<< Previous Post | Main Post | Next Post >>
19. Divination
Another short visual novel. You're a fortune teller/soothsayer in a cyberpunk world, where the AI in charge of running the city has committed suicide and caused an uproar among the community. Your clients have all been effected by this massive shift in one way or another; from the private investigator looking into a cult formed off the basis of the AI killing itself, to a robot wondering if it's life will ever be worthwhile. (As you can see, heavy suicide themes permeate the whole novel.)
Great presentation, excellent art, interesting premise. Would like to see something a little longer or more fleshed out. It's free on Steam.
20. Higurashi Chapter 3: Tatarigoroshi
This chapter of Higurashi focuses on Satoko, the bratty half pint of the gang. Like the rest of the chapters, they start idyllic and twee (and maybe a little overbearing - this setup is important but can feel like filler) before delving into something much darker. The horror comes in two waves; first the more grounded and depressing reality of child abuse and the uselessness of the systems meant to protect said children. The second is the telltale mysterious and surreal goings-on in Hinamizawa:
why is someone who should be dead still walking around? How can someone be in two places at once? And can pure hatred and spite be enough to take a life?
As always, it's excellent, and the most stomach churning parts came from the real-world atrocities. Character and scenario writing is top notch, you really feel the frustrated helplessness of the friend group. And Satoko's behavior was frighteningly realistic and heart wrenching for her situation. It always takes me forever to get through the happy go lucky parts of these Higurashi chapters, but the second halves are so compelling that I finish them in an afternoon. Excited for Chapter 4!
21. Mutazione
A self described "mutant soap opera," Mutazione is a narrative, meditative game about a small town on a distant island, the drama among it's inhabitants, and the life born from the ashes of disaster.
You're basically an outsider to this island, but your mother was raised here and your grandfather still lives there. You thought you were visiting him to be with him as he does, but he's got bigger plans for your ultimate role in the community.
Gameplay consists of walking around and talking to the island's inhabitants, learning their inner lives and daily schedules, their jobs and their fears, their wishes and their secrets. They're the best part of the game, but you have to walk all around town to get to them and there's no fast travel. (The town isn't that big, but it can get a little annoying.) The second aspect of gameplay is attuning to the rhythm of the island's unique ecosystem and cultivating gardens through music. You have to do this a few times, both to get plant-related items to the locals and to restore the harmony of the island. The plot threads of the island harmony tie in well with the dissonance of the community, and the climactic resolution works in tandem with it. It's a lovely game but you have to be a little patient with it - the same way you have to be patient with gardens, and with people.
19. Divination
Another short visual novel. You're a fortune teller/soothsayer in a cyberpunk world, where the AI in charge of running the city has committed suicide and caused an uproar among the community. Your clients have all been effected by this massive shift in one way or another; from the private investigator looking into a cult formed off the basis of the AI killing itself, to a robot wondering if it's life will ever be worthwhile. (As you can see, heavy suicide themes permeate the whole novel.)
Great presentation, excellent art, interesting premise. Would like to see something a little longer or more fleshed out. It's free on Steam.
20. Higurashi Chapter 3: Tatarigoroshi
This chapter of Higurashi focuses on Satoko, the bratty half pint of the gang. Like the rest of the chapters, they start idyllic and twee (and maybe a little overbearing - this setup is important but can feel like filler) before delving into something much darker. The horror comes in two waves; first the more grounded and depressing reality of child abuse and the uselessness of the systems meant to protect said children. The second is the telltale mysterious and surreal goings-on in Hinamizawa:
why is someone who should be dead still walking around? How can someone be in two places at once? And can pure hatred and spite be enough to take a life?
As always, it's excellent, and the most stomach churning parts came from the real-world atrocities. Character and scenario writing is top notch, you really feel the frustrated helplessness of the friend group. And Satoko's behavior was frighteningly realistic and heart wrenching for her situation. It always takes me forever to get through the happy go lucky parts of these Higurashi chapters, but the second halves are so compelling that I finish them in an afternoon. Excited for Chapter 4!
21. Mutazione
A self described "mutant soap opera," Mutazione is a narrative, meditative game about a small town on a distant island, the drama among it's inhabitants, and the life born from the ashes of disaster.
You're basically an outsider to this island, but your mother was raised here and your grandfather still lives there. You thought you were visiting him to be with him as he does, but he's got bigger plans for your ultimate role in the community.
Gameplay consists of walking around and talking to the island's inhabitants, learning their inner lives and daily schedules, their jobs and their fears, their wishes and their secrets. They're the best part of the game, but you have to walk all around town to get to them and there's no fast travel. (The town isn't that big, but it can get a little annoying.) The second aspect of gameplay is attuning to the rhythm of the island's unique ecosystem and cultivating gardens through music. You have to do this a few times, both to get plant-related items to the locals and to restore the harmony of the island. The plot threads of the island harmony tie in well with the dissonance of the community, and the climactic resolution works in tandem with it. It's a lovely game but you have to be a little patient with it - the same way you have to be patient with gardens, and with people.
Last edited: