Not quite a retro title, Microprose and developer Bohemian Pulp’s Let Bions be Bygones looks like a hard-boiled detective story you won’t want to miss.
What is a Bion anyway?
You don’t see all that much detective fiction in gaming, and even less that play off of a noir feel. I actually can’t think of any other than LA Noir off the top of my head, except for Let Bions be Bygones. And it looks like it might be as hard-boiled of a detective tale as you’re likely to find in gaming.
First, a “Bion” is a robot, so it’s likely that androids (or something) will play a big part in LBBB. That’d make sense, since the game is set in the future, and far from Earth. But even though the setting might be cyberpunky, the themes at play are pure classic film-noir.
“Welcome to the planet Terrahive. A planet that never should have existed. Completely encrusted in a disease called humanity. Corporate arcologies and space elevators shadow the layers of polluted man-made edifices. Overseen by ancient brains on apparatuses and driven by greed, corruption, progress, and immortality.” – John Cooper
Microprose press release
As you can see, Let Bions be Bygones probably isn’t what you’d expect. According to the press release, Djordje Markovic and his Bohemian Pulp development company are shooting for an experience that focuses on “story, narrative, and detective work.” So yeah, it’s no straight-up action title.
Microprose promises that, along with the story, players will find a “unique” soundtrack, differing play-throughs with multiple endings, and professional quality voice-overs.
No release date has been announced just yet for Let Bions be Bygones, but it’s up on Steam (for wish-listing) right now.