Ruiner

About Ruiner

Ruiner arrived in September 2017 as a top-down action shooter from Reikon Games and published by Devolver Digital. This indie title blends strategic depth with brutal combat inside a neon-drenched cyberpunk world called Rengkok. You play through a single-player campaign that feels like a violent anime cutscene come to life. The game launched on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux, and Mac. It stands out for its mature storyline where dreams flicker out after five seconds of fame. Players navigate a dystopian city ruled by the Virtuality company HEAVEN while facing constant threats in a setting that feels both familiar and alien.

Gameplay

You control a silent protagonist moving through a isometric battlefield filled with enemies and environmental hazards. Combat happens fast, requiring you to aim manually or use auto-aim while dodging bullets with precise timing. You equip various cybernetic weapons like flamethrowers and railguns to slice through groups of foes. The game forces you to manage your health carefully since taking too much damage ends the run quickly. Levels are short but intense, demanding quick reflexes rather than slow planning. You often find yourself surrounded, forcing a decision to push forward or retreat to find cover. The controls feel tight and responsive, making every bullet dodge feel earned rather than accidental.

What Players Think

PlayPile data shows a divided but engaged audience with an IGDB score of 76.8 out of 100 based on 130 ratings. The average player spends about two hours per run before hitting the credits, though completion rates vary wildly across different platforms. Community moods lean toward frustrated appreciation for the high difficulty and sharp visuals. Review snippets often mention the brutal learning curve and the satisfying payoff of mastering the combat system. Only 12.6% of players unlocked achievements on average, with just one percent managing to get the rarest "Dressed to kill" trophy. The cheapest price sits at $1.99 on Steam, which matches its historical low, suggesting a title that rewards patience more than money.

PlayPile's Take

Ruiner works best for players who enjoy punishing difficulty and don't mind dying repeatedly to learn patterns. At just $1.99, the value proposition is strong even if the campaign feels short compared to other shooters. The 33 achievements offer a challenge for completionists, though most will struggle to unlock the rarest ones. This game suits those who prefer fast-paced action over long narratives or open worlds. Avoid this if you need hand-holding or hate losing progress constantly. The visual style and sound design carry the experience well enough to make the frustration worthwhile for a specific type of gamer.

Storyline

WELCOME TO RENGKOK A city where dreams come true. Where you can be whoever you want to be, flickering in its flame for five seconds of fame. Then disappear into the darkness. Welcome to the future. Not much has changed. This is Rengkok, purgatory. Dominion of HEAVEN, the leading Virtuality company.