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| Dex is available on Steam with a 94% discount until January 5. |
In a gaming landscape filled with sprawling 3D worlds, Dex carves out its own compelling space with a rich, 2D cyberpunk narrative and flexible RPG gameplay, all for the price of a cup of coffee during this limited-time sale.
For fans of cyberpunk and indie RPGs looking for a bargain, the ongoing Steam Winter Sale has delivered an exceptional deal. Dex, the 2D side-scrolling cyberpunk RPG from developer Dreadlocks Ltd., is currently available at a record-breaking 94% discount, slashing its price to just $1.19 (or local equivalent like HK$5.34). This promotion, which runs until January 5, 2025, represents the game's biggest price cut ever, making it an almost risk-free proposition for gamers curious about its unique blend of genres.
Originally released in 2015, Dex casts you as a blue-haired protagonist on the run from a powerful, mysterious corporation in the sprawling, neon-drenched city of Harbor Prime. Inspired by classics like Blade Runner and Neuromancer, the game offers a mature story where players can choose to approach challenges through combat, stealth, diplomacy, or hacking.
What is Dex?
At its core, Dex is a love letter to the cyberpunk genre, translated into a 2D, open-world format. It’s been described as a game that “definitely deserves to see and experience,” blending side-scrolling exploration with deep RPG mechanics. The world of Harbor Prime is a detailed, dystopian setting filled with memorable characters and a soundtrack that firmly builds the dystopian vibe.
A key feature is its player freedom. You can customize your character's skills across eight different abilities, invest in cybernetic augmentations for superhuman powers, and tackle missions in multiple ways. One of its most innovative mechanics is a hacking mini-game that lets you dive into a virtual “Cyberspace” to disable security systems, steal data, and gain tactical advantages in the real world.
A Game of Contrasts: Critical Reception vs. Player Love
Dex presents an interesting case study in reception. Critics praised its ambition and world-building but often noted shortcomings in execution, while a dedicated fanbase celebrates its immersive qualities. The contrast is clear when looking at aggregated scores.
The following table summarizes the game's reception from different perspectives:
This divergence suggests that Dex is a game whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts for the right player. As one 2018 reviewer eloquently put it, “we get so little in the way of decent cyberpunk, I can't help but fall in love with it... Some potential is unrealised, but that just speaks to the emotional investment in wanting more from what is a great little game”.
Is Dex for You? Gameplay Strengths and Weaknesses
Based on years of critic and player feedback, here’s what Dex does well and where it stumbles:
The Good:
- Immersive Cyberpunk World: The pixel art and soundtrack are consistently praised for creating an authentic, engaging dystopian atmosphere.
- Meaningful RPG Systems: The flexible skill tree, cybernetic augmentations, and multiple approaches to quests provide a satisfying sense of character progression and choice.
- Player Agency: Whether you want to be a silent hacker, a smooth-talking diplomat, or a guns-blazing fighter, the game supports your playstyle.
The Not-So-Good:
- Combat Can Feel Sluggish: Both melee and ranged combat are often cited as the game's weakest aspect, feeling unpolished and sometimes frustrating.
- A Familiar Story: While well-executed, the narrative doesn’t break new ground for the genre and can feel predictable to seasoned cyberpunk fans.
- Technical Quirks: As a smaller indie title from 2015, some players reported encountering bugs, though many have likely been patched over time.
Ready to explore the neon-drenched streets of Harbor Prime? You can find Dex on Steam at its all-time low price during the Winter Sale.
System Requirements and Compatibility
One of Dex’s biggest advantages is its accessibility. The system requirements are incredibly modest by today's standards:
- Minimum: Intel Pentium/AMD 2.0 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 / ATI Radeon 2600.
- Recommended: Intel i5 2.4 GHz, 4 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M / AMD Radeon HD 5770.
It will run on almost any modern PC or laptop. While its Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Unknown,” these low specs suggest it should perform well on the handheld. For those looking to game on the go, a Steam Deck is a perfect companion for titles like this and is available on Amazon.
Important Note for Mac Users: The game is a 32-bit application and will not work on macOS Catalina (10.15) or any later version of macOS.
For just over a dollar, Dex offers a substantial, 12-18 hour cyberpunk RPG experience with a compelling world and real player choice. Its flaws are evident but, for many, are easily overshadowed by its atmospheric strengths and engaging systems. If you’ve ever wanted a 2D take on a Deus Ex-style adventure, this record-low discount is the perfect time to dive in. The Steam Winter Sale offer ends on January 5, 2025