The Cyberpunk setting is one of the most in vogue in video games right now, so it's little wonder that a lot of developers are trying their collective hands at creating something using that as a backdrop.
What doesn't immediately jump to mind as a potential avenue is the life simulator genre, which is usually suited to more calm and relaxed environs, particularly when thinking about what the intended audience are usually looking for.
Well, it turns out, for the team that was brave enough to take that step, it's actually quite a compelling proposition.
Nivalis is an upcoming release from developer ION LANDS and publisher 505 Games, set in the titular city, where the player gets to start a small business, before eventually (hopefully) becoming a business magnate who dominates the economic scene.
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In the developer's own words, "You’ve got to start small: a food stall, a noodle stand, a stim store. Build your way up to a bar, a restaurant, or even a nightclub. Eventually, you’ll own all the nightlife in Nivalis. You’ll own the night! In Nivalis, you choose how to spend your time in the city. In this unique slice-of-life sim with realistic weather simulation and night and day cycles, you can grow your business, meet strange and diverse characters, form friendships and experience the danger and wonder of this cyberpunk voxel city."
It seems like the developer is keen to tread the line between management sim and life sim as gently as possible. You'll be able to fill your days by going fishing or exploring the city, but you'll need to keep your eyes on the inner workings of your businesses to make sure they don't fail.
The Steam page for the game hasn't exactly made it clear how the progression will work, and whether owning bigger businesses is simply a case of accruing more money, but it's a pretty unique premise when combined with the setting.
It seems that there will be some kind of relationship system in the game when it does launch, as the description promises that the player may be able to find love amongst the throngs of customers and city dwellers.
There's no word on an exact release date just yet, but it is still scheduled to arrive in 2025, so, assuming they do manage to stick to that, you won't have too long to wait to make all your Cyberpunk dreams come true.
Topics: Cyberpunk 2077, The Sims