Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

His Name is Diamond offers a unique blend of top-down exploration and first-person, turn-based combat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. As DD, you navigate the streets and alleyways of Brain City from a bird’s-eye perspective, searching for clues, allies, and equipment. Random encounters with grotesquely exaggerated foes—ranging from corrupt workers to sensationalized journalists—keep tension high, ensuring that no stroll down a neon-lit boulevard is without risk.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The heart of the gameplay lies in its combat system, which eschews a simple “attack” command in favor of a deep menu of techniques and item uses. Each skirmish feels like a mini-puzzle: should you debilitate an enemy’s senses with a stun grenade, exploit elemental weaknesses using specialized ammo, or deploy an elaborate combo of buffs and debuffs? Experimentation is rewarded, and figuring out the optimal strategy against each grotesque adversary is immensely satisfying.

Leveling up in His Name is Diamond is more than a numbers game. Earned experience points allow DD to enhance core parameters—strength, agility, perception—but also unlock new tactical maneuvers and item recipes. This progression curve encourages players to revisit earlier districts with newfound abilities, turning previously deadly streets into manageable walkways. Just be prepared for the game’s explicit sexual content scattered throughout your investigations; while optional, these scenes contribute to the risqué, hard-edged noir vibe that permeates the experience.

Graphics

Visually, His Name is Diamond strikes a bold contrast between the sterile, high-tech skyscrapers of Brain City and the grimy underbelly controlled by Connection. The top-down exploration segments employ detailed pixel art and atmospheric lighting, casting long shadows down rain-soaked sidewalks. Neon signs flicker overhead, creating an immersive urban sprawl that feels simultaneously futuristic and decayed.

During combat, the perspective shifts to first-person, where enemy models are rendered with exaggerated features and lurid costumes. These grotesque caricatures—often including an abundance of sultry female figures—are intentionally over-the-top, highlighting the game’s blend of dark satire and adult fanservice. While some players may find these designs jarring, they undeniably reinforce the game’s commentary on corporate excess and moral decay.

The cutscenes and cityscape vistas further elevate the presentation with dynamic camera angles and slick transitions. Character portraits are richly detailed and animated subtly, breathing life into DD’s world-weary expressions. Even in quieter investigation moments, the environmental textures—rusty metal grates, cracked pavement, and flickering holo-ads—demonstrate a high level of polish that keeps Brain City feeling like a living, breathing organism.

Story

Set in the early 21st century, His Name is Diamond unfolds against a backdrop of technological triumph and criminal domination. Connection, the mega-corporation behind it all, has quietly subverted governments and silenced the rule of law. The game begins in Detroit, where DD witnesses the brutal murder of his fellow Connection-Killers, a vigilante faction determined to expose corporate tyranny. This inciting tragedy sets DD on a path of vengeance and investigation.

Fast-forward a year, and DD has relocated to Brain City—an artificial island birthed by volcanic activity, now a shining center of scientific research under Connection’s thumb. Here, you open a detective agency and delve into a web of corruption that stretches from boardroom backrooms to neon-lit streets. The narrative balances gritty noir tropes with moments of genuine intrigue, as you uncover secret experiments, shady alliances, and betrayals that blur the line between friend and foe.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing players to digest exposition through environmental storytelling, journal entries, and terse but impactful dialogue. Key revelations are delivered in well-crafted cutscenes that heighten the tension, while side quests shed light on the everyday victims of Connection’s schemes. Though the explicit sexual scenes may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they are integrated into the plot in a way that feels consistent with the game’s mature, no-holds-barred attitude.

Overall Experience

His Name is Diamond excels at marrying its RPG mechanics with a mature, atmospheric narrative. The fusion of top-down exploration and turn-based puzzles keeps gameplay varied, and the progression system ensures that each victory against Connection’s grotesque agents feels earned. Fans of tactical RPGs will appreciate the depth of the combat menus and the satisfaction of discovering powerful combos and rare items.

The game’s visual presentation is equally compelling, offering a gritty cyber-noir palette punctuated by vibrant neon and eye-catching character designs. While the explicit sexual content and exaggerated fanservice may alienate players seeking a more restrained experience, these elements contribute to the game’s unapologetically adult tone. If you’re prepared for mature themes and occasional risqué interludes, you’ll find a richly detailed world awaiting your scrutiny.

Ultimately, His Name is Diamond stands out as a daring RPG that challenges conventions both mechanically and thematically. Its story of corporate oppression, vigilante justice, and personal redemption unfolds in a meticulously crafted setting, supported by deep combat mechanics and striking visuals. For gamers looking for a provocative, puzzle-driven adventure with a dark edge, this title is well worth investigating.

Retro Replay Score

null/10