No Longer Human: Slaying Neon Demons
If the morning coffee I drank on the first day of PAX East ‘22 wasn’t enough to wake me up, then the high octane distorted neon insanity of 0801’s No Longer Human was. Quoted as being visually inspired by the beloved PlayStation 2 rail-shooter Rez and mechanically inspired by Smash Bros, No Longer Human left my jaw on the floor with the sheer intensity of its soundtrack, visuals, and gameplay.
Despite still being early in development, what I got to play at PM Studio’s booth was enough to have me pining for more hours afterward. Backed by an absolutely bumping synthwave soundtrack, you play what was described to me as a “disgraced vocaloid idol trying to escape a virtual underworld.” Armed with a giant scythe that can act as a laser rifle and a dash mechanic, I was sent hurtling across frequently distorting minimalist stages at breakneck speeds. The game led into hacking, shooting, and chain attacking enemies faster than what felt like my brain could process. No Longer Human oozes style, which the team credits Bayonetta for. The inspiration is easily identified, but simultaneously feeling unique to itself. With familiar features executed in bright, bombastic ways, No Longer Human is a joyous visual overload.
With gameplay, visuals, and a soundtrack seemingly on lock, I was very eager to learn more about what was actually going on with our protagonist. When asked about the narrative of No Longer Human, 0801 cryptically alluded to one that would be elaborated on more as we get closer to its launch; expected to be sometime this year. Until then, I'll just have to milk what time I can get with it here on the showroom floor.
Written by Justin Hyde