videogameblog

A deeply frustrating experience. The writing and performances are excellent, but the entire time I was playing I was extremely confused as to why this is a video game. I feel it would be much more effective as an audio-only experience. You play as a farmer who has decided he no longer wants to work with the mob as he has a conversation with his future murderer. As you talk, you walk around the farm and perform various tasks. You'd think this is where the gameplay come in, but instead virtually everything plays itself. The only 'gameplay' comes in the form of dialogue choices, which have no impact on the outcome of the narrative. It feels as if the even game itself is unsure of it's purpose - you can jump, crouch and sprint, and for what? These mechanics are never utilised. There's a moment when you walk into a shed and a text box gives you the option to 'pull the chord'. When you pull it, there isn't even a chord!! it's a light switch!! I know it's a small detail but I think it really speaks to the needlessness of everything in this game except for the audio. In most situations the gameplay actively detracts from the experience. I feel that most scenes would be significantly more impactful without the visual of a not-so-great looking 3D model doing an idle animation infront of me. Put on a playthrough of this on Youtube and close your eyes, you'll probably have a much better experience.