This neon-lit, neo-noir action adventure promises to pack a punch with its colorful characters and biotech-enhanced action.

Catching the eye of potential consumers can be the hardest hurdle to overcome for video games in today’s oversaturated market. At first glance, one might classify ANNO: Mutationem as just another retro-inspired side-scroller. However, the moment the main character turns down a bustling side street and plunges into the suddenly explorable layers of background, this cyberpunk RPG seamlessly transforms into an immersive 3D adventure. This unique blend of 2D and 3D graphics instantly makes ANNO: Mutationem stand out from the crowd.

Developed by Beijing-based studio ThinkingStars and published by Lightning Games, ANNO: Mutationem follows Ann—a woman with a mysterious illness—and her bubbly, tech-savvy sidekick Ayane.

Ann soon discovers that her brother is missing from his big city apartment, and evidence suggests that he may have gotten mixed up in something shady. The sudden appearance of a mysterious and hostile group of men seems to confirm the worst. Luckily, Ann’s cybernetic GROM suit gives her access to a beam saber and some serious buttkicking abilities. Aided by her suit, Ayane’s intel, and quirky scientist Dr. Alan Doyle, Ann goes on a journey for answers in a shadowy world of technology, vice, and violence.

ANNO: Mutationem launches on March 17, 2022 for PS4, PS5, and Microsoft Windows. I’m looking forward to getting lost in ThinkingStars’ rich world of futuristic intrigue and seeing just how deep this mystery goes.