Dex - Preview @ Expansive DLC

Expansive DLC has a new preview of the 2D Stealth Platformer RPG Dex based on an early build of the game played at Rezzed 2014.

When I played DEX at Rezzed recently, the first thing that struck me was the beautiful art style – with a unique blend of Comix Zone, Flashback and a dash of Blade Runner – the game looks amazing!

Equally unique is the game type. Not being content with simply making a very crisp looking game, Prague based developer, Dreadlocks Ltd, have decided to make DEX a 2D Stealth Platformer with RPG elements. It’s a bold idea but it actually seems to work. In fact, it’s a wonder this hasn’t been attempted before.

Starting the demo, there is no introduction, no cutscene to announce your mysterious female protagonist or the futuristic Neo-Tokyo setting. You simply start, accompanied by a hypnotic electronica soundtrack, stood in an alleyway. Moving around your surroundings, you find stray dogs searching for scraps, homeless people huddled around a bin fire and market traders serving up questionably fresh food. DX tries to paint a picture of a slightly dystopian cyberpunk future and so far. it’s pulling it off quite well. Even DEX herself – with her body armour under a trench coat and bright blue hair – walks the part. The NPCs usually shuffle around but DEX has a confident stride which make you feel more akin to characters like Ultraviolet.