Developer: Chance Agency
Platforms: iOS, Linux, macOS, PC (Reviewed), Switch
Genre: Adventure, RPG
Publisher: Fellow Traveller
Neo Cab is a narrative-driven indie game that places you in the driver’s seat, set in the future where technology has full control on the streets, and human drivers have become scarce. In Neo Cab, you play as Lina, one of the few human cab drivers left, while she searches for her best friend, trying to keep her job and emotions in check. Lina has recently moved to Los Ojos and wants to have a fresh start. This game was developed by Chance Agency and published by Fellow Traveller. The following review was done on the PC, but the game is also available for Linux, macOS, Switch and  iOS.
The controls for Neo Cab are minimal, which is perfect for this narrative-driven game. In most cases, the dialogue will continue on its own and will mainly pause when you need to make a decision. Neo Cab introduces interesting mechanics that make the game more intriguing.Â
The gameplay itself is very straightforward for Neo Cab. Neo Cab is a visual novel that revolves around the player choosing dialogue options and creating different scenarios and paths along the way. You pick up passengers (Pax) while managing Lina’s emotional state using her FeelGrid, which is a mood bracelet that changes colours based on how she feels. The emotional system is an intriguing mechanic added to the game that directly affects the gameplay. Lina’s mood is able to lock and unlock many different dialogue options, which forces you to adapt based on how Lina is feeling in the moment. It’s really cool how the emotions are such a big part of the game that portrays how emotions in real life affect a person, even simply through a conversation. You do not carry out these conversations just for the sake of them, but this allows you to keep up a good rating. Depending on how you interact with the passenger, you can earn money and improve/decrease your star rating. Interestingly, if you keep a rating lower than 4.0 for an extended time, then you will be kicked from Neo Cab. Besides just the focal point of carrying out conversation and picking up different Pax, in between these rides, you are able to take small breaks where you can buy snacks, refuel and find a place to sleep. Overall, the game truly captures the essence and lifestyle of a cab driver.Â
The visuals of Neo Cab are as if you were living in a graphic novel. The art style is extremely striking with neon, vibrant colours and expressive characters and designs that depict each emotion so clearly. You feel as if you have been sucked into the near dystopian future. The game’s perspective shifts between first-person driving scenes and close-up visuals where Lina interacts with the customers, which are effortless and add another layer of depth and connection. You are able to see all of Lina’s features and expressions from her sighs to her frowns, and even when she shakes her head. The colour palette of the game is filled with pinks, purples, and blues, which perfectly emphasise the synthetic and futuristic atmosphere of Los Ojos with a subtle sense of calm and beautiful aesthetic. Changes to the visuals are also compelling, from reading texts on a cellphone to talking with someone behind a club. The changes in these locations and settings add more realism to the story.Â
The soundtrack creates the mood for the game, which is perfect for the many conversations you hold. Neo Cab features mellow beats and synth-like rhythms mixed with ambient noise to give an emotional feel to the game. Each little sound, from the hums of the driving cars to the buzz of the city, can be felt, which makes the atmosphere feel so alive and immersive.Â
Neo Cab is all about meeting and interacting with new and old people. Each passenger you pick up in your cab brings their own stories and experiences, from conspiracy theories to lonely people who are just looking to talk. You will never encounter the same type of person ever, which makes for some intriguing stories. However, I did feel that there were some conversations that were more on the ‘bland’ side of things, which pulled away from the gameplay, although that’s the like of a cab driver. Each interaction feels like a mini mystery where you can unfold what’s to be told through your dialogue choices. What I thoroughly enjoyed were the inner self monologues where Lina would second-guess herself, feel embarrassed, and even frustrated at times. It is quite nice how each conversation has its own flow, and you will easily be able to progress through your own decision-making. Neo Cab allows players to sit back, relax and enjoy a story unfold, more like several stories.Â
If you are looking for a dialogue-driven experience that blends a dystopian aesthetic with emotional storytelling, then this game is just for you. With the expressive art style, immersive futuristic-like soundtrack and emotion-based gameplay, it’s an experience that allows the player to relax and indulge in a cleverly scripted narrative. Choose from several choices as you take on all sorts of conversions with your passengers. So, be sure to check out Neo Cab!
Overall: 8/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
