NeoTokyo is a free FPS HL2 mod developed by STUDIO RADI-8. NeoTokyo (NT) takes place about 30-40 years from now in a Japan ravaged by social and political strife. The game's heavily influenced by Masamune Shirow and Katsuhiro Otomo, two renowned manga artists best known for their works such as Ghost In The Shell and Akira. So expect to see mechs, thermoptic camouflage, cyborgs, et. al. Let's check the game out to see if STUDIO RADI-8 delivers after 4 years of development.

Requirements

• 1.6 GHz processor
•  512 MB RAM
•  2+ GB of free hard drive space
•  DirectX 9 compatible video card (Shader 2.0)
•  Windows 7/Vista/2000/XP/ME/98
•  Steam software and Steam account
•  Source SDK Base

Installation

NeoTokyo does not have a Steam installer and so you have to go to their downloads section and download the installer from there. There's plenty of mirrors so bandwidth is not a problem. In order to play NT you need to have a Steam account and a game that gives you the Source SDK Base. To check if you have the Source SDK Base, just head over to your Steam account and go to Tools and it should be there.

First Impressions

The moment you start NT you'll be asking yourself the same question all the time...is this what the Source engine can do? In short you'd be amazed at just how gorgeous looking NT is and to think that it is a free mod for HL2. You really feel like you're in Neo Tokyo. And just like what it says in their website, you get the Ghost In The Shell and Akira feeling each and everytime you play NT. Moreover, it just doesn't look like a futuristic Japanese city, it sounds just like one too. You'll hear Japanese voice overs (which I absolutely love by the way) all through out a given map. It's just absolutely stunning.

You get to choose from three unit classes Recon, Assault, and Support at the start of a round everytime so if you don't feel like playing the swift yet fragile recon class you can always switch to the beefy but slow Support class. Each of the three classes also has their unique vision modes suited to their class, Reconc lass gets NightVision, Assault class gets MotionVision, and Support class gets ThermalVision (which is the coolest vision mode ever!). Thermoptic camouflage is also a feature of the Recon and Assault class and something that definitely reminds you of Ghost In The Shell. The HUD for NT isn't distracting at all and it doesn't give you unnecessary information. NT also has its built-in ranking system where you gain and lose points depending on what you do. Going up in rank means access to better primary weapons.

Multi-Player

There's no singleplayer option for NT unless you call playing by yourself on a locally hosted server singleplayer. NT has everything you could ever imagine in a game. This isn't just another modern Counter-Strike where you go in a room and loes yourself. You need teamwork in order to win a round in NT and when I say teamwork...I really mean it. Gameplay-wise, it's like a capture the flag game except this time you don't capture a flag...you capture the Ghost so instead of CTF it's CTG. All you have to do is return the ghost (which looks like the upper part of an android doll - very Ghost In The Shell'sh) to your team's extraction point and you win. Take note though that everyone including the opposite team can see where the Ghost is located and even if someone is carrying it making that player a prime target for the opposing team. The player holding the Ghost cannot use their primary weapon which makes the player rely on his/her teammates (another hint that teamwork is needed), the player can use their secondary weapon to defend themselves if need be. What is special about holding the Ghost is that you can see the opposing team if they are within range (45 meters) of that player's position making the Ghost carrier a big asset to the team. Having a mic and speaking the same language as your team also helps.

Final Thoughts

At first a newbie will get disappointed if they're looking for some quick-action oriented type of gameplay from NT especially if they like to solo rounds. The learning curve is a bit hard if you're not into the game that much. Most of the time, I keep missing the right keys when I'm in a tight spot or I'm pressing the wrong key. But with a bit of practice you won't find yourself guessing which keys do what.

Playing NT was definitely refreshing for me. Sometimes I just get tired of all the games that doesn't have an oriental background. Sure there's a couple of games out there that features an Asian protagonist or unit but definitely not like everything what NT can offer to you as a gamer. I must say that NT is definitely not for your average gamer who just wants to have a CS/TF2 like gameplay. And like I said, you can't just run around shooting people in this game and expect to come out unhurt or alive. You definitely have to think about what you have to do.

Overall, I'd recommend NT to anyone who wants a different atmosphere and a much more involved type of gameplay.

Ratings

Installer - I wish they have a Steam installer as more and more people could find out more about their game when they're searching the Steam website for mods.

Graphics - Definitely Ghost In The Shell/Akira material. NeoTokyo e youkoso.

Sound - The games sound effects are not over the top and the separate soundtrack is also a must have.

Gameplay - Learning curve is a bit hard since you have a couple of extra keys to think about as well. If you're a lone wolf then I think it's time to find another game for you. But if you value teamwork and using your brain then this game is definitely for you.