Available on PC (Windows, macOS); Consoles (Steam Deck, Switch 1/2); Mobile (IOS)
It’s during these times when AI is being advertised everywhere, and technology seems to be put on a higher priority than actual human beings, that stories like Neo Cab become a necessary reminder to find the value in people again.
In this visual novel, you play as Lina, the last human cab driver. It’s her first night in Los Ojos, and already, there’s trouble afoot. Her best friend has disappeared, Lina doesn’t even have a place to stay yet, and she needs to make enough to stay in the city and keep her license. And boy, does the city of Los Ojos make all that a difficult time. Late-stage capitalism, folks; it kicks the air out of your lungs then makes you pay for it.
So aside from managing your money, electricity (for your car), and your rating, you’re searching and trying to figure out what happened to your best friend, Savy. Is it serious, or is she just bailing on Lina again? Later on, their history will be revealed, and you’ll have to decide if this is a friendship worth building or not. Assuming, of course, you find her.
This is set mainly in the car Lina drives. You can choose which passengers to pick up and drive them to their destinations within the city. Passenger choice can make or break Lina’s whole day, and these are all sorts of people. Some of them made me want to pull my hair out. I got maybe two or three passengers I could not stand. The worst part is knowing that there are people in real life exactly like them. And like real life, sometimes there’s no way to know where a conversation is headed, so it’s not like you can avoid them. But you have to maintain a good review, so you’re going to have to put on your best customer-service face and take it all in stride.
That may be easier said than done, though, because before Savy disappeared, she gave Lina a bracelet that shows people her feelings (a mood bracelet, if you will). And throughout the game, there are moments when Lina just cannot keep her cool, and you won’t be able to choose certain options. An interesting mechanic! Really makes the game feel realistic. I mean, I felt so enraged at those interactions that it wouldn’t have felt right if Lina weren’t. What is she, a robot? (Get it? Because, you know, the other drivers are AI, and she’s the last human one? Sorry, anyway… moving on.)
I really enjoyed how the characters just felt so right in the world, though. Lina, most especially. I like that she’s just… so real. She has flaws. She can be quick to anger. She can be sad. She effs up, she apologizes. It’s just so fun.
Art style is incredibly distinct. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it feels 2D and 3D at the same time. And the UI is smooth and pleasing. Completely capturing the vibe of a cyberpunk world. The game also features an original soundtrack by Obfusc, who also worked on Monument Valley and House of Cards! And I’d say they did a perfect job.
It doesn’t have voice acting, so it may be a fun experience to hop into a voice call and just make up voices together with your friends. I don’t really mind silent visual novels since I’ve got a pretty good imagination, and I’d rather have no voice acting than BAD voice acting.
At standard price, this is around 10 USD on Steam, but it also regularly goes on sale! So if you’re still unsure, just wait for a sale, and then you might be able to grab it at 85% off.
All in all, Neo Cab takes about 2-3 hours to finish. I liked this game, but it might not be for everybody. It hit all the right notes with me because I like emotionally-driven stories and branching narratives. And cyberpunk? Late-stage capitalism world? Come on. I don’t like visual novels all that much, but I had to give this a shot.
We can never have enough games that make us think about the world we live in and the people we meet. Human connection, real human connection, can never be replaced. Not by AI. AI will always be trying to replicate humans, but it can never make you feel as we humans can.
