SONOKUNI

I’ve never played a game quite like it. The Art and music are unlike anything I’ve played. I’ve read some reviews mention similarity to Hotline Miami, but I played little of that game so I cannot say. This is a truly unique package of an experience you owe to yourself to at least try. It hooked me. The gameplay is fast, frenetic, a little bit of memory on some areas to clear so you get enemies before they auto-kill you or so that you put yourself in a position where you’re not hit from the jump. The story also has some deep thoughts to ponder and I wanted to see how it dealt with the character and who she views as her peoples’ enemy and threat to their long-standing way of living. Excellent.

Developed by DON YASA CREW and published by Kakehashi Games, SONOKUNI is a stylish top-down action game that distinguishes itself through a fearless combination of lightning-fast combat, surreal biopunk aesthetics, and Japanese folklore. Rather than relying on familiar post-apocalyptic tropes, it creates a world where advanced biotechnology and ancient tradition collide, resulting in an experience that feels both unsettling and visually captivating. From the moment the journey begins, the game establishes a unique identity through its artistic direction and uncompromising design philosophy, offering players a brutal but rewarding adventure that values skill, determination, and thoughtful storytelling over accessibility. Players take on the role of Takeru, a lone assassin sent on a dangerous mission to challenge a technologically advanced superpower whose society has been transformed through genetic engineering. The narrative focuses on the difficult choices that arise when protecting one's homeland comes at the cost of countless lives, presenting moral conflicts without offering simple answers. Instead of portraying a clear struggle between good and evil, the story explores themes…

Soundtrack's insane, gameplay is fire, art cool, will never be getting 100% because this game is HARD AF.

Pretty interesting setting, the mix of transhumanism in a lively world of neo-Japan, bombarded with blood and industrial hip-hop beats. Although, the gameplay was quite familiar for me since it inspires on Hotline Miami but focused more on close combat with color-coded projectile parrying. Not bad for a debut game.

This game is a treat from start to finish - it takes the essence of Hotline Miami - but does its own thing entirely. Great art, soundtrack and clearly a lot love went into this game - the last boss is real ♥♥♥♥♥♥ hard (but fair) though.

Stunning art, great music, fun gameplay, and profound messages.