ANNO: Mutationem

ANNO: Mutationem is a pixelated adventure set in a cyberpunk city. The main character Anne is engaged in hired work and gradually delves into a conspiracy connected with her past. The combat part takes place in real time, with switching between short- and long-range weapons. In addition to battles, there is exploration of areas, conversations with characters and tasks that reveal local customs. The style echoes the classics of the genre: two-dimensional scenes are adjacent to three-dimensional backgrounds. It’s worth mentioning separately about the combat system: switching between weapons and abilities occurs on the fly, so the battles are dynamic. In addition to the plot, there are side quests and conversations that reveal the ways of the city. Research is encouraged: behind the findings there are hidden improvements and explanations of what is happening. The design is unusual and recognizable, with expressive backgrounds. The duration is moderate, but the density of events is high, so it’s nice to replay the game and find what you missed earlier. Some areas open gradually, so the city is explored in parts, and not all at once. The weather and time of day change the presentation of the city, and this significantly affects the mood of the scenes. Some of the tasks are related to local residents, and access to new areas depends on conversations. Combat requires movement, so switching between weapons and techniques becomes a habit by mid-game. The game is not long, but it is dense, and it is pleasant to play through it again, finding missing details. For those who love unusual style and adventure, the project is suitable.