Tombeaux

[h1]Introduction[/h1] Time has finally arrived for the publishing of my 400th article on Steam. I wanted this review to represent a hard hitting theme and I think I made the right choice with Tombeaux. The title literally means “Graves” in French and its environmental warning is deeply imbedded into historical accuracy. Its validity can’t be contradicted while its predictions can’t be overlooked. Much like my previous review, Tombeaux can also be regarded as an interactive documentary in equal parts to a video game. The Steam debut for Dave Beck, it is paramount that I mention the one aspect which impressed me right from the start: all proceeds generated by Tombeaux shall be donated towards the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, as the game itself focuses on the evolution and subsequent preservation of this particular river. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1711860447 [h1]Story [/h1] I admit that “St. Croix” first reminded me of the Caribbean island bearing the same name, but the proverbial tombs of our story shall highlight the struggles of the St. Croix River (a tributary of the Mississippi River, in vicinity to Lake Superior). As part of the natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Croix has drastically changed alongside the rest of the landscape and you may regard its rise and fall, as a reflection of colonization and industrial upheaval. You see, while I can’t describe myself as a “green thumb” since I strongly believe in progress via industrialization and technological advancement, witnessing the radical transformation of a natural habitat simulated in Tombeaux has left a sour taste to my mouth along with guilt to some degree. The First Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Centuries AD) left scars and even wounds which couldn’t possibly heal as we’re heading (or have already entered) towards a Second phase, of a much more destructive industrial development. Environmentalism aside, Tombeaux’ rather brief narrative thread also focuses on the cultural heritage of the St. Croix riverbed and its immediate surroundings. Long before the forests of pine were chopped off and the river used for lumber transit, that territory belonged to Native Americans (Ojibwe/Chippewa, in this case). Their treatment by the new settlers cannot be described lightly or in a sufficiently objective manner, yet I’m certain you are aware of the many mistakes from the past and their overall cost assumed in the name of carving a better future for some, in the New World. How the very concept of “freedom” was perceived during the Manifest Destiny era of US colonization, remains a divisive topic and I shall refrain from commenting too much about its many shortcomings. Harvesting all natural resources while driving away the initial inhabitants in the name of prosperity and civilization, I’ll let you be the judges of such drastic decisions. [h1]Graphics[/h1] Powered by the ubiquitous Unity Engine (5th edition), Tombeaux is skillfully crafted with no visual flaws and only slight frame rate deviation between the indoors level focusing on a cabin and the outdoors representing a river segment. It scaled perfectly to my native resolution and considering that the title exhibits no sudden movement and requires no quick reflexes, I’m willing to overlook the frame drops which are probably an issue of optimization rather than technical dysfunction. It doesn’t deter anyone from this “walking simulator” whose brisk pacing highlights its points of interest without any inherent boredom associated with the subgenre. Apart from a square-shaped crosshair, the HUD features no elements whatsoever. Thus, plenty of opportunities for screenshots arise in spite of the limited area of interaction. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1711860748 [h1]Audio[/h1] Featuring both voice acting (audio reenactment of various letters detailing the many issues plaguing the St. Croix river) and a convincing soundtrack, there really isn’t anything to complain in regards to Tombeaux’ sounds. Subtitles are obviously integrated as well since we even have the chance to hear the Ojibwe language spoken by the Native Americans once located along the St. Croix. From what I’ve noticed on the game’s Steam Store page, the OST contains 14 songs and it's included separately as well, yet its status or pricing is up for debate since it can’t be purchased nor claimed as free DLC. Hopefully this shall get cleared in the future and I shall update this section accordingly. [h1]Gameplay[/h1] You get to experience the very noticeable transformation of the St. Croix over three centuries and let me tell that this has left quite an impression on me. By the sheer level of documentation undertaken by this project (all properly credited, of course), I have no doubts about its accuracy. While there’s arguably not a lot of territory to cover in this simulation per se, it’s filled to the brim with interactive objects each carrying its own tale of despair or hubris. It all depends on perspectives, as detailed accounts from both profiteers and the oppressed are rendered in-game while awaiting discovery along with contemplation. Don’t expect to kill anything in Tombeaux, as death takes its toll regardless of your actions. It is a very steep price and a vision of an equally bleak future. Not even the narrator or his cabin are fictional and the latter element shall allow in-depth examination of the objects you encountered outdoors. Steam Achievements are fairly easy to acquire if you’re patient in your exploration. Why you should you be in a hurry? [h1]Verdict[/h1] Even if you set aside its message or charitable purpose, Tombeaux stands out as a new breed of walking sim which no longer desires to “force” players down long and arduous journeys of self-discovery. It isn’t a judgemental title either, as it simply exhibits the past along with several “what-ifs” while allowing players to form their own opinions. We all know that the present and future aren’t set in stone. Change should come as natural as greed in humanity’s case. We adapt for a profit, perhaps we can do so for a better cause which involves altruism rather than self-gain. Allow me to maintain my reticence though. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1713791754 [h1]Strong Points[/h1] + Steam Achievements. + Beautiful graphics and soundtrack. + Powerful message conveyed through a convincing simulation. [h1]Weak Points[/h1] - Rather brief experience within a limited space. - No Steam Trading Cards. [b]Rating 70/100[/b] [quote]This review was submitted for [url=http://steamcommunity.com/groups/ImperialReviews]Imperial Reviews[/url] through the generous contribution of the game's developer and the Steam Curator Connect program. Following my [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/25802515-Imperial-Reviews/]Curator Page[/url], will help me keep publishing new reviews as soon as I can. I appreciate your support![/quote]