Chris InglisConur Life, developed by San Hugo Studio in collaboration with Bacord Games, started its early access journey on Steam in March 2023, and two years later is now being published by MicroProse. This game aims to recapture the top-down chaos of classic GTA titles, only this time it is set in a fictional Argentinian city. Currently still in early access, the 2D action game offers a blend of familiar open-world action with a distinct South American flavour.
Exploration of the San Hugo is encouraged as you complete missions, revealing a city with its own unique atmosphere. The soundtrack, featuring Argentinian music and expanding with new radio stations, adds a layer of authenticity and immersion to the experience. Cruising through the city streets with the local tunes blasting from your virtual radio definitely enhances the vibe. A story mode across 39 missions is still being developed and follows main character Alexis, offering a narrative twist to the chaotic open-world gameplay.
You navigate the city of San Hugo from a top-down perspective, undertaking a growing roster of missions with a pile of hilarious thugs trying to kill you, along with friends willing to come along for the ride. Recent updates have significantly expanded the mission content, providing more to do within the urban environment. Side missions across six different neighbourhoods include doing pizza delivery runs and a range of other entertaining content.
Combat has seen improvements during early access providing a boost with refined AI. Strafing and quick shooting seems to be most effective, but you also have to watch out for random cars that could run you over. It’s hilarious seeing the same happen to the enemy which makes mission completion a blast. Gunplay feels impactful, and the recent additions of powerful weapons like the Minigun and Flamethrower inject a delightful dose of over-the-top action into the mix.
Despite being in early access, Conur Life leans into the nostalgia of classic top-down action games while establishing its own unique playground to have some mindless fun in. The core gameplay loop is engaging, the world is intriguing, and the promise of further development makes it a compelling title to watch as it evolves through early access. Keep an eye on its development if you’re looking for some old-school mayhem with a South American twist.
This review utilised a key provided by MicroProse and Conur Life is available now on Steam early access.
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Yonan