This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!

Today’s Spotlight is Tales of the Neon Sea, a cyberpunk adventure game by Palm Pioneer and Zodiac Interactive.

Tales of the Neon Sea is set in a bright cyberpunk dystopia, where tensions between robots and humans continue to escalate, and cat mobsters plot to overthrow their human overlords. You can check out the launch trailer above.

You are a disgruntled ex-cop that now works as a private detective before finding himself wrapped up in a murder that holds the key to putting away an infamous killer that managed to evade justice once before. Navigate the seedy underbelly of a neon-lit metropolis and solve puzzles to expose a conspiracy that threatens the city.

Be aware that Tales of the Neon Sea is an episodic game. The current release contains the first three chapters, with the final acts being released for free later this year.

Tales of the Neon Sea is available on Windows PC via Steam for $16.99.

Here’s a rundown of the game:

Boasting stunningly detailed pixel art, and featuring a twisting story of mystery and suspense, Tales of the Neon Sea is an exciting new adventure from Chinese indie studio Palm Pioneer. Set in a fully realized cyberpunk cityscape, use your wits and puzzle-solving skills to determine the course of this unique tale.

This release contains about 12-15 hours of gameplay, and features the first three chapters of a larger story arc. We aim to release following chapters of the main storyline for free sometime in the autumn.

In the near future, humans and sentient AI robots rely on each other for survival despite growing tensions and unease. Our protagonist, formerly a veteran police detective but now retired following years of frustration and disillusionment, spends his days intoxicated while accepting random jobs as a private investigator to make ends meet. He exists within the neon sea of an immense city, its blinding artificial lights unable to hide the shadow of greed and lust that threatens to engulf it at any moment.

This drunken cycle is broken when our hero becomes entangled in a murder case, one which holds the key to tracking down a monstrous killer who long ago escaped justice. Unlock your memories, decode the truth, and resist drowning in the wave of conspiracy that grips the city!

Key Features:

• Fascinating Story – Investigate the murder scene, examine the evidence, and use your powers of deduction to solve the case piece by piece. Once the mist is cleared, will you see the truth or uncover an even bigger mystery?
• Old School Pixel-art and Detailed Environmental Design – Explore an evocative cyberpunk world brought to life by incredibly detailed pixel-art. Immerse yourself in a vision of a future that can’t let go of the past.
• Rich and Varied Puzzle Design – Puzzles that will challenge your sense of logic, observation and patience! Combining narrative and environmental elements, and designed to augment your journey into this weird and vibrant world.
• Play as a Cat? Of Course! – Step into the shoes, or furry paws, of William! As small black street cat, William can reach areas that humans and robots simply cannot, and often finds himself in the right place at the right time!

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