Neon Idol VR Windows, VR, PS5 game

Neon Idol VR - Story

Dive into the world of Neon Idol VR, unfolding in a captivating alternate scenario of 1987. The Zuse Corp has overwhelmed humanity with its groundbreaking technology, and the once dreamy vision of flying cars for all has transformed into a dark nightmare. The fuel for these hovering wonders? Moon minerals, with the moon already depleted by 40%.

Amidst this chaotic upheaval, artificial intelligences are increasingly displacing human labor. As a detective, you must navigate this dystopian reality and solve a case that demands everything from you. Yet, the challenges extend beyond mere investigations, as our protagonist battles schizophrenia, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between reality and imagination. Immerse yourself in a narratively intense adventure where the boundaries between dream and reality blur!

Gameplay

Designed as a VR adventure game, players navigate the main character through this ominous environment, tasked with solving a series of murder cases that seem intricately connected. In addition to traditional detective work like questioning witnesses and collecting evidence, the protagonist employs unique methods to uncover the truth.

This includes the option to use force to gain information quickly or take illegal routes to put a culprit behind bars. And in some instances, does it really matter if the right person pays for the crimes, as long as the quota is fulfilled, right?!

Production

I've been immersed in the creation of Neon Idol VR for several years, investing significant time to bring this virtual world to life. Set in a retro cyberpunk environment, the game captures the futuristic vision people from the 1980s imagined – complete with robots, clunky computers, a tangle of cables, and, of course, flying cars.

Crafting the intricate story took almost two years, as I aimed to grasp the essence of this cyberpunk genre and depict it authentically. The retro-futuristic aesthetic of the environment, including level design, is predominantly my own work. While I've incorporated some purchased assets, a substantial portion is self-produced.

The mechatronic animations, though time-consuming, add a fantastic touch to the overall ambiance. I opted for Mixamo animations for random NPCs, but the main characters are animated using motion capture for a more lifelike appearance. This approach ensures I have complete control over the narrative and can effectively convey the desired dramaturgy.

Creating a system that aligns with the essence of an adventure game posed the greatest challenge. Each crime scene features smaller quests the detective must solve, from collecting and analyzing clues in their own apartment to realistically portraying NPC interactions. Meeting an NPC prompts responses based on the detective's prior behavior, with three variations and corresponding random voiceovers for each NPC.

I'm currently wrapping up the first chapter and plan to offer it to the community for testing in the coming weeks. I'm eager to receive feedback and ensure I'm on the right track. Your insights will be invaluable as I navigate this exciting journey!

Support

I would appreciate your support for Neon Idol VR, whether it's providing feedback, spreading the word about the project, or simply giving a thumbs up here and there. Most updates will be posted on Reddit or Discord.