Characters: The Faces of Sunset City

Lucy is the heart and soul of Beyond the Sunset, and her character is one of the game’s strongest assets. She is a complex and compelling protagonist, torn between her desire to regain her memories and her growing sense of purpose as a street samurai. Her interactions with other characters, particularly Yuri, are some of the game’s most memorable moments.

Yuri, the mysterious woman who offers to help Lucy, is another standout character. She is enigmatic and manipulative, but also deeply human, with her own motivations and secrets. The dynamic between Lucy and Yuri is one of the game’s most interesting aspects, as it explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the cost of power.

The game’s supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character bringing something unique to the story. From the streetwise NPCs who offer side quests to the sinister corporate figures who pull the strings from the shadows, every character in Beyond the Sunset feels like a vital part of the world.

Themes: The Dark Side of the Future

Beyond the Sunset is a game that is deeply concerned with the themes of memory, identity, and the cost of power. Lucy’s journey is a metaphor for the struggle to find oneself in a world that is constantly changing and often hostile. The game’s cyberpunk setting is the perfect backdrop for this exploration, as it allows the developers to delve into the darker aspects of technology and corporate control.

The game’s themes are explored through its narrative, its characters, and its gameplay. The combat, for example, is not just about killing enemies; it is also about the cost of violence and the toll it takes on Lucy’s psyche. The game’s RPG mechanics, which allow players to upgrade Lucy’s abilities and weapons, also play into these themes, as they force players to make choices about how they want to shape Lucy’s character.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Blade in the Dark

Core Gameplay Loop: Fast, Fluid, and Frenetic

At its core, Beyond the Sunset is a fast-paced first-person shooter with a strong emphasis on mobility and combat. The game’s combat is fluid and dynamic, with a focus on movement and positioning. Lucy’s katana is her primary weapon, and it is used for both melee combat and deflecting enemy projectiles. The game also features a variety of firearms, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

The game’s combat is designed to be aggressive and rewarding. Players are encouraged to take risks and engage enemies up close, as this is often the most effective way to deal damage and stay alive. The game’s health and ammo systems are also designed to keep players on their toes, as resources are often scarce and must be managed carefully.

Combat: A Dance of Steel and Bullets

The combat in Beyond the Sunset is one of the game’s strongest aspects. The katana is a versatile weapon that can be used for both melee attacks and deflecting enemy projectiles. The game’s firearms are also well-designed, with each weapon offering a unique playstyle. The shotgun, for example, is a powerful close-range weapon, while the rifle is better suited for long-range combat.

The game’s enemy variety is another standout feature. From basic mooks to giant mechs, each enemy type requires a different approach, keeping the combat fresh and engaging. The game also features a variety of boss fights, each with its own unique mechanics and challenges.

Character Progression: Becoming More Than Human

Beyond the Sunset features a deep RPG system that allows players to upgrade Lucy’s abilities and weapons. The game’s upgrade system is tied to its currency system, which is earned by defeating enemies and completing side quests. Players can use this currency to purchase upgrades that enhance Lucy’s health, ammo capacity, and combat abilities.

The game’s upgrade system is well-balanced, offering a variety of options that allow players to tailor Lucy’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. Whether you prefer to focus on melee combat, ranged combat, or a mix of both, there are upgrades that will suit your needs.

UI and Innovative Systems: A Retro-Futuristic Blend

The game’s UI is a blend of retro and modern elements, with a focus on clarity and functionality. The game’s map system, while not perfect, is generally easy to use and provides players with the information they need to navigate Sunset City. The game’s inventory system is also well-designed, allowing players to manage their weapons and upgrades with ease.

One of the game’s most innovative systems is its cyberpunk hacking mechanic. Players can hack into computer terminals to unlock doors, disable security systems, and gain access to hidden areas. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as it requires players to think strategically about how they approach each situation.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: A Neon-Drenched Nightmare

Setting: The Streets of Sunset City

Sunset City is the heart and soul of Beyond the Sunset, and the game’s world-building is one of its strongest aspects. The city is a sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis, teeming with crime, corruption, and cybernetic horrors. The game’s environments are richly detailed, with each area offering its own unique atmosphere and challenges.

The game’s art direction is a standout feature, with a blend of retro pixel art and modern cyberpunk aesthetics. The game’s use of neon lighting and dark, gritty textures creates a sense of atmosphere that is both immersive and unsettling. The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with a synthwave soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s cyberpunk atmosphere.

Atmosphere: A World on the Brink

The atmosphere in Beyond the Sunset is one of the game’s strongest aspects. The game’s world is a dark and dangerous place, where violence and corruption are the norm. The game’s use of lighting and sound creates a sense of tension and unease, making every encounter feel like a life-or-death struggle.

The game’s synthwave soundtrack, composed by Karl Vincent, is a standout feature. The music is a perfect blend of retro and modern elements, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s sound effects are also well-designed, with each weapon and enemy having its own unique audio profile.

Visual Direction: A Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece

The visual direction in Beyond the Sunset is a blend of retro and modern elements, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s use of pixel art and lo-fi aesthetics is a deliberate choice that enhances the game’s cyberpunk atmosphere. The game’s environments are richly detailed, with each area offering its own unique visual style and challenges.

The game’s use of lighting is another standout feature. The game’s neon lighting creates a sense of atmosphere that is both immersive and unsettling, making every encounter feel like a life-or-death struggle. The game’s use of dark, gritty textures also adds to the game’s atmosphere, creating a sense of tension and unease.

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Reception & Legacy: A Game That Defies Expectations

Critical and Commercial Reception

Beyond the Sunset was released to generally positive reviews, with critics praising the game’s fast-paced combat, deep RPG mechanics, and richly detailed world. The game’s use of the GZDoom engine was also praised, as it allowed for a level of customization and modding that is rare in modern shooters.

The game’s Early Access release allowed the developers to gather feedback from players and make adjustments before the full release. This approach was well-received by the community, as it allowed players to have a direct impact on the game’s development.

Influence on Subsequent Games

Beyond the Sunset has already had a significant impact on the indie game scene, inspiring other developers to explore the possibilities of retro-style shooters with modern mechanics. The game’s use of the GZDoom engine has also inspired other developers to experiment with the engine, leading to a resurgence of interest in retro-style shooters.

The game’s success has also led to increased interest in the cyberpunk genre, with other developers looking to create games that capture the same sense of atmosphere and immersion. The game’s synthwave soundtrack has also been praised, leading to increased interest in the genre among gamers.

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Conclusion: A Cyberpunk Masterpiece

Beyond the Sunset is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a fast-paced first-person shooter, a deep RPG, and a richly detailed adventure all rolled into one. The game’s use of the GZDoom engine gives it a distinct retro feel, but it is far from a mere throwback. Instead, it is a modern reinterpretation of classic shooter mechanics, infused with contemporary storytelling and gameplay innovations.

The game’s narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, with a strong emphasis on character development and world-building. The combat is fluid and dynamic, with a focus on movement and positioning. The game’s RPG mechanics are deep and well-balanced, allowing players to tailor Lucy’s abilities to their preferred playstyle. The game’s world is richly detailed, with a blend of retro and modern elements that create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.

In the end, Beyond the Sunset is a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is a testament to the power of indie game development, and a shining example of what can be achieved when a small team with a clear vision sets out to create something truly unique. If you are a fan of cyberpunk, retro shooters, or deep RPGs, then Beyond the Sunset is a game that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Final Verdict: 9/10 – A Cyberpunk Masterpiece