Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure on Steam - User reviews, Price & Information
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A murder. A hack. A bombing. All it takes to plunge the solar system into war – unless you do something about it. Help CDI agent Neil Conrad make a string of increasingly difficult decisions in this modern dialog-driven adventure set in a gorgeous 2D sci-fi noir universe.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is a pixel graphics, detective and noir game
developed by DigiTales Interactive
and published by Assemble Entertainment, WhisperGames and Mayflower Entertainment.
Released on May 20th 2021 is available only on Windows
in 8 languages: English, German, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Malay.
It has received 2,471 reviews of which 2,273 were positive and 198 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. 😎
The game is currently priced at 15.99€ on Steam, but you can find it for less on K4G.
The Steam community has classified Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure into these genres:
Media & Screenshots
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System requirements
These are the minimum specifications needed to play the game. For the best experience, we recommend that you verify them.
Windows
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 64-Bit
- Processor: Multi-core 2.5GHz
- Memory: 6 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce 750M / GeForce GTX 650
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 3 GB available space
User reviews & Ratings
Explore reviews from Steam users sharing their experiences and what they love about the game.
I have my gripes on things like why we couldn't say no to X and stick with that choice or why game didn't gave us a final chance to do Y, however, for a choices matter type of game, game still does a solid job, way better job than most of the trash out there. Cool noir vibes. I like the detective work. Plot is actually good. Wish we had a search bar for going through the logs, emails and clues. That'd be swell.
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Recently, I wanted to make progress on my Steam backlog and was in the mood for a story-driven detective game I could finish in a few evenings without it dragging on for weeks. Whilst scrolling through my library, I came across Lacuna, developed by DigiTales Interactive, a small German indie studio, and remembered the high praise it had received when it was released in 2021. I probably bought it because of that praise, but it eventually took a backseat in my backlog due to other priorities. Lacuna is a sci-fi noir narrative adventure that received attention for its handling of branching dialogue, choice-driven outcomes, and a detective story set amidst interplanetary politics. At first, I was a bit sceptical about how much I would enjoy it, being quite indie, but then I thought back to Gemini Rue, one of my all-time favourite point-and-click adventure and noir games. Even though Lacuna looks brighter and more colourful compared to the greyer colour palette of Gemini Rue, I figured that if it could capture even a fraction of that game's brilliance, it would be worth trying. In the end, I'm glad I did, because it turned out to be a pretty engaging experience for this type of game, especially on my Steam Deck. As a side note, the visuals reminded me of The Darkside Detective and The Last Door series, which I enjoyed a lot. Before starting the game, I did try the free Prologue on Steam to get a taste of the mechanics and atmosphere. I assumed it would be a sort of standalone content that would complement the main game. To my disappointment, it turned out to be exactly the same opening section that the main game begins with, so when I started the latter, I had to replay that same intro all over again. It was not a huge deal, but I wish I had known ahead of time because I would have skipped the Prologue to avoid repeating the same scenes. Still, it was a nice “demo” that gave me confidence in the game before committing to it fully. In Lacuna, you step into the shoes of Neil Conrad, a Central Department agent whose investigation starts on a personal level but soon spirals into a complex web of conspiracies, assassinations, planetary tensions, and tough moral choices. The story opens with the prologue featuring Mira, a young girl witnessing a tragic bombing on Drovia’s Sector II colony, which sets the stage for political tensions and personal loss. Forty years later, Neil is tasked with investigating the assassination of President Banny, an event that threatens to ignite a war between Drovia and Ghara. As Neil delves deeper, he uncovers a web of conspiracies and betrayal that challenges his beliefs and moral compass. Alongside the investigation, his strained relationships with his ex-wife and daughter add emotional weight, and the choices he makes during interrogations, evidence handling, and dialogue all carry consequences that affect both the story and the people around him. Without giving away spoilers, the game builds tension steadily and includes some story twists near the end that genuinely impressed me, adding depth to the climax and making the final decisions feel meaningful. Consequently, it comes with multiple endings depending on how you handle your deductions and dialogue choices. There is also a clear inspiration from Blade Runner in the world-building. Gameplay-wise, Lacuna is mostly a narrative-driven adventure, but it has a few mechanics that set it apart from typical “visual novel” style games. There’s no inventory management or traditional point-and-click puzzles; instead, the focus is on dialogue trees, exploring environments, and most importantly, deduction sheets (puzzles) where you piece together clues to identify suspects, motives, and case solutions. The puzzles are fairly easy, usually matching names, motives, or facts you’ve learned, but they give a sense of actively participating in the investigation rather than passively watching. Overall, the gameplay depth is minimal but functional, though I sometimes wished for more optional exploration to deepen immersion. You walk through side-scrolling areas, talk to characters, gather information, and fill out deduction sheets with multiple-choice answers. There’s no manual save or redo, which adds tension because your decisions truly stick. Emails and news reports provide optional details, and missing something can affect a case or even people’s lives. I personally got one deduction wrong, resulting in deaths, and that choice stayed with me. I didn’t replay all branches, but the story clearly reacts to your decisions. My ending felt satisfying enough that I suspect it might even be close to the canon one. What I really liked about Lacuna is that the story is grounded and mature without being over the top. The noir atmosphere fits perfectly with the pixel art, which is detailed enough to set the mood whilst still leaving room for the imagination. The soundtrack is also strong, with moody tracks that complement the sci-fi noir feel. The lack of traditional puzzles keeps the pacing snappier than in many similar adventure games, which suited me since I wanted something I could finish in a few days, maybe even in one sitting if I put the effort. Also, the branching structure makes your choices feel meaningful, and the game doesn’t hold your hand or allow instant do-overs, which makes the detective work feel more authentic. A small bonus I enjoyed was the cigarette mechanic, which reinforces Neil’s stressed and weary personality whilst also feeding into the noir atmosphere. On downsides, there are a few things that bugged me. The replay of the prologue content was an annoyance (my fault). The movement in the side-scrolling environments can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when backtracking between locations vertically, and there’s a subtle camera sway effect that can make it feel slightly less precise. Whilst the story has multiple endings, I could tell that the major arcs are still fairly linear, so you are more influencing details and outcomes rather than completely changing the direction of the plot. That is not inherently bad, but if you are expecting wildly different branching storylines, it might disappoint. Lastly, whilst the art style is charming, some character sprites can feel limited in expression, which can clash with the serious tone of the story. Neutral points worth mentioning start with the game’s length. For me, it lasted around five hours, depending on how thorough you are with reading and exploring. That might feel too short for some, but I found it perfect for the type of experience I aimed for this time. The setting is solid, though not particularly original, borrowing elements from other works in the genre; whilst I enjoyed it, I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking. Another point is that the game lacks voice acting for all characters except Neil, which works really well for his character, whilst all other dialogue is text-based. This didn’t bother me, but it’s worth noting if you were expecting fully voiced characters. Finally, the retro pixel art style might seem simple for some, but in motion, it creates a strong sense of atmosphere, proving effective despite not being the flashiest presentation in my opinion. In conclusion, Lacuna was a pleasant surprise from my backlog. I went in a bit sceptical, but ended up enjoying the detective noir atmosphere, the branching narrative, and how the game respects the player by not allowing do-overs. It may not have the production values of bigger narrative adventures, but its writing, mood, and simple gameplay combine to create a solid experience that left me satisfied. I would be excited to see a sequel that expands on this universe and maybe explores the consequences of the choices made in this game. If you are in the mood for a short, but engaging detective story with meaningful decisions, a few memorable twists, a touch of Blade Runner inspiration, and a solid noir sci-fi setting, I recommend giving Lacuna a shot.
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This is a standout sci-fi noir with a gripping story, gorgeous pixel art, and a haunting soundtrack. The investigation mechanics are simple but effective, and your choices really carry weight. What stuck with me most was the narrative - tense, emotional, and full of moral gray areas. If you're into detective stories with consequences and sci-fi atmosphere, this one's worth your time. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3534873050 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3534877154 Unlocked all achievements!
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₊˚｡ﾟʚɞ•━━┈꒰ა ⊱✦⊰ ໒꒱┈•━━ ʚɞ ₊˚｡ﾟ Lacuna is a game that blends elements of science fiction, noir, and detective genres. You play the role of Neil Conrad, a CDI agent in a world torn by political tensions. He’s assigned to unravel a murder case that seems to involve a conspiracy spanning the entire planet and reaching throughout the colonized solar system. Story The game starts with a flashback prologue, introducing Drovia, a poor and religious planet yearning for independence. However, it gets unexpectedly destroyed under ambiguous circumstances. Fast forward to the present on Ghara, a powerful and capitalist planet, where we meet the main protagonist, Neil Conrad. He is divorced, emotionally numb, and haunted by a past tragedy. The political circumstances between Drovia and Ghara truly shows that it is filled with immense tension. Although, negotiations and peace talks are ongoing, there lies a dark and buried secret that lurks beneath the surface. Ultimately leading the situation to escalate when one of Drovia’s most important and influential figures is murdered which set off the case to begin from this point onwards. Atmosphere The atmosphere of the game is visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing, yet it conveys a sense of melancholy and intensity that lingers in the air. I appreciate the intricately designed areas and how beautifully they are portrayed in a futuristic setting. I particularly loved how smoking is incorporated in this context, as it adds a sense of the overall aesthetic. Gameplay The gameplay is closely similar to the developer’s newest title, Between Horizons, offering a familiar experience. However, I encountered several frustrating issues and bugs during my playthrough that detracted from the overall experience. Despite these setbacks, the game captivates with its spectacular visuals and simplicity. Conclusion and Final Thoughts I did enjoy it, but it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as Between Horizons. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the narrative or the narrator, but the plot didn’t resonate with me, likely because I’m not a fan of political topics. Based on its visuals and gameplay, I would rate it a 6 out of 10. I still recommend it, though, as I know some people will really love it. ₊˚｡ﾟʚɞ•━━┈꒰ა ⊱✦⊰ ໒꒱┈•━━ ʚɞ ₊˚｡ﾟ You can find more detailed recommendations on my curator page [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45628294/]Raghad's Choice . ⋆｡‧˚ʚ♡ɞ˚‧｡⋆
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How refreshing: Lacuna is a somewhat unique investigative adventure because it actually allows players to fail without resulting in a death- or game over-screen. You play as an investigator trying to crack a case by looking for clues and interviewing suspects and then putting it all together. While it never gets too opaque, you will need to stretch those deduction muscles a bit. You can (and will) f*** up if you don't pay attention. But the game is robust enough to allow for blaming the innocent, you muppet, and lets you carry on. Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed: Lacuna is a decent political sci-fi thriller with a twist you will probably see a mile coming - but only because it's actually believable. Unlike so many other modern adventures I played whose narratives often completely fall apart at the end. The world-building and characterization is pretty good. Lacuna tackles themes of colonialism, capitalism, class struggle and marginalization that could hardly feel any more topical in this day and age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is currently priced at 15.99€ on Steam.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is currently not on sale. You can purchase it for 15.99€ on Steam.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure received 2,273 positive votes out of a total of 2,471 achieving a rating of 8.80.
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Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure was developed by DigiTales Interactive and published by Assemble Entertainment, WhisperGames and Mayflower Entertainment.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is playable and fully supported on Windows.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is not playable on MacOS.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is not playable on Linux.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is a single-player game.
There are 2 DLCs available for Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure. Explore additional content available for Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure on Steam.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure does not support mods via Steam Workshop.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure does not support Steam Remote Play.
Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure is enabled for Steam Family Sharing. This means you can share the game with authorized users from your Steam Library, allowing them to play it on their own accounts. For more details on how the feature works, you can read the original Steam Family Sharing announcement or visit the Steam Family Sharing user guide and FAQ page.
You can find solutions or submit a support ticket by visiting the Steam Support page for Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure.
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Additionally, we incorporate data from the SteamSpy API, which offers insights into game sales and player statistics. This helps us present a comprehensive view of each game's popularity and performance within the gaming community.
Last Updates| Steam data | 19 January 2026 02:27 |
|---|---|
| SteamSpy data | 22 January 2026 17:58 |
| Steam price | 28 January 2026 20:37 |
| Steam reviews | 27 January 2026 00:02 |
If you'd like to dive deeper into the details about Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure, we invite you to check out a few dedicated websites that offer extensive information and insights. These platforms provide valuable data, analysis, and user-generated reports to enhance your understanding of the game and its performance.
- SteamDB - A comprehensive database of everything on Steam about Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure
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- ProtonDB - Crowdsourced reports on Linux and Steam Deck Lacuna – A Sci-Fi Noir Adventure compatibility
Game modes
Features
Online players
10
Developer
DigiTales Interactive
Publisher
Assemble Entertainment,
WhisperGames,
Mayflower Entertainment
Release
20 May 2021
Platforms
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