BadLand Games joins SWDTech Games to release JRPG-inspired Pixel Noir

 

Originally funded through Kickstarter by SWDTech Games, the noir themed RPG Pixel Noir has now found itself jointly under the eye of BadLand Games, a distribution company with titles such as Dead Synchronicity and Heart & Slash under its belt.

 

Pixel Noir has been in development for around 6 years, and follows the story of a cop turned private eye who just got out of jail after 10 years.

 

“An investigation gone awry at an abandoned hospital has left your partner dead, the hospital in ashes, and you behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit. Chasing down lost pets and beating the scum of Pinnacle City is just enough to stir the voices and visions that plague you every night… With your sanity at stake, how can you afford not to take the opportunity to clear your name?”

 

The game seems to be a mix of genres, with investigation elements as well as some JRPG inspiration. Throughout you’ll solve mysteries as a private eye, from missing to pets to murders, using an ‘investigation mode’ that reveals clues.

 

Combat is turn based, and you will recruit other members to your team – then being able to utilise them for effective combo attacks – in addition to some weapon customisation.

 

It certainly caught my attention, if not for the noir theme, then the interesting mix of genres. There’s a fair bit of time to wait, however, as Pixel Noir isn’t due for release until Q1 of 2018.

 

For now, though, a small demo is available of the pre-alpha state, and the developers are looking for feedback via a survey. The game will release on PC, PS4, Xbox One and PS Vita.