RUINER

Developer Reikon Games Publisher Devolver Digital Format PC Origin Poland Release 2016

A sub-Matrix voiceover (“the moment you were born, you were trapped”) may not promise greatness, but if Ruiner’s cyberpunk dystopia doesn’t seem to have anything new to say, its slick, brutal action is much more persuasive. Katanas and guns produce bloody results in keeping with its anime-inspired aesthetic, while a stylish lateral dash lets you dodge incoming attacks, briefly slowing your attackers. A shield, meanwhile, doubles as a protective barrier and an offensive weapon to bulldoze groups of enemies. With decent twin-stick shooters thin on the ground nowadays, Ruiner has little trouble standing out.