Let’s be real... Keylocker | Turn Based Cyberpunk Action doesn’t hit you with fireworks the moment you boot it up. The intro? It’s a slow burn... and I was scratching my head outside of the initial opening (a little). You’re dropped into a world where music is outlawed, and the silence is almost too loud. I was intrigued, but also confused. The pacing felt off, and I started wondering if this was going to be one of those games that leans too hard on concept and forgets the player (to a certain degree).
But then... the second start happened. (Yes, the second start!)
Once you break out of prison and... step into the world beyond those electrified walls, Keylocker flips the switch. The cyberpunk anime aesthetic floods the zone—neon-soaked backdrops, pixel art that pops with attitude ramps up + a soundtrack that finally... lets loose! It’s like the game was holding its breath until that moment, and when it exhales, you appreciate it even more. It goes with the theme of the game so it makes sense. Before we go any deeper, let's play (shall we?):
Cyberpunk Meets JRPG: A Style Fusion That Works
Visually, Keylocker is a love letter to both cyberpunk and classic JRPGs. You’ve got the gritty tech, the underground rebellion, and the oppressive regime... all wrapped in a pixel-perfect art style that feels like Chrono Trigger got a synthwave makeover. Fans of dystopian futures will feel right at home, but it’s the JRPG structure that gives it legs.... even if it takes a little getting use to. The combat system is turn-based, but it’s passive. You’ve got to time your attacks, blocks, and evade with precision. You don't just have to cross your fingers and hope that you can block an attack without taking too much damage... because you don't have to take any at all. I like this aspect with new RPG games (you can see it with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). Regardless of getting that fighting chance to evade, the flash mechanic... willl humble you early on. I missed more blocks than I care to admit. I restarted several battles, so don't expect a cakewalk (even if you have 4 different difficulty levels).
It's all good though. Once it clicks... once you start syncing with the rhythm and anticipating enemy moves... it becomes addictive. You’re not just watching numbers go up; you’re actively participating in every beat of the battle. It’s a hybrid system that rewards skill and strategy, and it makes every encounter feel earned.
The Second Start
If you’re an RPG fan who values story, style, and substance, don’t judge Keylocker by its intro. It's cool, but its a little confusing and a tad... dry. The real adventure begins after the second start—when you’re out of prison, free to explore, and finally able to hear the music that’s been buried beneath the silence. You also see a variety of characters as you embark on your adventure.
It’s a game that takes its time, but once it finds its voice, it sings.
