An upcoming PC game will let you play as a robot detective, marrying Cyberpunk 2077 and other detective games like L.A. Noire in a unique blend of genres. With Cyberpunk‘s video game sequel still a ways away, and L.A. Noire starting to look like a one-off experiment by Rockstar, fans of both open-world sci-fi action RPGs and gritty, stylized detective games are forced to look elsewhere for their fix.
Cyberpunk mods help fill the gap, while there’s no end of great detective games if you’re willing to plumb the depths of Steam. But a major highlight is on the horizon, with a sci-fi detective game for the books set for a 2027 release.
Artificial Detective Looks Incredible
The Perfect Stylized Detective Game
Artificial Detective, the first game by VIVIX Inc., is set for a 2027 release on Steam. It describes itself as an “action-adventure where you step into the shoes of a robodetective in a dystopian city overrun by rogue robots” — a blend of Cyberpunk‘s setting and L.A. Noire‘s gritty detective gameplay.
As robot detective AD 2846, you’ll explore Conglomerate North, a corporate-controlled, crime-ridden district of a futuristic city. You’ll team up with your very own robot dog, as well as a human raised by machines, as you attempt to understand why humans disappeared from the district and piece together your own fractured memories.
It’s worth noting that the visuals and animation here look incredible; Artificial Detective has artists from Dreamworks and Netflix animated anthology series Love, Death, & Robots signed onto the project. The city’s style blends art deco architecture — the kind you’d see in a classic film noir — with futuristic trappings for a unique aesthetic.
Gameplay-wise, you’ll use an arsenal of futuristic weapons to fend off rogue robots and hack into computers to gather clues. There are some immersive sim elements here too: you can choose to approach certain situations with stealth, or go in guns blazing, using environmental hazards to your advantage.
Cyberpunk 2077 Fans, Take Note
The Perfect Way To Wait For The Sequel
Cyberpunk‘s sequel looks like it’s still a ways away, but even then, we don’t know. There’s been very little word from CD Projekt Red on when we can expect the next game, and it looks like The Witcher 4 may be coming first. It could be multiple years before we get so much as a teaser, let alone a release date.
If you’re stuck waiting, this might be the perfect way to bridge the gap. Artificial Detective is set in a futuristic city, but its vision, inspirations, and ultimate aesthetic are immediately distinct from those of Night City. Exploring a similar-yet-different kind of virtual environment might be the perfect way to pass time until we get more news on Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Engine
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REDengine 4
