[h1]In the middle of the night… : A short review of The Night Fisherman[/h1]
[h2]Voltage Talks with Water as a Conductor[/h2]
In the calm, pink-violet night, where everything seems to be resting (even the fish, apparently…), there sometimes take place conversations heavy with meaning and with consequences more than troubling. They leave no one unscathed and can change not only the course of events but also the often too-distant perception we might have of certain current affairs.
In this game—or rather, in this immersive narrative experience, where dialogue choices sometimes arise—we follow a night fisherman who sees a boat approaching in his direction. The real question here is: what kind of fish will he catch, in the metaphorical sense?
On board the boat stands a man shouldering a rifle, introducing himself as a representative of an English company in charge of monitoring this maritime route across the English Channel, known for its ties to smuggling and immigration. A conversation begins—at times friendly, at times threatening; sometimes it feels like one should laugh, and at others, an air of aggression seems to linger. Our fisherman cannot avoid this encounter; he has no choice but to engage.
We follow this ebb and flow—rising, falling—much like the movement of the waves… until a certain climax, when it is revealed that the fisherman has been transporting an undocumented immigrant on his boat.
[h2]Ten Minutes for a Life[/h2]
What is the price of a human life? Indeed, we are dealing with a complex subject—immigration—but one made even more intricate in light of current events, politics, and perhaps the broader notions of power, morality, and ethics.
While the ability to select the fisherman’s responses ultimately has no impact on the game’s narrative (which is a bit of a shame!), the immersive and even oppressive atmosphere, combined with the ability to shift camera perspectives, is particularly effective and striking. It invites us to step into the shoes of different characters and situations, creating a discomfort—though a measured one—that helps us grasp the weight of this conversation.
The narrative, paired with a very “chill,” very “relaxing” artistic direction (purple/pink hues), creates a striking contrast—akin to the vast ocean surrounding this scene, so open yet simultaneously so closed, almost like a maritime huis clos.
Ten minutes are enough to reach the climax, with tension gradually building up (a well-managed emotional and experiential arc for the player). It is poignant to witness this exploration of the human condition, to see how a person’s fate hangs by a thread—stretched between empathy and cruelty. Sometimes the thread pulls more to one side than the other, sometimes it slackens when words fail us… and sometimes, it snaps. That is precisely the heart of the matter.
[h2]Short Game, Big Impact[/h2]
I believe the goal here is more about sparking reflection, bringing attention to the refugee crisis. The intent is not necessarily to provide a thorough analysis, but rather to encourage contemplation—even in silence. Everyone will form their own opinion; the game leans much more on atmosphere and narrative than on gameplay and action. Personally, I find this approach effective in prompting reflection and fostering an understanding—at least a minimal one—of such a pressing issue, rather than aiming for exhaustive coverage of the topic.
The experience is short, narrative-driven, but impactful; it succeeds in leaving a lasting impression.
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[u]PS:[/u]
1. Among the series, I find this to be the best I’ve played so far. The climax is well-executed, and this game undeniably leaves a mark even after playing. I also think the camera system and artistic direction fit the subject well.
2. I haven’t seen the movie that everyone keeps referencing in the comments ([i]Inglourious Basterds[/i]—#sorry), so I can’t push the comparison or metaphor further, but apparently, it’s a key reference.
