Jadedflames Dustborn Review

Dustborn, like many indie games in the genre, is a mix of great ideas and mediocre execution. The concept and story is intelligent and compelling, with a diverse roster of characters who all have moments of greatness. Unfortunately this is let down by the kitchen-sink style of development. The game includes several modules that feel tacked on rather than as a cohesive whole. At times the game turns into a guitar-hero style rhythm game. At others it turns into a weak beat 'um up. At still others you engage in slow hide-and seek sections to find ghosts in a black/white/red screen stylistically reminiscent of the Hitman target vision, but without the gameplay to back it up. I recommend Dustborn to those looking for an interesting alt-future dystopia with compelling characters on a road trip. But know that you will be bumping up against unpolished systems the whole way. If you can make it through though, it's well worth the play.