After spending several immersive hours in Veiled Edge, we can confidently say that this title offers an experience that resonates deeply with fans of indie games. Set in the year 2099, Veiled Edge masterfully combines action, platforming, and hacking elements, all wrapped in a stylish cyberpunk aesthetic that’s both nostalgic and innovative.
An Evolving Journey Through Virtual Realms
From the moment you jump into Veiled Edge, you’re greeted by a narrative that’s as layered as it is engaging. You follow Rapid, a former special forces mercenary turned investigator for mega-corporation Citadel, and his brilliant partner Lena, a rookie hacker with a knack for breaching even the most secure systems.
Their mission? Investigate the disappearance of a child. But what seems like a routine case soon spirals into a multi-layered cyber-conspiracy.
Indie Charm and Developer Passion
Indie gamers will appreciate the beating heart behind Veiled Edge: iteration, feedback, and passion. The early demo showed promise but suffered from clunky controls and unpolished combat. Since then, the devs have actively listened to the community, fine-tuning everything from movement mechanics to level design.
Stunning Pixel Art and Cyberpunk Atmosphere
Let’s talk visuals. The pixel art is gorgeous—each frame looks like it was drawn with care. The cyberpunk aesthetic drenches every level in vibrant neon, glitch effects, and urban decay. Think Katana ZERO meets Flashback, with a touch of Blade Runner attitude.
Every chapter offers a new visual and gameplay theme, making each feel like a distinct indie short film.
Engaging Gameplay and Narrative Depth
The gameplay shines through its mix of platforming, combat, and hacking. Rapid handles the physical action, while Lena brings the brains with hacking minigames that alter maps and unlock new routes.
Combat is satisfying, hacking is smart, and puzzles never feel like filler. Together, they make for a gameplay loop that’s consistently fun and layered.
Story-wise, Veiled Edge tackles themes like AI, digital identity, and memory manipulation. There’s depth here, and it’s delivered through dialogue, exploration, and set-piece moments.
Few Questions with the OnwStudio inc. team!
Each chapter of Veiled Edge feels like it belongs to a different genre—was this a narrative decision or a way to explore varied gameplay styles?
Our goal was to deliver a variety of gameplay experiences within a single game. With the rising popularity of short-form content like YouTube Shorts and TikTok, we thought it would be interesting to reflect that kind of fast-paced, diverse fun in a game format.
Were there any specific inspirations (from games, films, or literature) that influenced the aesthetic and storytelling of the game?
We drew a lot of inspiration from cyberpunk titles like Edgerunners and Katana ZERO. In terms of gameplay, It Takes Two was a major influence, while the story was partly inspired by Inception.
How did the dynamic between Rapid and Lena come about? Was their complementary gameplay planned from the beginning or did it evolve during development?
Lena and Rapid were initially designed based on classic male/female character archetypes. Our goal was to give players the feeling that they were playing in completely different worlds depending on the character. (We still have a long way to go, but that’s the vision.)
What are your main priorities for the next phases of development? Will you focus on refining existing chapters or expanding the story with new content first?
For now, our main focus is completing the remaining, unreleased chapters. That said, we're also working little by little to improve the quality of presentation in the existing content. :)
Strengths
- Genre-blending gameplay that keeps every chapter fresh and surprising
- Beautiful pixel art full of personality and attention to detail
- Strong community interaction and active development
- A gripping mystery story that deepens with each new chapter
Areas for Improvement
- Early chapters still feel a bit clunky compared to Chapter 2
- No full localization yet—especially disappointing for non-English speakers
- Some levels feel too short; more content would be welcome
Why You Should Play Veiled Edge
Veiled Edge isn’t just a game—it’s a promise. A promise of what happens when passion meets persistence. If you’re a fan of indie games with heart, depth, and stunning retro visuals, this title deserves a place on your radar.
It’s a reminder that not all games need to be AAA to be ambitious, emotional, and exciting. Jump in now, follow its development, and you might just witness something special take shape.
And devs, if you're reading this: we’d love a co-op mode! Imagine Rapid and Lena playable together in split-screen—chef’s kiss.
You can see Veiled Edge also in the video about the Top 4 Best Indie Games – March 2025
