[[{“value”:”

Despite the neon lights, futuristic technology, and the promise of a brighter future, the entire cyberpunk genre lives on the fact that, in reality, no one should want to live in this world. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 don’t just give you awesome enhancements; they also tackle identity and a corporate-run city that controls nearly every aspect of anyone unfortunate enough to live here. Nivalis Nights doesn’t remove those traits, but instead, it gives you the perspective of someone normal. Best of all, this slice-of-life simulation game is at a discount just after launching, meaning now’s the best time to give it a try.

You start your life in Nivalis in your apartment, before suddenly being offered the chance to own your own noodle bar by the previous owner, who is a little secretive about why he’s giving up his livelihood. After that, you’re tasked with getting some stock in for the shop–thanks for leaving it empty, old owner–and going from a lowly nobody to a nobody who runs a pretty decent restaurant. You’re not V, trying to make a name for yourself in Nivalis like a legend from Night City. Instead, it’s all about making friends (or enemies) with vendors, restaurant owners, and other businesses in the area.

Despite a curfew being in place, a serial killer prowling the neon-drenched streets, and the fact that you–or another business owner–can become a saboteur to take down rival companies, the overall experience is rather cozy. Rain patters against the sidewalk as you take in the sights, get called ugly by someone livestreaming (but who, when confronted, says she’s not livestreaming), and inevitably steal meal ideas from other restaurant owners. It’s like if Stardew Valley grew up and had a baby with Cyberpunk 2077, but the former removed some of the latter’s more irredeemable qualities.

Sure, it may not be as comforting as some of the best cozy games, but it has the same feeling at its core. The visual style pulls you in, with bright colors popping despite the somewhat low-poly look of Nivalis Nights’ graphics. Turning your initial business from a zero-review place into something that deserves a spot in Meridian Market is engaging and challenging, and yet it’s just dipping your toes into Nivalis’ waters.

Nivalis Nights just launched, but if you don’t want to pay full price, you can buy it for $22.49 / £19.79 at Fanatical, which gets you a Steam key for less than the listed price. To be honest, it’s well worth the full price, but at least here you’re supporting the developers and getting a discount. Win cyberneticwin, in my eyes.

Hopefully I don’t see you in Nivalis, though. I don’t need you stealing my business ideas, of which I have many. A cybernetic that helps you get Pokémon cards at retail price? Count me in.

Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. This story was created in collaboration with Fanatical’s deals team.

“}]] [[{“value”:”Despite the neon lights, futuristic technology, and the promise of a brighter future, the entire cyberpunk genre lives on the fact that, in reality, no one should want to live in this world. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 don’t just give you awesome enhancements; they also tackle identity and a corporate-run city that controls nearly every aspect of anyone unfortunate enough to live here. Nivalis Nights doesn’t remove those traits, but instead, it gives you the perspective of someone normal. Best of all, this slice-of-life simulation game is at a discount just after launching, meaning now’s the best time to give it a try.

You start your life in Nivalis in your apartment, before suddenly being offered the chance to own your own noodle bar by the previous owner, who is a little secretive about why he’s giving up his livelihood. After that, you’re tasked with getting some stock in for the shop–thanks for leaving it empty, old owner–and going from a lowly nobody to a nobody who runs a pretty decent restaurant. You’re not V, trying to make a name for yourself in Nivalis like a legend from Night City. Instead, it’s all about making friends (or enemies) with vendors, restaurant owners, and other businesses in the area.

Despite a curfew being in place, a serial killer prowling the neon-drenched streets, and the fact that you–or another business owner–can become a saboteur to take down rival companies, the overall experience is rather cozy. Rain patters against the sidewalk as you take in the sights, get called ugly by someone livestreaming (but who, when confronted, says she’s not livestreaming), and inevitably steal meal ideas from other restaurant owners. It’s like if Stardew Valley grew up and had a baby with Cyberpunk 2077, but the former removed some of the latter’s more irredeemable qualities.

Sure, it may not be as comforting as some of the best cozy games, but it has the same feeling at its core. The visual style pulls you in, with bright colors popping despite the somewhat low-poly look of Nivalis Nights’ graphics. Turning your initial business from a zero-review place into something that deserves a spot in Meridian Market is engaging and challenging, and yet it’s just dipping your toes into Nivalis’ waters.

Nivalis Nights just launched, but if you don’t want to pay full price, you can buy it for $22.49 / £19.79 at Fanatical, which gets you a Steam key for less than the listed price. To be honest, it’s well worth the full price, but at least here you’re supporting the developers and getting a discount. Win cyberneticwin, in my eyes.

Hopefully I don’t see you in Nivalis, though. I don’t need you stealing my business ideas, of which I have many. A cybernetic that helps you get Pokémon cards at retail price? Count me in.

Disclosure: GameSpot and Fanatical are both owned by Fandom. This story was created in collaboration with Fanatical’s deals team.”}]]  Read MoreGameSpot – All Content