[code]Curator page here-->[url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/37670120/] DaRevieweD #130 [/url]<-- [i]New review every Weekend[/i][/code]
[h1]"Taking Off on A Nightmarish Pilgrimage-"[/h1]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2598725321
[u] Here's The Thing:[/u]
You are an unnamed protagonist trying to face her horrors which stem from childhood but have matured and carried unto adulthood. Listen as she narrates of her past and try to make it to the end, for some much needed closure~
[h1][+] PROS;[/h1]
[b]:) EXPERIENCE[/b]
Barely a game, but rather an experience and one in which I found it hard to enjoy at first. However, once I pushed through its sluggish façade, embraced its disabilities- it then became quite special. Though essentially still a walking simulator where you have to navigate across a wide-open space finding memory fragments and reliving the turmoil as they take place again.
There are also enemies, who… actually I haven’t a clue what happens if they get to me. Probably nothing good I bet and it's for the best seeing as they are easy to outrun! The estimated playtime of 30-45 min is true to its word since it only took me 40! It’s a one-off play, which is fitting because the whole idea is to move on from that dark, ugly chapter~
[b]TIPS:[/b]
1) Post-review knowledge; it's really difficult to get caught but DON'T let your guard down! [spoiler]It restarts the game![/spoiler]
[b]:) LANDSCAPES[/b]
In all honesty, there isn't much to look at but it can feel like a lot. Expanse of sandy dunes further adds a slice-of-life to the developer’s already true story being from the Middle-East herself. The choice of nighttime, rundown constructions and personal effects truly make it surreal. But a strain at the same time, when the realization that each hefty step across the seemingly endless stretches of desert can make you lose your way.
That is until you see bright, sparkling waypoints piercing the sky or the occasional colorful butterfly to remind and guide you. Then you connect to a familiar place, one that is for the most part crumbling but still holding on much like you are. The sights alone are gloomy no doubt, but at the end of the day, intended to be motivational~
[b]:) VOICES[/b]
A majority of the narration is none other than the creator and she does a delightful job! You can tell she meant every word uttered and the effort of “acting” is put to a minimal!! The story being shared is indeed a common yet heartbreaking one. An unanswered question, a goodbye never said and the burden of living with these ghosts.
Although it has gaps in between; the gist of it is delivered and nails are driven in, again thanks to her captivating performance. Yes, there are literally only two tracks for the entire duration, but they complement the journey nicely to really fill in the emotional parts. Mirroring a song with no discernible end much like the aimless drifting around the desert~
[b]:) THRILLER[/b]
I went in with the anticipation of “horror” and that’s on me, because I didn’t read it properly. But in actuality, there were aspects of it as well in addition to that of a thriller. From the first time your character warns of “dark creatures”- I was readying myself for when and where the jumpscare would hail from. It never came- I think…
But what did was a slow-moving, silent and unidentifiable entity. At first, just one beam in the distant and usually they’re something to be reassured of, taken for a concerned party. But when it’s a whole population flashing lights, wheeling and galloping towards you. The concern becomes one for yourself! What was most frightening was the uncertainty of it all, whether it be a dream, full-body experience or even the worst-case scenario~
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2598723573
[h1][-] CONS;[/h1]
[b]:( PACE[/b]
As inviting and nauseating as KBS was, it takes a bit of getting used to. For one thing, the character moves way too unhurriedly and her sprint lasts eight seconds. Even without any signs of exhaustion and it replenishes without hassle, it was excruciating to navigate. At first there was no difficulty in finding the next memory but that soon became an arduous task once the map grew exponentially and dead ends were aplenty.
Moreover, objectives weren’t properly explained either and what I thought of as simply markers were actually crucial to unlock the ending. And if you missed out on any landmarks- which you will, you have to go trotting back and avoid the slowly but surely monstrosities…
[b]:( INTERFACE[/b]
From a technical standpoint, there weren’t any pause menus or options whatsoever to tweak anything at all. Granted, it’s not a graphic intensive, or CPU taxing software but it still would’ve been great to be able to have the freedom. What this also means is, you will have to sit through the Arabic text by default.
And your footsteps could drown out the sound of the narration which also aren’t of the clearest quality, so you have to fully halt even if enemies are on their way to you, that is if you don’t mind not catching what was said. Last but not least, the contrast is thrown a little out of whack with the dark recesses being really ash black and the open areas like an indoor stadium~
[h1]BUGS:[/h1]
x Radio can be turned multiple times and overpower the player’s senses.
x It also disrupts with the game’s music, until you’re a distance away from it.
x When on the hilly areas; the footstep noises sometime become that of an animal’s scurrying.
x It is also noticeably harder to climb said slopes.
[h1]NITPICKS:[/h1]
~ No English subtitles… One of the voices has a thicker accent that’s harder to grasp.
~ Stamina of at least 12 seconds would be more tolerable.
~ No way of saving, which is a wasted opportunity since the touchstones or shimmering waypoints could potentially serve that function!
[h1]"Fly And be Free of Demons~"[/h1]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2598723989
[u]Last Words?[/u]
A short, beautifully unnerving & brave journey. Like chasing a mirage; your face all lit up yet filled with the dread of never making it. With personal touches that make it a rare feat in a game~
If you like bite-sized walking sims in a ephemeral and waking nightmare style similar to what [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1659650/7th_Chance/] 7th Chance[/url] conjures then you’ll feel at peace! If you also don’t mind minimal gameplay, with sometimes directionless but immersive wandering in a dune maze, this will be right up your element!!
[h1]3.5 / 5[/h1]
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