Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Gone Home (2013)

by Nish
written by Nish 8 minutes read

Summary

Gone Home: A Haunting and Atmospheric Exploration of Family Secrets

Released in 2013, Gone Home is a first-person exploration game that takes place in 1995. You play as Katie Greenbriar, a college student who has just returned home from a year abroad to find her family’s house empty. A note from her younger sister, Sam, reveals that she has run away from home, and Katie sets out to explore the house and piece together the events that led to her family’s disappearance.

Gone Home is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. The Greenbriar house is a treasure trove of details, from the family photos on the walls to the clothes scattered on the floor. Every object tells a story, and it’s up to the player to piece together the clues and uncover the truth about what happened to the Greenbriar family.

One of the things that makes Gone Home so special is its atmosphere. The house is dark and eerie, with creaky floorboards and flickering lights. The only sounds are the wind whistling through the trees and the occasional meow from the family cat. It’s an unsettling and immersive experience that perfectly captures the feeling of being alone in a strange and unfamiliar place.

As Katie explores the house, she uncovers a complex and heartbreaking story. Her parents’ marriage is on the rocks, and Sam is struggling with her own identity. Katie herself is dealing with the guilt of leaving her family behind to go to college.

Through a series of flashbacks and journal entries, Katie learns about the events that led up to her family’s disappearance. Sam’s journal entries are particularly revealing, as they provide a glimpse into the mind of a troubled and confused teenager.

In the end, Katie is left with more questions than answers. She never finds out exactly what happened to her parents, and Sam’s whereabouts remain unknown. But she does come to a deeper understanding of her family and the complex relationships that bind them together.

Gone Home is a powerful and moving experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing. It’s a game that explores the themes of family, loss, and identity in a truly unique and unforgettable way.

Gameplay

Gone Home is a first-person exploration game. You control Katie as she explores her family’s house and uncovers the secrets of their disappearance. The game is played at a slow and deliberate pace, giving you plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and examine the environment.

There are no puzzles or combat in Gone Home. Instead, the focus is on exploration and discovery. You’ll spend your time reading notes, examining objects, and piecing together the story of what happened to the Greenbriar family.

Setting

Gone Home is set in a large Victorian house in the Pacific Northwest. The house is dark and eerie, with creaky floorboards and flickering lights. The only sounds are the wind whistling through the trees and the occasional meow from the family cat.

The house is filled with personal belongings, from family photos to clothes scattered on the floor. Every object tells a story, and it’s up to the player to piece together the clues and uncover the truth about what happened to the Greenbriar family.

Characters

  • Katie Greenbriar: The protagonist of the game. Katie is a college student who has just returned home from a year abroad to find her family’s house empty. She sets out to explore the house and uncover the truth about what happened to her family.
  • Sam Greenbriar: Katie’s younger sister. Sam is a troubled and confused teenager who has run away from home. Katie learns about Sam’s struggles through her journal entries.
  • Terry Greenbriar: Katie and Sam’s father. Terry is a successful businessman who is struggling with his marriage and his relationship with his daughters.
  • Janice Greenbriar: Katie and Sam’s mother. Janice is a stay-at-home mom who is struggling with depression and anxiety.

Themes

Gone Home explores a number of complex and challenging themes, including:

  • Family: Gone Home is a story about family relationships, both the good and the bad. Katie’s family is complex and dysfunctional, but they love each other deeply.
  • Loss: Gone Home is also a story about loss. Katie has lost her family, and she is struggling to come to terms with their disappearance.
  • Identity: Gone Home is a story about identity. Katie is trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs. She is also trying to understand her family and their choices.

Critical Reception

Gone Home received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its atmosphere, storytelling, and exploration. Many critics called it one of the best games of 2013.

Gone Home has also been the subject of some controversy. Some critics have accused the game of being too slow and boring. Others have criticized the game’s lack of puzzles and combat.

Despite the controversy, Gone Home remains a popular and critically acclaimed game. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Awards

  • Game of the Year – The Game Awards 2013
  • Best Debut Game – The Game Awards 2013
  • Best Narrative – The Game Awards 2013
  • Innovation Award – The Game Awards 2013
  • Game of the Year – SXSW Gaming Awards 2014
  • Best Narrative – SXSW Gaming Awards 2014
  • Excellence in Storytelling – Games for Change Awards 2014

Legacy

Gone Home has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s focus on exploration and storytelling has inspired a number of other games, including What Remains of Edith Finch and The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.

Gone Home has also been praised for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters. Sam Greenbriar is one of the first openly gay characters in a major video game. Her story has helped to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and has inspired other developers to create more inclusive games.

Gone Home is a landmark game that has left a lasting legacy on the video game industry. It is a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Review Score

8/10

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Gorogoa (2017)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Gorogoa: A Masterpiece of Visual Storytelling and Puzzle Design

Released in 2017, Gorogoa is a hand-drawn puzzle game that captivated critics and players alike with its stunning visuals, unique gameplay, and poignant story. Developed by Jason Roberts, Gorogoa is a true work of art that transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming.

A Visual Feast

Gorogoa’s hand-drawn art style is simply breathtaking. Each panel is meticulously crafted, with intricate details and vibrant colors that bring the game world to life. The game’s visuals are not merely decorative; they play an integral role in the storytelling and puzzle-solving.

Innovative Gameplay

Gorogoa’s gameplay is as innovative as its art style. The game is played by arranging and combining panels, each of which represents a different perspective on the game world. By manipulating these panels, players can solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and progress through the story.

The panel-based gameplay allows for a wide range of puzzles, from simple spatial puzzles to complex riddles that require careful observation and logical thinking. Gorogoa never feels repetitive, as the puzzles are constantly evolving and introducing new challenges.

A Poignant Story

While Gorogoa’s visuals and gameplay are undoubtedly impressive, it is the game’s story that truly sets it apart. The game tells the story of a young boy named Jason who is searching for his missing father. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters and uncovers a dark secret that threatens to destroy the world.

Gorogoa’s story is told without words, relying solely on the visuals and the player’s own interpretation. This unique approach allows the game to explore complex themes such as loss, hope, and the power of imagination.

Critical and Commercial Success

Gorogoa received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many reviewers praising its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and poignant story. The game won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Debut Game and the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

Gorogoa was also a commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide. The game’s success is a testament to its quality and its ability to appeal to a wide range of gamers.

A Timeless Masterpiece

Gorogoa is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come. Its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and poignant story make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a fan of puzzle games, adventure games, or simply beautiful art, Gorogoa is a game that you should not miss.

Tips for Playing Gorogoa

  • Pay close attention to the details in each panel. The key to solving many of the puzzles lies in observing the relationships between the different elements.
  • Experiment with different panel arrangements. Sometimes, the solution to a puzzle is as simple as rearranging the panels in a different order.
  • Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Gorogoa’s puzzles are often unconventional, and the solutions may not be immediately obvious.
  • Take your time and enjoy the experience. Gorogoa is a game that is meant to be savored, not rushed.

Conclusion

Gorogoa is a truly special game that deserves a place among the pantheon of gaming masterpieces. Its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and poignant story make it a must-play for any fan of video games.

Review Score

9/10

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What Remains of Edith Finch (2017)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

What Remains of Edith Finch: A Haunting Collection of Stories

What Remains of Edith Finch is a 2017 walking simulator video game developed by Giant Sparrow and published by Annapurna Interactive. The game follows Edith Finch, a young woman who returns to her family’s old house in Washington State to uncover the history of her family and why she is the last Finch left alive.

The game is played from a first-person perspective and consists of a series of short stories, each of which tells the tale of a different Finch family member. The stories range in time from the early 1900s to the present day, and each one offers a unique gameplay experience.

One story, for example, has you controlling a young boy as he explores a forest, while another has you playing as a woman who is trapped in a burning house. The only constants are that each story is played from a first-person perspective and that each story ends with that family member’s death.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a beautiful and haunting game that explores the themes of family, loss, and the fragility of life. The game’s stories are both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and they will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing.

Gameplay

What Remains of Edith Finch is a walking simulator, which means that the gameplay consists primarily of exploring the environment and interacting with objects. The game’s controls are simple and easy to learn, and the focus is on exploration and storytelling rather than action or puzzle-solving.

The game is divided into a series of short stories, each of which tells the tale of a different Finch family member. The stories are presented in a non-linear order, and you are free to explore them in any order you choose.

As you explore each story, you will learn more about the Finch family and the tragic events that have befallen them. You will also collect items that will help you to piece together the family’s history.

Story

The story of What Remains of Edith Finch is told through a series of vignettes, each of which focuses on a different member of the Finch family. The stories are told in a non-linear order, and they gradually reveal the tragic history of the family.

The Finch family is cursed, and each generation of the family seems to meet an untimely end. Edith is the last surviving member of the family, and she returns to her family’s old house in Washington State to uncover the truth about her family’s curse.

As Edith explores the house, she learns about the lives and deaths of her family members. She discovers that each family member died in a different way, and that each death was somehow related to the family’s curse.

Edith’s journey is a deeply personal one, and she must confront her own mortality as she learns about the tragic history of her family. The game’s ending is ambiguous, but it suggests that Edith has finally come to terms with her family’s curse and her own mortality.

Themes

What Remains of Edith Finch explores a number of themes, including family, loss, and the fragility of life. The game shows how even the most seemingly ordinary families can be touched by tragedy, and it highlights the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

The game also explores the theme of mortality. Edith’s journey is a reminder that death is a part of life, and that we must all face it eventually. The game’s ending is ambiguous, but it suggests that Edith has finally come to terms with her own mortality.

Reception

What Remains of Edith Finch was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its beautiful visuals, its haunting story, and its innovative gameplay. The game won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Game Award for Best Narrative.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a must-play for fans of walking simulators and narrative-driven games. The game’s beautiful visuals, haunting story, and innovative gameplay make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Giant Sparrow
  • Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
  • Release Date: August 16, 2017
  • Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Nintendo Switch, iOS
  • Genre: Walking simulator
  • ESRB Rating: T for Teen

Review Score

9/10

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Ashen (2018)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Ashen (2018): A Journey Through Darkness and Light

Ashen is a tight, 3rd person, skill-based action RPG set in a sprawling open world. You play as a wanderer in a newly lit world, fighting alongside others to forge friendships and defeat the creatures of shadow determined to cast the world back into darkness.

The game begins with your character waking up in a dark and desolate land. You are guided by a mysterious voice to a beacon of light, which you must use to light the world and drive back the darkness. As you explore the world, you will meet other wanderers who will join you on your journey. Together, you will explore mysterious dungeons, fight epic bosses, and forge alliances to defeat the forces of darkness.

One of the most striking things about Ashen is its art style. The game is rendered in a beautiful and unique painterly style that gives it a timeless quality. The world is full of gorgeous vistas and mythical creatures, and the characters are all beautifully designed.

The combat in Ashen is fast-paced and challenging. You will need to master a variety of weapons and skills to defeat your enemies. The game also features a unique co-op mode that allows you to team up with other players to take on the challenges of the world.

As you progress through the game, you will make choices that will affect the world around you. You will need to decide who to trust, who to fight, and how to use your power. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.

Exploration

The world of Ashen is vast and open, with many different regions to explore. Each region has its own unique look and feel, from the lush forests of the Greenhollow to the desolate wastes of the Shadowlands.

As you explore the world, you will find a variety of different landmarks, including dungeons, caves, and ruins. Each landmark is filled with its own unique challenges and rewards. You will also meet a variety of different characters along the way, who will give you quests and help you on your journey.

Combat

The combat in Ashen is fast-paced and challenging. You will need to master a variety of weapons and skills to defeat your enemies. The game features a unique stamina system that limits the number of attacks you can perform in a row. This forces you to carefully manage your attacks and avoid getting overwhelmed by your enemies.

You will also need to learn how to parry and dodge your enemies’ attacks. Timing is key in Ashen, and a well-timed parry or dodge can make all the difference in a fight.

Co-op

Ashen features a unique co-op mode that allows you to team up with other players to take on the challenges of the world. You can join forces with up to three other players to explore dungeons, fight bosses, and complete quests.

Co-op is a great way to experience Ashen with friends, and it can also be a valuable way to learn from more experienced players.

Choices

As you progress through the game, you will make choices that will affect the world around you. You will need to decide who to trust, who to fight, and how to use your power. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.

There are no right or wrong choices in Ashen. The best choice for you will depend on your own personal values and beliefs. However, every choice you make will have consequences, so choose wisely.

Conclusion

Ashen is a beautiful and challenging action RPG that will test your skills and friendships. Explore a vast open world, fight epic bosses, and forge alliances to defeat the forces of darkness. Your choices will shape the world of Ashen, and ultimately determine its fate.

Review Score

8/10

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The Unfinished Swan (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Unfinished Swan (2012) Review

The Unfinished Swan is a game about exploring the unknown. It’s a game about taking a leap of faith into a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. It’s a game about finding your own way in a world that is constantly changing.

You play as a young boy who is chasing after a swan that has wandered off into a surreal, unfinished kingdom. The game begins in a completely white space where you can throw paint to splatter your surroundings and reveal the world around you.

At first, the world is just a blank canvas. But as you throw paint, you begin to see shapes and objects emerge from the whiteness. You see trees, houses, and even people. The world becomes more and more detailed and vibrant with each step you take.

The Unfinished Swan is a game about exploration and discovery. It’s about finding your own way in a world that is constantly changing. It’s a game about taking risks and embracing the unknown.

Gameplay

The Unfinished Swan is a first-person exploration game. You play as a young boy who is chasing after a swan that has wandered off into a surreal, unfinished kingdom. The game is played from a first-person perspective and you use the Wii Remote to control your character and throw paint.

The game’s world is completely white at first. As you throw paint, you begin to see shapes and objects emerge from the whiteness. You see trees, houses, and even people. The world becomes more and more detailed and vibrant with each step you take.

You can throw paint in any direction and it will splatter on the surfaces of the world. You can use paint to reveal hidden paths, solve puzzles, and even create your own works of art.

The Unfinished Swan is a game that is both beautiful and challenging. The puzzles are clever and the world is full of secrets to discover. It’s a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Story

The story of The Unfinished Swan is simple but effective. You play as a young boy who is chasing after a swan that has wandered off into a surreal, unfinished kingdom. The boy is determined to find the swan and bring it home.

As you explore the kingdom, you begin to learn more about the boy and his relationship with the swan. You learn that the swan is a symbol of the boy’s innocence and imagination. The boy is afraid of losing the swan, because he knows that if he does, he will lose a part of himself.

The story of The Unfinished Swan is a coming-of-age story. It’s a story about a boy who is learning to accept the world for what it is, even if it’s not always what he wants it to be. It’s a story about a boy who is learning to find his own way in a world that is constantly changing.

Graphics

The graphics in The Unfinished Swan are beautiful and unique. The game’s world is rendered in a minimalist style, with simple shapes and textures. The use of white space is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of mystery and wonder.

The game’s world is full of hidden details and secrets. You can spend hours exploring the world and discovering new things. The game’s art style is simple, but it’s also very effective. The game’s world is both beautiful and mysterious, and it’s a joy to explore.

Sound

The sound design in The Unfinished Swan is excellent. The game’s music is beautiful and atmospheric, and it helps to create a sense of wonder and mystery. The sound effects are also very good, and they help to bring the game’s world to life.

The game’s voice acting is also very good. The boy is voiced by Noah Segan, and he does an excellent job of capturing the character’s innocence and vulnerability. The swan is voiced by Alison Brie, and she does a great job of creating a character that is both mysterious and endearing.

Overall

The Unfinished Swan is a beautiful and unique game. It’s a game about exploration, discovery, and finding your own way in a world that is constantly changing. The game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay are all excellent, and it’s a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Score: 9/10

Review Score

8.5/10

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Journey (2012)

by Nish
written by Nish 7 minutes read

Summary

Journey is a third-person adventure game that captivates with its beautiful landscapes, emotional depth, and innovative gameplay. Players embark on a silent pilgrimage through a desert to reach a distant mountain, uncovering ancient secrets and forming unspoken bonds with fellow travelers along the way.

Introduction

Journey (2012) invites players into a mesmerizing desert landscape on a pilgrimage to a distant mountain. This adventure game, devoid of dialogue, relies on its breathtaking visuals, music, and simple gameplay mechanics to weave a narrative that’s open to interpretation but rich in emotional depth.

Synopsis

“Journey” is an indie adventure game developed by Thatgamecompany and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was first released for PlayStation 3 in March 2012, and later ported to PlayStation 4, Windows, and iOS.

In “Journey”, you control a robed figure in a vast desert, traveling towards a mountain in the distance. The game begins with the robed figure sitting in the sand, with a large mountain visible in the distance. The path towards this mountain, the ultimate destination of the game, is subdivided into several sections traveled through linearly.

The game is unique in that it features a multiplayer component, but not in the traditional sense. Other players on the same journey can be discovered, and two players can meet and assist each other, but they cannot communicate via speech or text and cannot see each other’s names until after the game’s credits. The only form of communication between the two is a musical chime, which transforms dull pieces of cloth found throughout the levels into vibrant red, affecting the game world and allowing the player to progress through the levels.

The developers sought to evoke in the player a sense of smallness and wonder and to forge an emotional connection between them and the anonymous players they meet along the way. The music, composed by Austin Wintory, dynamically responds to the player’s actions, building a single theme to represent the game’s emotional arc throughout the story.

“Journey” is a wordless story told through gameplay and visual-only cutscenes. The player’s character begins near a small sand dune in a vast desert. Walking to the top of the dune, the character can see looming in the far distance a large mysterious mountain with a glowing crevice that splits its peak.

The game has been praised for its visual and auditory art as well as the sense of companionship created by playing with a stranger, calling it a moving and emotional experience. It has since been listed as one of the greatest video games of all time. “Journey” won several “game of the year” awards and received several other awards and nominations, including a Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media nomination for the 2013 Grammy Awards.

“Journey” is more than just a game; it’s an experience. It’s about exploration, discovery, and the connections we make along the way. It’s a testament to the power of wordless storytelling, and a reminder that sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination.

Characters

The game primarily features the robed figure controlled by the player, anonymous fellow travelers, and a variety of mystical creatures. The characters are designed to evoke emotion and connection through their actions and interactions rather than through words.

Gameplay

Journey’s gameplay is intentionally straightforward, focusing on exploration, puzzle-solving, and interaction with the environment and other players. The robed figure can walk, glide, and fly for short distances, abilities that are enhanced through the discovery of glowing symbols. The game is notable for its multiplayer component, where players are anonymously paired with others on the same journey, encouraging cooperation without direct communication.

Conclusion

Journey is an unforgettable adventure that transcends the conventional boundaries of video games to offer a deeply personal and emotional experience. Its artistic achievement and unique approach to multiplayer gameplay have set it apart as a landmark title in the indie game industry.

Review Score

9/10

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Flower (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Flower is an extraordinary game that combines simple gameplay mechanics with a powerful narrative expressed through the environment. It’s a celebration of nature, beauty, and emotion, offering a respite from the fast-paced world of traditional gaming.

Introduction

Enter the serene and surreal world of Flower, a game that transcends conventional gaming paradigms to offer an experience rooted in emotion, beauty, and the simplicity of nature. Developed by Thatgamecompany, this title invites players to embrace freedom and exploration, setting the stage for a journey unlike any other.

Synopsis

“Flower” is a unique video game developed by Thatgamecompany and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. Released in February 2009 on the PlayStation 3, it was later ported to PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Microsoft Windows. The game was designed by Jenova Chen and Nicholas Clark, and it was intended as a “spiritual successor” to Flow, a previous title by Chen and Thatgamecompany.

In “Flower”, the player controls the wind, blowing a flower petal through the air using the movement of the game controller. Flying close to flowers results in the player’s petal being followed by other flower petals. Approaching flowers may also have side-effects on the game world, such as bringing vibrant color to previously dead fields or activating stationary wind turbines. The game features no text or dialogue, forming a narrative arc primarily through visual representation and emotional cues.

The game is divided into six main levels and one credits level. Each level is represented by a flower in a pot on a city apartment windowsill, and upon selecting one the player is taken to the “dream” of that flower. Each dream, or stage, revolves around a different theme and gameplay objective, but your method of control remains the same: tilt the controller to direct a series of flower petals through beautiful environments. Press any button to stir up a wind that will coax them along.

As you begin with one flower petal, you’ll soon touch other flowers and gather more petals, generally influencing the environment in a way that pleases the dreamer. This setup works amazingly well to create varying tasks for you to enjoy. The game only requires one button (any button on the controller) making it totally approachable.

“Flower” was primarily intended to arouse positive emotions in the player, rather than to be a challenging and “fun” game. This focus was sparked by Chen, who felt that the primary purpose of entertainment products like video games was the feelings that they evoked in the audience and that the emotional range of most games was very limited. The team viewed their efforts as creating a work of art, removing gameplay elements and mechanics that were not provoking the desired response in the players.

The music, composed by Vincent Diamante, dynamically responds to the player’s actions and corresponds with the emotional cues in the game. “Flower” tells you so much by saying so little — as if a Zen poem had been lovingly shaped into a videogame. This is the sort of experience that anyone can enjoy with the right attitude. There is no death or failure. You simply complete the objectives and solve organic puzzles in your own time while basking in the euphoria of the game’s visuals and music.

“Flower” was a critical success, to the surprise of the developers. Reviewers praised the game’s music, visuals, and gameplay, calling it a unique and compelling emotional experience. It was named the “best independent game of 2009” at the Spike Video Game Awards, and won the “Casual Game of the Year” award by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

Characters

The game’s primary ‘character’ is the wind itself, accompanied by a multitude of flower petals. While there are no traditional characters or dialogues, each type of flower introduces a unique element to the gameplay and narrative, effectively becoming silent characters in their own right.

Gameplay

Gameplay in Flower is a testament to simplicity and elegance. Players control the wind’s direction and speed, guiding petals through environments to bloom flowers. Each level is distinct, with puzzles and challenges that encourage exploration and interaction with the landscape. The game is accessible to all, focusing on the experience rather than difficulty.

Conclusion

Flower stands as a profound statement on the potential of video games as a form of artistic expression. It challenges players to reconsider what video games can be, offering a peaceful, meditative experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Review Score

9/10

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Outer Wilds (2019)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Outer Wilds: An Enchanting Symphony of Time, Space, and Discovery

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where celestial bodies dance in an intricate ballet, lies a solar system unlike any other. A place where time bends and loops, where ancient mysteries beckon, and where the allure of discovery ignites an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. This is the world of Outer Wilds, an award-winning open world mystery that has captivated the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide.

A Timeless Journey Through a Perpetually Looping Cosmos

As the newest recruit of the fledgling space program in the quaint village of Timber Hearth, you embark on a mission that transcends the boundaries of time itself. Aboard your trusty spaceship, you set off to explore the celestial tapestry that surrounds your home planet, each orbit a fragment of a grand cosmic puzzle.

But this is no ordinary solar system. As you venture forth, you discover a peculiar phenomenon: the cosmos is trapped in an endless time loop, resetting every 22 minutes. With each cycle, the celestial bodies realign, the planets shift, and the secrets they hold are once again veiled in mystery.

A Universe of Enigmatic Planets, Each a Treasure Trove of Secrets

Your journey takes you across a diverse and awe-inspiring solar system, each planet a unique enigma waiting to be unraveled. From the serene meadows of Timber Hearth to the subterranean depths of Dark Bramble, from the volcanic eruptions of Giant’s Deep to the ethereal beauty of Brittle Hollow, every celestial body holds its own captivating secrets.

As you explore, you encounter ancient ruins and decipher cryptic messages left behind by a long-vanished civilization. These enigmatic artifacts provide tantalizing clues about the fate of those who came before you, and the nature of the time loop itself.

A Symphony of Discovery, Where Knowledge Unlocks the Cosmos

Outer Wilds is a game that values knowledge above all else. Through exploration and experimentation, you gradually piece together the fragments of a forgotten history, uncovering the mysteries of the time loop and the destiny of the solar system.

The key to unlocking these secrets lies in the Observatories scattered throughout the solar system. By activating these ancient devices, you gain access to fragments of knowledge, each piece a vital step towards understanding the cosmic tapestry.

A Hauntingly Beautiful World, Where Time is Both Ally and Adversary

The world of Outer Wilds is a mesmerizing symphony of art and sound. The celestial bodies are rendered with breathtaking detail, from the swirling clouds of Giant’s Deep to the shimmering ice crystals of Brittle Hollow. The soundtrack, a haunting and evocative blend of ambient melodies and eerie silence, perfectly captures the sense of wonder and isolation that permeates the game.

But time is both your ally and your adversary in Outer Wilds. While it provides opportunities for experimentation and discovery, it also relentlessly marches forward, resetting the cosmos with each passing loop. This constant tension creates a unique sense of urgency and a profound appreciation for the fleeting nature of existence.

A Journey of Self-Discovery, Where the Cosmos Reflects the Human Condition

Outer Wilds is more than just a game about space exploration and time loops. It is a deeply personal journey that explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the enduring power of knowledge. As you unravel the mysteries of the solar system, you also embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning to appreciate the fragility of life and the importance of leaving a lasting impact on the world.

An Unforgettable Masterpiece, a Timeless Odyssey Through Space and Time

Outer Wilds is a masterpiece of interactive storytelling, an unforgettable odyssey through space and time that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Its unique blend of exploration, mystery, and philosophical depth creates a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Whether you are a seasoned space enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Outer Wilds is a game that will capture your imagination and leave an enduring mark on your soul. So buckle up, fellow traveler, and prepare for a journey that will transcend time and space, and forever alter your perception of the universe.

Review Score

9.5/10

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Hohokum (2014)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Hohokum: A Journey Through a Surreal and Colorful World

Hohokum is a colorful exploration-based adventure game developed by Honeyslug and SCE Studios Santa Monica. It was released in 2014 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita. The game follows a space worm as it travels through a surreal and dreamlike world, helping to rescue people from a city under distress.

Gameplay

Hohokum is a non-linear game with no set objectives or goals. Players are free to explore the game’s world at their own pace, discovering its many secrets and hidden areas. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, with players using the left analog stick to move the space worm and the right analog stick to control its tail.

The space worm can fly, swim, and crawl through the game’s world, and can interact with objects and characters using its tail. Players can use the tail to pick up objects, push buttons, and even play music.

The game’s world is full of colorful and bizarre creatures, each with its own unique personality. Players can interact with these creatures in a variety of ways, such as feeding them, petting them, or playing games with them.

Story

Hohokum has a very loose story, which is told through a series of short vignettes. The game’s protagonist is a space worm who is traveling through a surreal and dreamlike world. The space worm meets a variety of characters along the way, each with their own unique story to tell.

The game’s story is open to interpretation, but it is ultimately about the power of friendship and the importance of helping others.

Art style

Hohokum is known for its unique and colorful art style. The game’s world is full of bright colors and bizarre shapes, and the characters are all unique and memorable. The game’s art style is inspired by a variety of sources, including Japanese anime, psychedelic art, and children’s drawings.

Music

Hohokum’s music is composed by Jesper Kyd, who is known for his work on the Assassin’s Creed and Borderlands series. The game’s music is a mix of electronic, ambient, and world music, and it perfectly complements the game’s surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.

Reception

Hohokum received positive reviews from critics, who praised its unique art style, charming characters, and relaxing gameplay. The game was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Original Music.

Legacy

Hohokum is a unique and memorable game that has left a lasting impression on players. The game’s colorful art style, charming characters, and relaxing gameplay have made it a favorite among fans of exploration-based adventure games.

Conclusion

Hohokum is a beautiful and unique game that is sure to delight and surprise you. It’s a must-play for fans of adventure games and indie games alike.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Twelve Minutes (2021)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Twelve Minutes: A Haunting and Harrowing Time Loop Thriller

Twelve Minutes is a real-time top-down interactive thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Developed by Luis Antonio and published by Annapurna Interactive, the game features an all-star cast including James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe.

You play as a man who is trapped in a 12-minute time loop. Each loop begins with you and your wife having a romantic dinner in your apartment. However, things quickly take a sinister turn when a police officer breaks in and accuses your wife of murder. You are then brutally murdered by the police officer, and the loop begins again.

As you play through the game, you will need to investigate your surroundings and make choices that will affect the outcome of the loop. You will need to learn from your mistakes and experiment with different strategies in order to break the loop and save your wife.

Twelve Minutes is a masterfully crafted game that blends the dream-like tension of The Shining with the claustrophobia of Rear Window and the fragmented structure of Memento. The game’s art style is simple but effective, and the voice acting is top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience.

One of the things that makes Twelve Minutes so unique is its real-time gameplay. This means that you will need to think and act quickly in order to survive. The game’s time loop mechanic is also very well-implemented, and it creates a sense of urgency that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Overall, Twelve Minutes is a must-play for fans of thrillers, interactive fiction, and time loop games. It is a haunting and harrowing experience that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

The Characters

The characters in Twelve Minutes are all well-developed and believable. You will feel a real connection to the protagonist as he tries to break the loop and save his wife. The police officer is a truly terrifying villain, and his relentless pursuit of the protagonist will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Story

The story of Twelve Minutes is complex and well-written. It is full of twists and turns, and you will never be sure what is going to happen next. The game’s ending is also very satisfying, and it provides a sense of closure to the story.

The Gameplay

The gameplay in Twelve Minutes is simple but effective. You will use the mouse to click and drag objects in the environment. You will also need to make choices that will affect the outcome of the loop. The game’s time loop mechanic is very well-implemented, and it creates a sense of urgency that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

The Verdict

Twelve Minutes is a masterfully crafted game that blends the dream-like tension of The Shining with the claustrophobia of Rear Window and the fragmented structure of Memento. The game’s art style is simple but effective, the voice acting is top-notch, and the soundtrack is excellent. The game’s real-time gameplay and time loop mechanic are also very well-implemented, and they create a sense of urgency that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Overall, Twelve Minutes is a must-play for fans of thrillers, interactive fiction, and time loop games.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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