Neo Cab

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Nintenderos
    Jun 28, 2021
    70
    A title that is more like a visual novel than a video game, which has characters to empathize with. We can discover an interesting story. Neo Cab manages to connect with the feelings of the players and makes a good similarity between its futuristic world and the current harsh reality.
  2. FNintendo
    Dec 2, 2019
    70
    Neo Cab brings a visual novel about a grim story of unchecked corporate power to the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the result is quite positive and the game features relevant social commentary, well written dialogues and a series of varied and interesting characters. With a good incentive for players to return to the game, Neo Cab's main sin is that it's rather short in length and with a main plot that could be more developed.
  3. Vandal
    Oct 9, 2019
    70
    Neo Cab is a very interesting game from a narrative point of view. If you don’t care that much about gameplay and you’re looking for an engaging story set in a dystopian sci-fi world, give it a try.
  5. We Got This Covered
    Oct 4, 2019
    70
    Though encumbered by technical issues and a forgettable mystery, Neo Cab is worth the fare thanks to incisive commentary and a colorful cast of characters.
  6. Metro GameCentral
    Oct 4, 2019
    70
    One of the best narrative-based games of the year, that tackles a number of contemporary issues in an original and entertaining manner and whose main fault is merely a lack of budget.
  7. GameSpot
    Oct 2, 2019
    70
    Neo Cab might suffer from inconsistencies and presentation issues in some places, but as a depiction of a near-future society corrupted by tech fetishization, and an exploration of how humans are adapting to automation and the rise of the gig economy, it's got plenty to say about how important it is that we all look out for one another. This is a forward-thinking game, but the issues it explores are extremely relevant in 2019, which makes for an engaging, stimulating narrative experience, even if the central mystery of your friend's disappearance is not particularly interesting.
  8. Shacknews
    Oct 2, 2019
    70
    While flashy and immediately arresting, it just isn’t that compelling. Being frank, it could have used a bit more drive. As it stands, it's getting a middling driver rating from me.
  9. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Oct 2, 2019
    65
    The characters are excellent, the world is fascinating, and following Lina as she interacts with citizens of Los Ojos is entertaining. I just wish that the main narrative were gripping, but it never seems to find its footing, and that’s a shame.
  10. Destructoid
    Oct 11, 2019
    60
    While I had issues with Neo Cab, I will admit that it’s worth the fare. It perhaps didn’t set my world on fire, nor do I think it’s going to climb atop anyone’s list of favorite games this year, but it’s at least a nice ride while it lasts.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 6 out of 24
  1. Keithustus
    Oct 3, 2019
    7
    Is otherwise great, but the dialogue freezes permanently a lot and I have to reload an old save and try a different path. Hopefully they workIs otherwise great, but the dialogue freezes permanently a lot and I have to reload an old save and try a different path. Hopefully they work out these bugs so it can realize its full potential, since I have really enjoyed the first several game-nights’ content.… Full Review »
  2. shoebill
    Apr 6, 2021
    8
    This visual novel is wonderful! I had to stop and think of reasons it wasn't a 10/10. It didn't feel like a 10/10 game - I'm notThis visual novel is wonderful! I had to stop and think of reasons it wasn't a 10/10. It didn't feel like a 10/10 game - I'm not artificially knocking it down! - but it wasn't immediately obvious to me what held it back.

    The game is about Lina, a cab driver in a future Los Angeles (er, "Ojos"), who moves to the city to live with a friend who immediately disappears. She then drives around the city, picking up passengers and learning about the current political/social environment. There isn't any gameplay besides selecting dialogue options, but there are a lot of those options and the game never feels slow. There's also a clever "mood" mechanic that limits your choices depending on how Lina is feeling; as a player, I needed to be strategic about which passengers ("pax") to pick up if I thought they might tick Lina off.

    The characterization and writing are excellent, and the pacing is very strong as well. There are sci-fi elements, social analyses, and good old traditional interpersonal conflicts. The nature of the game means you can lean more into the themes that interest you by picking up those passengers again. I found all of them interesting and well done, but I could see where other players might have found it heavy-handed. I thought most sides of any debate or character motives were shown well. Except for the villain. You love to hate the villain. They're awful and I absolutely know them in real life, too.

    I did experience a few bugs, but nothing that affected my enjoyment of the game. The biggest gripe I have is that there is a ton of replayability to pick up different pax, but the frame story of Lina's missing friend kept interrupting me as I tried to explore other pax stories. It slows down the content. I also didn't love the animation style, as something felt a bit disjointed about how the characters moved, but that's really getting into nits.

    HIghly recommend this game, especially if on sale. I was very lucky to pick it up for $4 on sale and have gotten 8-10 hours out of it. It'll definitely be a replay in a few years when I can't remember much!    … Full Review »
  3. Reed_Reviews
    Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Neo Cab offers a character-driven narrative built upon change, disillusionment, and human connection.

    Being a visual novel, its gameplay    Neo Cab offers a character-driven narrative built upon change, disillusionment, and human connection.

    Being a visual novel, its gameplay takes the backseat - pun intended. The game instead emphasizes a cast of varied and creatively drawn characters to unravel its story. Impressively, Neo Cab organically introduces these characters through its main concept; because you are a cab driver in the future, you meet many people each day for your work. This is a seamless and believable method to introduce characters while also getting a behind-the-scenes look at an interesting occupation.

    There are also a few branching story and dialogue options. No, the game does not feature thousands of possible endings like Detroit: Become Human. It does, however, offer slight dialogue options to help the player express their approach to situations. These dialogue options differ in terms of emotion, which is a central part of the narrative and gameplay. These little dialogue options help inform client outcomes and some story outcomes. The player also chooses which clients to shuttle, which informs which characters can help progress the story. Clients with whom the player forms a relationship reappear and offer narrative guidance. As a result, the player is rewarded by making meaningful relationships with the game's characters.

    Neo Cab features some light resource management to help diversify gameplay and prevent the story from droning on endlessly. The player must decide which "gas station" to visit depending on his/her current fuel level, the gas station prices, and the location of possible clients.

    The game's pitfalls largely revolve around its brevity and limited gameplay. Neo Cab takes less than 5 hours to complete, and while you can replay the game to see different story events and outcomes, the player will likely want to take a break before doing so. And being a visual novel, gameplay is inherently limited. But I greatly I prefer limited gameplay over half-hearted gameplay, so I am glad that developers did not try to include mindless and needless fetch quests to pad playtime. Ultimately, you'll play the game for its story and characters, not its gameplay.    … Full Review »
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