Bullet Noir is an atmospheric twin-stick shooter that plunges players into a dark and unforgiving world where every shot counts. The game is developed by French studio Wolcen Studio.
Bullet Noir is set in a dystopian cityscape. Players follow four protagonists united by a common goal: to expose and defeat the shadowy figure responsible for their mentor’s death. The narrative unfolds through a chapter-based structure, offering varied perspectives that add depth to the gameplay experience.
The game’s visual style is a significant strength. A high-contrast noir aesthetic, combined with a rain-slicked, neon-lit urban environment, cultivates a compelling atmosphere of desperation and danger. The top-down perspective provides a strategic advantage, allowing players to anticipate enemy positions and plan accordingly. Furthermore, the ability to shoot through certain doors and windows enables dynamic and tactical engagements. While enemies are relatively fragile, the player character is equally vulnerable, requiring careful resource management and tactical awareness. Though melee combat is an option, knives and swords are less effective against armed opponents. This balance creates challenging and engaging levels, encouraging replayability. Players can choose a stealthy approach or engage in direct firefights, offering tactical flexibility.
Currently, Bullet Noir is available exclusively on PC. The recommended system specifications include 8 GB of RAM and a Radeon HD 7870 or GeForce GTX 650 graphics card, or equivalent.
The game mechanics are straightforward yet effective. Players can seamlessly switch between ranged and melee weapons, and the aiming system is precise. However, playing Bullet Noir with a controller is not recommended; a mouse and keyboard setup offers superior control and responsiveness. Controller input can feel sluggish, hindering maneuverability. A notable drawback is the lack of checkpoints within levels. Upon death, players are forced to restart from the beginning. While early levels are relatively short, later stages become more extensive, increasing the frustration of repeated playthroughs.
Bullet Noir is a recommended title for those seeking a fun and challenging experience with fast-paced gameplay. Its portability makes it suitable for gaming on the go. The minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the intense and engaging firefights.
WOLCEN Studio provided a review code for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
