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Tell Me Why Game is a captivating episodic adventure that delves into the bond between twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan. Using their supernatural connection, they explore and uncover the mysteries of their troubled past in a small Alaskan town. Known for its rich storytelling and strong characters, the game lets players make impactful choices that shape the narrative.
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Title: The Complex Developer: Wales Interactive Publisher: Wales Interactive Released: March 31, 2020 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Game, Mac Game, iOS, Android Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4 Article Reading Time: 5 minutes
The English independent company Wales Interactive has been on the scene for over ten years. For a relatively long time, their specialization in the production of interactive entertainment has settled in a rather specific genre of FMV. Thus, they produce purely cinematic projects of mostly predictable stories, where the player takes control over the main characters’ important but often less important decisions. Three years earlier, the popular crime drama Late Shift was released from their hands, which can be seen as an ideal example of what Wales Interactive can do.
The Complex – Some situations are tense
Setting and Plot
During less than an hour of The Complex story, the player can follow the fate of nine characters, i.e., real actors, dominated by the main heroine and the likable Miss Amy Tenant. The original name is Michelle Mylett, a native of Canada. In the story, Dr. Amy Tenant takes us to the city of London in the near future. There, she works as a research manager at the renowned Kensington Company, which focuses on the top-secret development of nanotechnology, supposedly capable of completely revolutionizing conventional medical procedures. But as these stories go, something goes wrong, and with nanotechnology, we suddenly have a deadly virus capable of pushing your eyeballs out your ass.
Acting Performances
Fans of the series adaptation of the Game of Thrones universe should also be delighted by the presence of actress Kate Dickie, who, in this case, played the role of a resolute and uncompromising boss. I don’t want to make myself an expert on acting performances here. Still, after having run through this cinematic adventure three times in a row (after the first time, one can skip the repeated passages to essential decisions), I found the performance of the only well-known personality in this project rather unconvincing and lackluster. As was the performance of the rest of the cast, who needed to be helped by the below-average story. But let’s move on to the main points of gameplay.
The Complex – Space suits
Gameplay and Choices
Suppose you have ever played at least one project from Quantic Dream and are aware of the plot development scheme against the background of a purely cinematic adventure game. In that case, this FMV affair will bring you almost nothing. While the choice to help one at the expense of the other is logical, in the case of The Complex, it’s more of a forced ending to an often awkward situation where the chemistry between the characters is minimal. It’s a great pity that the creators didn’t give a little more attention to the complexity of the storyline and made everything conditional on three crucial endings, the point of which you will understand in the first playthrough.
The Complex – Usual Decisions
Critical Assessment
To the question; can everyone in the game die, including you? I answer in the affirmative. But will it bother you? Not at all! This whole spectacle wouldn’t even work as a stand-alone film, no matter which of the scripts provided. Although it is difficult to judge the quality of a “play” of this type, I must, at the end of this review, reach for my feelings and drop the new play by the English authors. I can imagine a situation where the game would have gotten a better number. However, the script would have to be freed from the obviously illogical cracks, allowing us to make at least some contact with the main characters. Because this is precisely the principle on which interactive projection is supposed to work, the fact that someone has just died is supposed to tear your veins as a viewer with a real influence on the development. The Complex was rather disappointing and, therefore, received an average rating. Guys, try harder next time. We still have hope and trust in you!
Where to Buy The Complex
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $12.99. Purchase it directly from Steam.
Epic Games Store (PC): Priced at $12.99. Available on the Epic Games Store.
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is available for $14.99 on the PlayStation Store.
Xbox Store (Xbox One): Purchase it for $12.99 from the Xbox Store.
Nintendo eShop (Switch): You can find it on the Nintendo eShop.
Title: Erica Developer: Flavourworks Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment Released: August 19, 2019 (PS4), May 25, 2021 (PC) Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, PC Game Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4 Article Reading Time: 6 minutes
Games like Until Dawn, Hidden Agenda, Heavy Rain, and Detroit Become Human have shown that console gamers are also interested in games where they can control the story and shape the fate of the main characters. The new Erica game tries to build on the abovementioned games, although it can’t boast such ambition or budget. But it makes up for it all with a distinctive and not-so-hackneyed style. It is not a game but rather an interactive film in which you control the main character’s actions. You can already tell this by the fact that the whole game is acted, has real actors and environments, and everything is handled in a completely believable way, which is greatly influenced by the excellent performances of the hired actors. The player is not just a passive spectator but directly intervenes in the game or instead in the story because he interacts with the objects, makes important decisions, and influences the events and fates of the characters, including the main character.
The most important thing with Erica’s play is the story, which decides what it will be and how much she will like it. Story-wise, this is a classic B-grade thriller that doesn’t offend at all. It is exciting and well-written, keeping you hooked until the very finale. The main character is a young girl, Erica. She went through literally hell in her childhood when she found her father dead, with a mysterious bloody mark on his chest. When she grows up, she still suffers from nightmares, but little does she know that the worst is yet to come when she finds a box outside her apartment door containing the hands of a murdered man, which also has a mysterious mark on them. So, for her own safety, she is taken to the asylum where her parents also worked, but that’s when all hell breaks loose because everything is connected. I won’t reveal more because, of course, the game builds on Erica’s story, and it’s definitely better to enjoy it with a minimum amount of information. Considering the game’s focus, it’s definitely a shame that it’s not localized into English, as Sony’s habit lately has been. On the other hand, English is average, so if you know a little English, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Erica is a so-called FMV game. These have appeared in the past, especially in the 1990s. The attempt was to connect the world of video games with the world of film. Still, everything needed to be improved by the technology used and several obstacles back then. Nowadays, of course, the situation is entirely opposite, and everything works as it should, thanks to advanced technology. Especially the transitions between the film and the interactive parts are smooth and almost unnoticeable, which only adds to the overall experience. The developers had to put much work into this, but it was worth it.
Acting and Soundtrack
As did the performance of the actors. The unknown actress Holly Earl plays Erica perfectly. Her performance is compelling. You can see the constant fear and fright in her eyes as she gradually reveals her not-so-happy past. But it wasn’t just Holly Earl who played her character well. Every actor handled their roles professionally. What also helps the game is the quality soundtrack provided by composer Ten, who has a rich history with games. He has composed the soundtrack for Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Journey, and Abzû and contributed to the opening track for The Order: 1886. The tracks for Eric’s games complement each scene well. They make it even scarier or more suspenseful.
PlayLink games like Erica have been built so that anyone can play them. Although they could be controlled using the classic Dualshock 4, they also supported control via the touch screen of a mobile phone. Still, you had to download a particular app to that first. Although Erica doesn’t belong in the PlayLink program, you can still see her roots and the fact that she was planning for it. On iOS or Android, you can download the app to your smartphone and control the game through it. In fact, the game is only controlled through the touchscreen, where you have to swipe your finger around it or select different options during conversations. This is definitely the best option. It’s true, though, that you can use the Dualshock 4, which is sufficient and a decent alternative. Still, the touchpad is sometimes tiny and needs to be more reasonably responded to appropriately. If you don’t have your phone handy, the Dualshock 4 serves relatively well, but it’s not the best choice for controlling a game.
Replayability and Final Thoughts
The first playthrough took me just under two hours, during which I didn’t get bored for even a tiny moment. It is, therefore, the perfect entertainment for an evening out. Moreover, I ran everything a few more times after finishing it because of the platinum trophy and because you need a chance to discover and discover everything during the first playthrough. Moreover, I wanted to test how much the situations will vary according to the different options, which are significant. They lead to several endings, so it’s definitely worth playing through everything again. The replayability is enormous in this case, just like with Quantic Dream’s games. You won’t regret the money spent.
Erica may lack the big ambitions we see in Quantic Dream’s games, but its quality is still intact. The story is intriguing, the blend of interactive passages with the cutscenes is practically flawless, and your decisions really matter, making the game worth playing more than once. If you like this type of game or enjoy trying something new, you will go right with your purchase. Erica deserves your attention; it is one of the best FMV affairs in years.
Title: The Bunker Developer: Splendy Interactive Publisher: Wales Interactive Released: September 20, 2016 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Game, Mac Game Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4 Article Reading Time: 5 minutes
Setting the Stage: Inside The Bunker
Thanks to its name, it is easy to guess what environment The Bunker is set in. Yes, it is indeed a nuclear shelter in which we follow and shift a bit to the exploits of young John, played by actor Adam Brown. Indeed, the name is familiar to you, as Brown portrayed Ori, one of the dwarves in The Hobbit film trilogy. Young John lives alone in the atomic shelter, going about his day-to-day routine and clearly suffering from various mental problems. The answer to why he is alone in the shelter begins to emerge from oblivion just as John is forced to act outside his daily routine and explore other shelter areas. Something breaks here, and something flashes there. You know, something always goes wrong when you least expect it.
There are two ways of looking at The Bunker. Either you approach it purely as a short, interactive film and thus expect it to not abound with many opportunities for interaction, or you ignore that fact and approach it as a game. This will influence how you evaluate the work. To begin with, the Bunker has a really oppressive atmosphere. This is mainly because the game was filmed in the real-life backdrop of the now-closed Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex, England. Today, it serves as a museum, and it’s no problem to experience the atmosphere yourself.
Aside from the shelter, Adam Brown’s performance is also a considerable part of the whole atmosphere, as he comes across as quite clumsy and scared throughout and manages to convey these feelings to the viewer/player. As well as John, other characters appear in The Bunker, particularly in his memories, and the actors cast are not entirely unknown, having appeared in shows such as Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones, and the Star Wars films. In short, the production costs for The Bunker were definitely on the higher end, and it shows.
Expectations vs. Experience: Gameplay Mechanics
The problem comes in when we expect greater freedom or choices from the work. This is certainly not the case. The entire gameplay, if we can even talk about such a thing, is limited to occasional clicks on pre-marked objects or a few clicktime events. From this point of view, it will be a sheer bore for specific people. Those who are not prepared for something like this might not be able to wait for the end credits, which take an average of 90 minutes to get through from the opening, which can be considered a slightly below average running time for today’s movies, but that’s perfectly fine, I certainly don’t try to take this into account as some sort of victory.
It’s worth sticking around to uncover all of John’s memories, and it’s definitely worth it. I’m curious what he’s looking at at certain moments. What is hidden in the atomic shelter? A mutant demon, a deranged Nazi, or just the past shrouded in oblivion? You’ll find out, you’ll discover, you’ll learn… The Bunker won me over the most, besides the chilling atmosphere, through the main story twist at the very end of the game, which I did not expect at all, and thanks to that, The Bunker became one of the better FMV works I had the opportunity to try. I recommend it to you, too.
So how do I watch it? As someone unfamiliar with the genre, I might have turned up my nose and relegated The Bunker to mediocrity despite its qualities. As a film, it has high production values. It manages to work the tension through realistic sets or acting performances. As an interactive film? There is little interaction, limited to mere clicking, but what I wrote in the line above still applies. The clicking gives you a minor illusion that you’re actually controlling John’s actions, which makes the atmosphere a little more tense. However, I could appreciate the work more as a concise film without any interaction. Still, thanks to the atmosphere just mentioned several times. The breathtaking story twist, I can, for my part, allow this and still rank the title among the better ones within the genre.
Where to Buy The Bunker
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $14.99 (currently on sale for $2.24). You can purchase the game directly from Steam
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $14.99. You can buy it from the Epic Games Store
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is priced at $19.99. Check it out on the PlayStation Store
Xbox Store (Xbox One): The game is available for $19.99. You can find it on the Xbox Store
Nintendo Store: Available for $12.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo
Title: Night Book Developer: Good Gate Media Publisher: Wales Interactive Released: July 27, 2021 Platforms Available: PlayStation 5 and 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Game , iOS, Android Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5 Article Reading Time: 7 minutes
FMV’s Fringe Craft: Wales Interactive’s Cinematic Ventures
Wales Interactive has long specialized in producing FMV (full motion video) concepts, even though they have tried to break through with classic horror, mostly ending with average results. Their primary focus thus remains purely cinematic projects, where the player can intervene in the plot when the script offers the opportunity to do so, and replayability is directly proportional to the atmosphere of the first pass. That’s how it should ideally look if FMV’s work succeeds, which unfortunately isn’t exactly the case with a horror game called Night Book. Let’s elaborate more on that, though.
Night-Book : The Night Book carries an ancient curse
A Haunting Household: Unpacking Night Book’s Premise
The central character of this horror flick – Loralyn, who at the start of the game is preparing for a night shift as an online translator, lives with her rather distraught father in the next room of her house. From the beginning of the video, this gentleman appears to be a person full of mental problems. Even though the whole plot is not just based on him banging his head against the room wall, he becomes the central element of the entire plot. His pregnant daughter, Loralyn, whose husband works as a stockbroker on an island with a dark history, has no time to deal with the hints of a real threat from ancient civilizations. He only cares about a well-done job while translating his clients’ text. But what the devil, his two online calls on the evening in question set off a chain reaction of 22 possible endings. Whether you want to see them all or give up on the first pass, it’s up to you.
Night Book: Father has to stay locked – or-not..
A Web of Choices: Exploring Branching Paths
The developers weren’t so much trying to bring some variety, as there’s woefully little of that subject interaction. Still, they were primarily concerned with evoking the creepy atmosphere associated with the imminent risk of an obsessive father and a closed environment. Unfortunately, they failed to achieve that effect, even with one of the endings above to this film strip. I don’t mean to cast aspersions on the primary performances here, some of which were above standard and good by the standards of the concept (The Complex wasn’t wrong in that regard either). First and foremost, we have an entirely predictable plot, and its denouement is directly related to several clichés that would shame a first-year film student. The fact that all the action takes place on the desktop of the central character’s laptop doesn’t help a bit, as the script vehemently tries to explain all the illogical ideas rather than covering them up with anything scary.
Eerie Ambience, Empty Echoes: The Struggle for Atmosphere
Once you’ve made it to the finale for the first time, and the statistics of endings discovered and sequences viewed flash on the screen, you’ll feel that you haven’t made it one-third of the way through the (un)game. Logically, you’ll then proceed to retry, using new choices and decisions to try and see more and unlock something new. However, this is where another big problem arises from my perspective: the interface’s inability to skip a previously viewed scene and the poorly designed splitting of the images themselves. Therefore, anyone who wants to fill the extras to the brim and absorb the entire hour of recorded material from the first second to the last will find it a pile of tedium and repetition. The worst thing about the whole thing is that even if you gradually work your way through all the plot endings, you’ll always keep the vapidity that the entire point of this FMV production possesses. The only thing you’ll get out of it in the end is the statistics and the feeling that you’ve at least used your wasted money for something. The whole thing is blatantly mediocre and mind-numbing the second you try to discover more and see something new.
Night Book: Father has to stay locked – or-not..
Reflections in Isolation: Night Book During the COVID Era
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘Night Book’ development adapted to unprecedented circumstances, shaping a game that encapsulates the challenges of that period without meeting in person. The unique production constraints and social distancing measures led to an inventive setup where the entire cast seemed to perform 100% remotely, mirroring the global isolation. This isolation seeps into the game’s atmosphere, making the player’s experience strangely resonant with the lockdown experience. In the game, Loralyn works as an online translator from the confines of her home, dealing with supernatural threats through her laptop screen. This setting reflects the limited physical space many of us were confined to and the mental and emotional boundaries imposed by the pandemic. By leveraging remote production techniques, the developers crafted a game that directly responds to the world’s sudden shift to online interaction and remote living. It’s a poignant reminder of when our homes became the center of work and personal life, challenging the boundaries between the two. In ‘Night Book,’ this blending of home and external threats enhances the horror elements, as the safety of one’s home is breached, not just by the supernatural, but by the intrusion of work and the outside world into personal space.
A Dim Light in FMV
While “Night Book” may not stand within the FMV genre, its production under the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic sheds light on the dedication and adaptability of its creators. Despite global lockdowns and social distancing, the game’s development highlights an impressive effort to maintain creative output when traditional production methods were disrupted. This context brings a new appreciation for the game, not just as a piece of interactive entertainment but as a document of the times.
Night Book: Father possessed by an unknown curse
Loralyn’s interactions, confined within the digital screens of her laptop, resonate with our recent lived experiences, where much of life was compressed into virtual spaces. The game cleverly uses this setup to amplify its horror elements, utilizing the claustrophobia of our realities to enhance the terror within. Additionally, the actors deliver commendable performances, bringing depth and realism to their roles. These performances and effective jump-scare moments enrich the gameplay experience beyond its narrative limitations.
Despite its flaws and a certain predictability in the plot, “Night Book is worth playing for an hour or two. It reflects not only on the supernatural but also on the intrusive nature of our new, more digital lives, blurring the lines between work, home, and otherworldly realms. The game, therefore, serves as a reminder of the era it was born into, offering both a reflection and an escape from the isolated environments many of us found ourselves in.
In evaluating “Night Book,” it’s clear that while it may not have reached the heights of some of its FMV peers, it captures a moment in time with authenticity and a genuine sense of unease. For those willing to overlook its shortcomings to taste its atmospheric and thematic strengths, “Night Roof” provides.
Where to Buy Night Book
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $12.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam
GOG (PC, Mac): The game is priced at $12.99. Purchase it from GOG
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $12.99. You can buy it from the Epic Games Store
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is priced at $12.99. Check it out on the PlayStation Store
Xbox Store (Xbox One): The game is available for $12.99. You can find it on the Xbox Store
Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $12.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo eShop
Apple App Store (iOS): Available for $6.99. Purchase it from the App Store
Google Play Store ( Android): Get the Night Book on your Android device from the Google Play Store
Title: Telling Lies Developer: Sam Barlow, Half Mermaid, Furious Bee Limited Publisher: Annapurna Interactive Released: August 23, 2019 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iOS Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5
A Unique Interactive Drama
I have to say that a relatively unique project by the Her Story designer of the horror film Silent Hill: Shattered Memories has captured the attention of fans of suspenseful stories and adventure games just by its design. It was a modern take on an interactive movie and game composed mainly of featurettes. In a few days, author Sam Barlow will follow it up with another similar project. The spiritual successor is an interactive drama called Telling Lies.
In the game’s plot, players take on the role of an unnamed character who receives a hot commodity in the form of an unknown laptop. It is stuffed with classified content from the US National Security Agency (NSA) database. It contains private footage and video correspondence collected over two years by the four protagonists. These four hitherto purely private lives are linked by a big lie and a shocking event, the uncovering of which will depend on the players. The goal is to explore the stolen private recordings in detail and discover the truth, motivated by curiosity alone. For example, thanks to the mysteriousness of the author, we still need to figure out what event is supposed to connect the characters’ lives.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
In terms of gameplay, players will search the video database using keywords and according to what was said in a given video segment. Each player will be able to find their own system within this; for this reason, the game will be non-linear, and everyone will be able to discover something a little different. It is worth mentioning that, according to the author, the user interface of the database search is inspired by reality. Sam Barlow has unlearned the essential characteristics of the system. Still, according to his own words, he decided to make the form of the database and its browsing “sexier” and thus bring the experience closer to the players. He says this is to avoid making it look “cheap” like the original.
Compared to the title mentioned above Her Story, it is worth mentioning what the author has gone further in cooperation with Annapurna Interactive.
First, a quartet of established actors will take care of the deeper immersion in the story. These are Logan Marshall-Green (who starred in Spider-Man: Homecoming, for example), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men: Apocalypse), Kerry Bishé (Narcos series) and Angela Sarafyan (Westworld). Another attraction is definitely the story, which you’ll each have to uncover on your own.
Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that thanks to the more significant number of actors and videos, the game takes up to five times more time compared to other titles by the author. Whether this automatically means a better experience, you must find out for yourself.
In the end, however, the game earns a 70% rating from us.
Most spoilers must be avoided because most of the game’s content is story and mystery.
Title: She Sees Red – Interactive Movie Developer: Rhinotales Publisher: Rhinotales Released: July 11, 2019 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Game, Mac Game, Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4 Article Reading Time: 5 minutes
New Contender: Studio Rhinotales’ Debut
Studio Rhinotales was, until this time, unknown in the video game industry. Their game She Sees Red is their first venture in the form of an interactive thriller that takes place as a short film in which you, as the audience, have the opportunity to decide what the protagonist does immediately caught our attention, even in defiance of the growing competition in the field of this genre in recent years. Still, we will tell in our new review whether She Sees Red has really made its name alongside, for example, the now-famous Wales Interactive Entertainment. But let’s start from the beginning…
A Night at the Club: Dual Story Unfolds
You’ll find yourself in a nightclub where two storylines play out simultaneously. In one, you’re an unknown man in a baseball cap and hoodie. In the other, you’re a police investigator called in by the club owner to find out who killed one of his guards. During the scenes with the cloaked protagonist, two options pop up here and there, one of which you must click to move the story along. The trailer suggests you can get up to four different endings, accessible at all, as it takes half an hour to run through the entire plot. Story-wise, it’s a coherent affair, but you won’t get that at first, and as the credits roll, you’ll have far more questions than answers. You’re just about to get those from replaying and choosing options you didn’t choose before. By making it such a short affair, you won’t even have to wade through tons of tedium and grey. Some choices reveal interesting additional scenes that make you understand the story much better.
Decision Time: Interactive Elements and Pacing
You only have a few seconds to make your choices, which is a negative from the perspective of wanting to enjoy those parts as a movie and lean back or scratch a few potatoes. But then again, you won’t have to get up as many times throughout the plot, and a couple of times, it’s also clear that some decisions are coming, so you’ll have time to clean your hands.
Performance on a Budget: Acting and Audio
As for the acting, you can tell this is a low-budget project, but it’s nothing that isn’t watchable. It’s worse with the listening. The original version is only possible to listen to. It completely ruins the experience, as Rhinotales didn’t get any quality translators or proofreaders to edit the dialogue into a neat form. Fortunately, the subtitles are also in Czech, so no one will have a problem with the original Russian, and you might learn something else. The choreography of the fights and the transitions between plot lines are excellent. I can’t rate the detailed film aspects because I don’t understand them and wouldn’t want to pose as a film critic.
Final Take: Short but Sweet Thriller Experience
In conclusion, She Sees Red, the debut game from Studio Rhinotales, presents an intriguing interactive thriller experience with parallel storylines and multiple endings, all within a short half-hour playthrough. The game’s concise nature allows for quick replays to explore different choices and uncover additional scenes. However, the limited time for decision-making may detract from the enjoyment of the storytelling. While the acting and audio quality could be improved, the choreography of the fights and transitions between plot lines are commendable. Despite some language-related issues, She Sees Red offers a unique and engaging experience that differentiates it in the video game industry. It will be interesting to see how it compares to established titles in the interactive thriller genre in the upcoming reviews. But at this very point, we recommend it.
Where to Buy She Sees Red
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $7.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is priced at $9.99 . You can find it on the PlayStation Store
GOG (PC, Mac): She Sees Red is available on GOG. Check it out on GOG.com
Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $9.99. You can buy it from the Nintendo eShop
App Store (iOS): Available for $0.99. You can find it on the App Store
Title: I Saw Black Clouds Developer: Ghost Dog Films Publisher: Wales Interactive Released: March 30, 2021 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC Game Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 5 (PS4 Version) Article Reading Time: 4 minutes
The interactive feature film is not among the most numerous representatives of our game libraries. Yet, there are several groups here that are dedicated to this genre. We can undoubtedly count the producers, including the Wales Interactive producers. They have already released several such games. On Steam, you can find, for example, the highly rated sci-fi The Complex, the dating Five Dates, or the mysterious film The Bunker. This time, the company has joined forces with Ghost Dog Films, resulting in a thrilling horror experience in the interactive film I Saw Black Clouds.
This title immerses you, the player, into the shoes of Christine, who returns to her hometown following the unexpected demise of her friend. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you unearth a startling truth that triggers a series of supernatural occurrences. ‘I Saw Black Clouds’ offers a gripping psychological thriller with a unique branching storyline. Your decisions during crucial moral dilemmas will shape the narrative, ensuring each playthrough is a distinct experience. The film closely mirrors your actions, adjusting some of the main character’s traits based on your choices. Depending on your progress, Christine’s honesty, strength, morality, tact, and self-knowledge may evolve. However, other factors like relationships with minor characters or the main character’s acceptance of supernatural situations will also influence the plot.
The lead role in this captivating interactive film is portrayed by the talented Nicole O’Neill, known for her work in the series Penny Dreadful. Fans can also look forward to seeing Rachel Jackson (Outlander) and Larry Rew (Avatar) in this thrilling narrative. The film also offers unlockable features and a special streaming mode for an enhanced viewing experience.
Now, a short journey to the verdict If you enjoy movies or series with a horror touch and a gloomy atmosphere, ‘I Saw Black Clouds’ is the title for you. However, if you have a discerning taste for movies, rest assured that the film’s qualities shine through despite its smaller budget. It’s a Bcc production, after all, and its reputation in the game is well-established.
Where to Buy I Saw Black Clouds
Steam (PC): Available for $12.99 (currently on sale for $2.51). You can purchase the game directly from Steam
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is in discount for $8.45 and can be found on the PlayStation Store
Xbox Store: I Saw Black Clouds is available for $12.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store
Epic Games Store (PC): Available for $12.99 (currently on sale for $7.79). You can purchase it from the Epic Games Store
Title Detroit: Become Human Developer: Quantic Dream Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment Released: May 25, 2018 (PS4), December 12, 2019 (PC via Epic Games Store), June 18, 2020 (Steam) Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, PC Article Reading Time: 8 minutes
From Fahrenheit to Detroit: A Legacy of Choice
Detroit: Become Human is the latest release from French studio Quantic Dream, which has long been at the top of the story adventure genre. From the first-class and dark Fahrenheit to the drenching Heavy Rain to the emotional and gripping Beyond Two Souls, which, despite its quality, unfortunately, didn’t garner as much fame as expected initially. However, Detroit: Become Human manages, thankfully, to change that once again with ease, as you will see in my following text.
I will be okay, though, and I’ll be the first to specify what Detroit is not. Look elsewhere if you expect frantic action, brutality, or a colorful open world. Detroit follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. It offers a more interactive film packed to the ceiling with a brilliantly branching narrative, elaborate characters, and the traditional ability for the player to influence the course to a degree not seen in games. You really want to experience this experience.
Blade Runner Vibes: Dark, Dystopian, Delicious
Detroit takes you to a not-too-distant future where androids and artificial intelligence are the order of the day. Artificially created helpers are an integral part of our lives, helping in the home, serving as sex objects, and relieving humanity of a multitude of manual labor. But that also means lots of unemployed people, “racial” hatred of androids, and other issues that are very relevant even today. The game draws powerful inspiration from the cult of Blade Runner, which will definitely please fans of the movie classics.
Connor, Kara, Markus: Three Androids, One Epic Story
This futuristic world tells the story of three androids – Connor, Marcus, and Kara. Each has their own status and their own lives. Connor is an android sent by the CyberLife corporation to help police officers in a recent murder. Markus is an ordinary assistant to an aging artist. At the same time, Kara is a newly purchased maid the family’s father brings home.
Although it doesn’t seem like it at first, the fates of all the characters are very closely intertwined and naturally meet several times throughout the story. Still, each views the issue of androids and their potential rebellion against humanity differently. It is with the first murder, which hints at a severe problem with android obedience, that begins a sequence of events that take you across the city of Detroit and eventually the entire United States to try again and again to find the answer to the question – “How far are you willing to go to achieve freedom?”
When Your Choices REALLY Matter
As you will have gathered, Detroit is true to its predecessors and is more of an interactive film than a game. The developers give you enough freedom and interaction at specific points so you do not feel deprived. Still, the reins are firmly held by the story above all else. It moves forward steadily, and I’ve yet to experience such an engaging narrative where I wasn’t so actively involved in the action. Each chapter builds on the next, with one crucial decision after another being thrown at the player. As is the way with Quantic Dream, almost everyone can cost you your life.
Yes, even here, you’ll encounter many choices and decisions that take the story in unexpected directions. If one of the characters dies, there’s no turning back. However, this is one of the game’s great strengths – there are so many story branches that you can play the game six times and constantly encounter something new. At this point, I’ve played the game for about the third time and still know I have yet to discover everything. And that’s very, very respectable for a game that is very linear in its own way.
Moreover, the developers have managed to meticulously think through all the characters so that after a few initial moments, you’ll be invested in the lives of each of them, hoping with every conversation that you don’t mess something up and that your favorites stay alive for at least a bit longer. Even the likes of Connor, who looks pretty robotic and aloof at the start, eventually becomes an incredible assassin who could high-five John Wick and grow on almost everyone. The development of the characters throughout the story is portrayed brilliantly, and more importantly – everything is entirely in your hands.
When Games Look THIS Good, Who Needs Movies?
Thanks to the game’s relatively closed structure and concept, the developers have let their imagination and graphic engine run wild. Detroit is one of the best-looking games in the world today. In fact, you’ll often wonder if you’re not playing a CGI movie because the graphics are the best to be found at the time. Everything is of the highest standard, whether we’re talking about animations, detail-rich environments, lots of little particle effects, or the fluidity of the surroundings.
Of course, you’ll come across slightly choppy animations here and there, especially when moving characters, but that’s due to the specific genre and is understandable. On the other hand, the facial animation and the acting are top-notch. Watching your favorite characters during dialogues that, through no fault of your own, can go awry at any second is a treat.
Detroit is, in short, visual porn, and it doesn’t matter how many times you play it. The excellent news for everyone will be the bravura use of the language you have set up, which is not only present in the dialogue in the form of subtitles but is also integrated into all the text in the game. All the magazines, dialogues, interactions, and other elements are in the language you set, so you can enjoy the game even if you are unfamiliar with English or any other language.
Detroit Become Human – Kara
Detroit Become Human – Kara Picture
Detroit Become Human – Choices Choices Choices
Detroit Become Human – Choices Choices Choices Picture
Detroit Become Human – EVERY Choice Matters
Detroit Become Human – EVERY Choice Matters Picture
Detroit Become Human – Marcus
Detroit Become Human – Marcus Picture
Connor as an Investigative Android, Interrogates Other Androids
Connor as an Investigative Android, Interrogates Other Androids Picture
Detroit Become Human – Front Picture
Detroit Become Human – Front Picture
Detroit Become Human – One of the Most Beautiful Graphics of its Time
Detroit Become Human – One of the Most Beautiful Graphics of its Time
Detroit Become Human – City of Detroit Full of Life
Detroit Become Human – City of Detroit Full of Life Picture
Why Detroit Belongs on Your Spotify Playlist
The soundtrack is a chapter unto itself. The developers recruited three composers for the official soundtrack, each caring for one character in the story. This gives each character a unique musical score that conveys their mood, atmosphere, or “personality.” The music is also interactive, perfectly matching what’s happening on screen. During quiet moments of exploration, a few instruments strum while epic loops kick in during thrilling chases and engulf you entirely. Here, we have another soundtrack you can safely play on your phone and out of the game, for example.
Bonus Content: Unlocking Detroit’s Story Secrets
In addition to the story campaign, which you can play endlessly, the game also offers smaller bonuses that you can unlock with the points you accumulate while playing. These are little things like artwork, developer diaries, behind-the-scenes glimpses of development, complete 3D models of all the characters in the game, soundtrack samples, and trailers. Of course, you can’t expect multiplayer but other additional content, but that’s understandable.
The Game That Makes You Question Humanity
Detroit: Become Human might not be a game that suits everyone’s taste. Nevertheless, it is a remarkable example of how a video game can transform into an interactive work of art that competes with classic movies. If you are a Quantic Dream’s games fan, then you are in for a treat with their best game yet. Everything is almost flawless, from the characters to the music and the graphics. It will leave you with a lasting emotional impression. In short, it is a masterpiece of interactive storytelling!
Purchase Detroit Become Human
PlayStation Store: The game is available on the PlayStation Store for PS4 at a price of $19.99. There is also a Digital Deluxe Edition available for $29.99, which includes additional content (PlayStation Store).
Epic Games Store: On the Epic Games Store, “Detroit: Become Human” is priced at $39.99. This version boasts enhanced visuals and full PC compatibility, including support for 4K resolution and 60fps (Epic Games Store) (VG247).
Steam: The game is also available on Steam, where it integrates well with Steam’s features like achievements and cloud saves (Steam Store).
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