Imagine a story inspired by real life Japanese mythology, where a lone assassin goes up against biotechnologically-enhanced oppressors to preserve her dying culture. Now add neon-soaked aesthetics, a bass-thumping soundtrack, and plenty of gratuitious gore, and you’ve got SONOKUNI.
Developed by Japanese hip-hop group turned game developers DON YASA CREW, this over-the-top 2D action game is an assault on the senses in every way possible. From its trippy biopunk visuals to intense soundscape, the game presents fast-paced movements and blood-soaked combat with impeccable style.
In SONOKUNI, a single hit spells out instant death, but you can use a combination of attacks, parries, and time-slowing skills to make it out clean on the other side. Faced with a variety of opponents, each with their own attack patterns to master and overcome, the game is unequal parts failure and success.
Expect to meet your demise violently and frequently, then use your learnings to refine your approach. Its gameplay is easy to learn and hard to master, rewarding players who are persistent and strategic. When everything finally comes together, the bass thumping in your eardrums as you hit a perfect run, there is no greater feeling of satisfaction.
With a total runtime of under 5 hours, DON YASA CREW brings you on a hypnotic musical journey with new tracks introduced at the start of each level. Every moment is punctuated with a visceral soundtrack, making the perfect backdrop to our main character’s one-man uprising as they fight to defend their people — no matter the moral cost.
Although the game isn’t made for everyone, those who love games like Hotline Miami and even Superhot should take SONOKUNI out for a spin. The game has a free demo available on Steam, and the full game is priced at RM38.50.
Wishlist SONOKUNI on Steam, and top up your Steam Wallet on Codashop.
A review key was provided by Kakehashi Games.
