Two beautiful games - reviewed by me

[the_meanest_cat]

Over the last few weeks, I've played two indie games on my shiny new PS4 that were unlike anything I've played before. Both were so beautiful and affecting that I feel compelled to review them. Anyone who thinks that video games are all hobbits and hand grenades might have their minds changed by these...

First up: Everybody's Gone to the Rapture

Comments

[steer]

Alas for me I think both of these are PS exclusive... they look really interesting though and Journey is intriguing. Isn't there some kind of online aspect?

I've been playing the episodic "Life is Strange" which I've found really affecting. It's a quiet slow thoughtful adventure game set in an American college. You play a young photography student dealing with the annoying nature of college cliques but things to get pretty dark. The last episode isn't out yet but I'm really really hooked on it.

[the_meanest_cat]

If you know someone with a PS3 or PS4 you could always ask for a go on it - especially as you could complete Journey in a single session.

I shall google Life Is Strange...

[steer]

Heh... it would be a bit weird though to say "mind if I come round your house and ignore you".

Life is strange is not for everyone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AURVxvIZrmU

it's more like watching an indie film than playing a game.

[the_meanest_cat]

Ooh, looks like it's available on PS4 - I may give it a go.

[rosamicula]

I'm intrigued by the first one.

[the_meanest_cat]

Of all the games I've played it's the first one that I suspect you'd really enjoy.

[picosgemeos]

I've heard of both games and would love to try them one day. I have a Wii U at the moment, which has been cursed by a lack of 3rd party support, but some intriguing indie games have made their way to it. I just downloaded one based on Inuit legends, beautifully designed, set in the Artic. It's intercut with documentary footage about the Inuit.

[the_meanest_cat]

Is that the one called Never Alone? It looks lovely.

[picosgemeos]

Yes, that's the one! I've played only a little bit but really enjoyed it. Can be played by two at the same time (helping each other) or just one player. I love that there's this strand of gaming developing, doing interesting things with story and design.

[whatifoundthere]

Your description of the first one reminds me a lot of Dear Esther, which I reviewed at some length here. I love games like this, so I will check this one out if it comes to the PC.

I see you mentioned Never Alone below. The sidescrolling jumpy bits were too difficult for me, which was a shame because I loved the art style and the cultural stuff. I wrote a short review here, and there's some discussion in the comments about whether a game with an emphasis on culture and atmosphere "should" be hard to play or more forgiving. You might find it interesting!