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Gone Home
PC (Steam)
Home Is Where the Heart Is
4/5 stars
Adventure games have come and gone - but Gone Home is something different - something personal. The Fullbright Comany is made up by some of the same minds behind BioShock, so it is no surprise that the story is the main selling point of this short, yet poignant, adventure. If you want a break from shooting, frustration and violence - this is the game for you. For an hour or two you can simply explore and find characters who you never meet, but boy do you ever get to know them.
Presentation: Shot entirely in a first-person mode, you explore a mansion (in 1995). The game isn't hyper realistic, but certain elements stand out - from family portraits to the lighting effects. The game is also set during a monster storm - so thunder and lightning play a big part of the ambiance - as does the house itself as creaking floors and rumbling pipes add to the flavor. The game isn't "scary" per se but the overall all experience does have a creepy edge to it. The fact you are alone the entire time makes it that much better.
Story: It's simple - you play as Katie Greenbrier - who has arrived back home after a year abroad in Europe. Arriving home in the early morning hours to a new mansion that has been left to her family by a hermit-like uncle - she finds an empty home. A note on the door from her younger sister, Samantha, essentially tells her to not look for her. Of course, this being an adventure game, of course you're going to try to figure out what has happened. The game thrives on exploration - open every room and drawer you come across. You not only learn about your sister, but your mother and father and even that strange uncle who spent most of his life locked up in the mansion, alone. The more you explore, the more you learn about the lives of your family in the year you have been gone. It's simple, but it has impact. Plus, since the game takes place in 1995 - there are a lot of 90s things sprinkled around (like a love for the X-Files and the certainly the music).
Gameplay: The controls are simple - use the arrow (or WASD) keys to walk around. The mouse lets you pick up various objects (which you can rotate). You can interact with just about everything in the game - lamps turn on, drawers open and there are plenty of books, notes and such to check out. Certain items unlock audio diaries from Samantha - this is the main story as she describes moving to a new house, going to a new school, meeting new friends - this last is the key to Gone Home - the relationship Samantha develops feels both very real and quite touching at the same time. For all its dark atmosphere, Gone Home is really about a love story - and accepting who you are even if those around you do not. You can easily complete this in an hour or two - there are a few puzzles - but they are easily solved. There are also a few nice Easter Eggs to discover as well.
Replayability: There a few modes to choose from - but other than really exploring the area, there isn't too much to do once you finish the main story. I waited for this to go on sale. Thought the story is truly moving - the asking price is a bit steep for the experience. Wait for a price break in my opinion.
Overall: The story is amazing and one of the best given the short period it takes to unlock. Others will find it far more personal than myself, but I can recognize a good story when I see one, and the story you are presented is truly one you will remember.
Presentation: 3.5/5
Story: 5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replayability: 2/5
Overall (not an average): 4/5
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