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Thanks to GOG for sending in a key to GOL, I got to try out Dex. It's a visually impressive 2D cyberpunk action-RPG.

Apart from the issue of having to install some libs to get it to work (full list available on the GOG store page) and some multi-monitor issues at the start, the game has performed like a champ. If you do have more than one monitor and it starts on the wrong one, you can set it to windowed mode and drag it over to fullscreen it on the correct monitor.

I don't actually own the game on elsewhere, so being given it was a bit of a treat as it was one on my backlog to try eventually.

Visually, it actually reminds me of a beefed-up Beneath a Steel Sky, at least a little (vastly different gameplay though), did anyone else feel that way?

There's plenty of loot to obtain, even porn mags. I'm not making that up either, porn mags are loot.

The combat is all real time, but you do have an assortment of weapons and skills you're able to use. Thanks to the skill system the game can be played in an assortment of different ways.

What surprised me the most about Dex is the quality voice acting. I thought it would be text dialogue only, but voice over as well is great.

I have to say, I am seriously impressed with Dex to the point of continuing on with it after I finish up this article.

About the game
Wanted dead by a mysterious and far-reaching organization, you will traverse the futuristic city of Harbor Prime and make unexpected allies on your quest to bring down the system! In this cyberpunk adventure inspired by Blade Runner and Neuromancer, you are free to choose your playstyle: will you be a silent assassin, a hacker, a diplomat or a straightforward gunfighter?

Designed as a throwback to earlier 2D platforming and action games combined with modern RPG elements, Dex offers real-time combat, a mature storyline and interactive dialogues.

Find Dex on GOG. It's on sale right now, great time to try it out. Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Action, GOG, RPG
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16 comments
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Shmerl Jun 17, 2016
Yes, I definitely felt some relation to Beneath A Steel Sky (including entering cyberpace and etc.). It's cyberpunk after all, so it's not that surprising :) And 2D style adds to the similarity as well.


Last edited by Shmerl on 17 June 2016 at 8:55 pm UTC
PublicNuisance Jun 17, 2016
I was really happy to see this on GOG. I have cut myself off for this sale, spent almost $200 so far but I will pick this up soon.
[email protected] Jun 18, 2016
I'm going to get this when it's on sale on Steam. GOG, the first thing i'll get before anything else is the client. That's, if it's coming.
wolfyrion Jun 18, 2016
GOG should have given steam keys as well on every game purchase, like Humble.
Both DRM Free and Steam Key.

In this way they satisfy both DRM Free Fanatics and Steam User fanatics and it will certainly increase their sales.

As for me thats the only reason I dont buy games from GOG and I still dont understand why they are not doing this.
Avehicle7887 Jun 18, 2016
Quoting: wolfyrionGOG should have given steam keys as well on every game purchase, like Humble.
Both DRM Free and Steam Key.

In this way they satisfy both DRM Free Fanatics and Steam User fanatics and it will certainly increase their sales.

As for me thats the only reason I dont buy games from GOG and I still dont understand why they are not doing this.

Because GOG and Steam are competitors not partners, unlike Humble Bundle. If GOG started offering Steam keys, believe me many people would stop buying from them, including me.
Tchey Jun 18, 2016
Dex was quite disappointing in my opinion. Nice ambiance, but poor gameplay overall.
Plintslîcho Jun 18, 2016
I'm torn between picking this game up or not. I really like the Deus Ex vibe of it. But every time I see the beat 'em up gameplay I'm totally put off again.
robvv Jun 18, 2016
I enjoyed playing Dex, but as I've always been a fan of 2D platformers it really hit the spot.

The gameplay actually reminded me of the old Superior Software title Spycat :-)

Only complaint about the game was the rather short play time.
Shmerl Jun 19, 2016
Quoting: wolfyrionGOG should have given steam keys as well on every game purchase, like Humble.
Both DRM Free and Steam Key.

Why should they? Steam is their competitor. It's up to Steam to offer something like that if developers approve. I.e. similar to GOG connect.


Last edited by Shmerl on 19 June 2016 at 3:25 am UTC
Avehicle7887 Jun 19, 2016
I finished this game last night after 12 straight hours on it. Without spoiling it, it's rather good however has a few shortcomings that make the game way too easy.

Mini Review -

Pros:

Great graphics
Fun puzzles (I hate mathematics)
Interesting story, albeit somewhat confusing at first
Excellent voice overs and soundtrack
VERY stable, after 12 hours without ever closing it, I never experienced a crash or any kind of technical issue. (Played GOG version)

Cons:

Game mechanics: Despite the game taking some elements from Deus Ex, however it doesn't execute them well. Stealth for example where you can jump from 10 meters high right behind an enemy and he will not hear you. Also if you run up to an enemy while he's looking the other way, he will not hear you either, It's a shame crouching is there only to enter some areas.

Enemies seem to be completely deaf, if an enemy is trying to gun you down on floor 1, don't worry about the guard on floor 2 as he won't hear a thing.

Overpowered equipment: I'll put this straight, some equipment and augmentations in Dex shouldn't exist. Unfortunately I can't say much more about this without spoiling the game, if you want a challenge play by your rules not the game's.


Conclusion:

My main issues with the game were how easy it was. One thing I didn't mention in either Pros or Cons, is character progression, mainly because it's a mixed bag. Some skills are unlocked way too early or way too late and you will have little time to use them by the end of the game. Sidequests are also mixed, some of them feel rushed while others are rather memorable and very well written.

Despite the design flaws Dex remains a very well made game worth every penny. In a time where indie games are rampant, this one stands out. For what it's worth, this one's a keeper.
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