Summary
- Release Year: 2018
- Genres: Adventure, Indie
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR
- Developers: Tiny Bull Studios
- Publishers: Fellow Traveller, Surprise Attack Games
Blind (2018): A Narrative-Driven Psychological Thriller in Virtual Reality
Introduction
Blind is a narrative-driven psychological thriller for virtual reality (VR) developed by Tiny Bull Studios and released in 2018. The game puts players in the shoes of a blind protagonist who must explore their surroundings using echolocation, a technique that uses sound waves to create a mental map of the environment.
Gameplay
Blind is played from a first-person perspective. The player character, a blind woman named Faye, has lost her sight due to a traumatic event. She must use echolocation to navigate her surroundings, which are rendered in a minimalist black-and-white aesthetic.
To use echolocation, the player must click or tap a button to emit a sound wave. The sound wave will bounce off objects in the environment and return to Faye, creating a mental map of the surroundings. The player can use this map to identify objects, obstacles, and points of interest.
The game’s environments are designed to be both visually striking and acoustically rich. The player must use their hearing to identify different types of materials, such as wood, metal, and water. They must also listen for subtle sounds, such as footsteps or dripping water, to locate hidden objects and avoid danger.
Story
Blind’s story is told through a series of vignettes, each of which explores a different aspect of Faye’s life and her journey to come to terms with her blindness. The game’s narrative is non-linear, and the player is free to explore the vignettes in any order they choose.
As the player progresses through the game, they will learn more about Faye’s past and the traumatic event that led to her blindness. They will also witness Faye’s struggles with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. However, the game also offers moments of hope and redemption, as Faye learns to accept her blindness and find new ways to experience the world.
Themes
Blind explores a number of complex themes, including blindness, disability, trauma, and the power of the human spirit. The game challenges players to confront their own fears and prejudices about blindness and to see the world from a different perspective.
Blind also celebrates the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. Faye’s journey is a testament to the power of the human mind to overcome adversity and find new ways to thrive.
Reception
Blind received critical acclaim upon release, with many reviewers praising the game’s innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and powerful emotional impact. The game won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best VR Game and the SXSW Gaming Award for Excellence in Narrative.
Conclusion
Blind is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that challenges players to confront their own fears and prejudices about blindness and to see the world from a different perspective. The game’s innovative gameplay, immersive storytelling, and powerful emotional impact make it a must-play for anyone interested in VR or narrative-driven games.
Additional Information
- Blind is available for purchase on Steam, Oculus Store, and PlayStation Store.
- The game is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR headsets.
- Blind is rated M for Mature by the ESRB due to its themes of violence, blood, and gore.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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