Summary
- Release Year: 2012
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Visual Novel
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Love Conquers All Games
- Publishers: Love Conquers All Games
Analogue: A Hate Story is a dark and twisted visual novel that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The story is well-written and the characters are complex and well-developed. The game tackles some difficult topics, such as transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay, in a thoughtful and nuanced way.
You play as an unnamed protagonist who is invited to a party at the apartment of a man named Orion. Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to improve the human condition. He is also a collector of vintage video games and anime.
As you explore Orion’s apartment, you begin to uncover a dark secret. Orion is not who he seems, and his party is not what it appears to be. You soon find yourself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, and you must use your wits to survive.
Analogue: A Hate Story is a non-linear game with five different endings. The choices you make throughout the game will determine which ending you get. The game also features two pursuable characters: Orion and his sister, Luna.
Characters
- The protagonist is an unnamed young woman who is invited to Orion’s party. She is a loner who has difficulty connecting with others. She is also a fan of vintage video games and anime.
- Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to improve the human condition. He is also a collector of vintage video games and anime.
- Luna is Orion’s sister. She is a kind and compassionate woman who is concerned about her brother’s well-being.
Gameplay
Analogue: A Hate Story is a point-and-click adventure game. You explore Orion’s apartment and interact with objects and characters. You must also solve puzzles in order to progress through the game.
The game features a unique “hacking” mechanic. You can use your hacking skills to access computers and other electronic devices. This allows you to uncover hidden information and solve puzzles.
Themes
Analogue: A Hate Story tackles some difficult topics, such as transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay.
- Transhumanism is the belief that technology can be used to improve the human condition. Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to eliminate disease, aging, and even death.
- Traditional marriage is a legal union between one man and one woman. Orion and Luna are married, but their marriage is not a traditional one. They are both transhumanists who believe that technology can be used to improve their relationship.
- Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and lack of connection with others. The protagonist is a loner who has difficulty connecting with others. She finds solace in vintage video games and anime.
- Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a video game, anime, or other fictional work. Orion and Luna are both cosplayers. They use cosplay as a way to express themselves and connect with others.
Reception
Analogue: A Hate Story received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its well-written story, complex characters, and unique gameplay. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative.
Conclusion
Analogue: A Hate Story is a dark and twisted visual novel that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The story is well-written and the characters are complex and well-developed. The game tackles some difficult topics in a thoughtful and nuanced way. I highly recommend Analogue: A Hate Story to anyone who enjoys visual novels or dark and atmospheric games.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
