Many gamers start and finish stories in games, rarely going for replays. My story was similar – dominated by games that focused on a single narrative. It was hard for me to find the motivation to go back to those games. But recently, everything has changed.
I decided to revisit The Last of Us Part II Remastered. When I first played this amazing post-apocalyptic sequel by Naughty Dog, I was captivated by its dynamic, violent world. The dramatic scenes emotionally moved me, but I felt overwhelmed by their intensity. Now, during my second playthrough, I am discovering new nuances.
I’ve slowed down. I read all the blood-soaked letters scattered around the hotels. I observe the shop windows, the skeletal remains of cars, the rays of sun on the grassy wastelands. I listen to the characters. I appreciate the traumas that drive the main character, Ellie, much deeper and more complexly. Those small, very specific moments that signal the redemption of the antagonist Abby now reach me from the darkness. The pace of the game becomes orchestral, instead of strictly industrial. I’ve even found myself smiling spontaneously a few times.
Replaying games with linear narratives is like rereading a favorite book: nothing changes except ourselves. Our emotions, age, and experiences influence our new interpretations of the text. As Vladimir Nabokov said, “You can’t read a book; you can only reread it. A good reader, a great reader, an active and creative reader is a rereader.” Perhaps it’s worth looking at linear narrative games in the same way?
I’ve opened the doors to this experimental revision, and I will definitely leave them slightly ajar. Movies and short novels are easier to revisit due to their relative brevity, but if we view narrative games as an escape from routine, as vacation zones from novelty, they are worth returning to. They also have much to say about ourselves. I wonder how I will feel now during the replay of my favorite narrative games like Portal 2, Bulletstorm, or Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. How much has changed in ten years?
I don’t exclude a third playthrough of The Last of Us Part II. The remastered version includes director’s commentaries and other extras. You can always increase the difficulty level, which provides a completely different experience in itself. However, I know that there are things I didn’t notice in the characters when I played on long winter evenings in 2020. That’s something that becomes apparent with age: there is too much world and too much to love to limit ourselves to just one playthrough.
What Games to Read
As a fan of folklore and horror atmospheres, I must recommend the game Howl, a new strategic turn-based adventure game by Viennese studio Mi’pu’mi Games. Here, you play as a protagonist with hearing difficulties, navigating a world plagued by acoustic terrors – anyone who hears the deadly supernatural howls turns into a monster. It’s a unique puzzle-solving experience, akin to titles like Xcom and Into the Breach. The picturesque forest locations add an authentic folkloric atmosphere to the game.
Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox
Estimated playtime: 10+ hours
What to Read
Sony has revealed the most popular games on PlayStation for 2023. In the United States, Hogwarts Legacy topped the list, while in Europe, it was EA Sports FC 24. The list is dominated by sports simulators and long-running series, but where are the new, original titles? On PS5, the exceptions are Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts. On PS4, Gang Beasts, A Way Out, and The Forest were added – a more interesting collection that highlights the maturing market (or the fact that people buying big AAA games usually transition to new consoles).
Sam Barlow’s projects, the creator of innovative narrative games Immortality and Telling Lies, are generating a lot of interest. According to reports, he is working on a new sci-fi game in the style of Immortality, as well as a horror game inspired by the Silent Hill era.
TechRadar has published an excellent article about Game’s decision to stop selling used software. This retail chain always allowed gamers to trade in old titles for new (or nearly new) ones at lower prices, making games more accessible to people with lower incomes. While there are still places where you can trade in old games (e.g., CeX), the sight of used games in a traditional retail store added to their prestige.
What to Check Out
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – a review of the happy holidays of yakuza.
Pokémon with guns: why Palworld could become the biggest game of 2024.
“Dreams of Pixels”: weird, sweaty, companionable beginnings of games.
Microsoft unveils a new Indiana Jones game.
Question of the Week
This week, I decided to ask a question instead of answering one. So, let’s go back to the theme of my article above and ask you: “What narrative game would you recommend?”
FAQ:
1. Which games are mentioned in the article?
The article mentions “The Last of Us Part II Remastered” and narrative games such as “Portal 2,” “Bulletstorm,” and “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West.”
2. What does the author share about their experience with replaying games?
The author shares their experience with replaying games with linear narratives. They note that revisiting these games allows them to discover new nuances, appreciate smaller details, and gain a better understanding of the characters and their traumas.
3. Which quote relates to reading books?
The author quotes Vladimir Nabokov, who said, “You can’t read a book; you can only reread it. A good reader, a great reader, an active and creative reader is a rereader.”
4. Why does the author believe it’s worth replaying narrative games?
The author believes that replaying narrative games can be an interesting experience that allows for the discovery of something new about oneself. Additionally, these games have much to say about ourselves and our experiences.
5. What are the suggested related links within the main domain?
The suggested links are:
– Mi’pu’mi Games (producer of the game “Howl”)
– PlayStation (information about PlayStation games)
– TechRadar (an article about Game’s decision to stop selling used software)
6. What is the suggested recommendation for a narrative game to read?
The article suggests the game “Howl” – a new strategic turn-based adventure game by Mi’pu’mi Games.
7. What information is provided about the game “Howl”?
“Howl” is a strategic turn-based adventure game where players take on the role of a protagonist with hearing difficulties facing an acoustic plague. The game offers an authentic folkloric atmosphere and puzzle-solving gameplay. It is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox, with an estimated playtime of 10+ hours.
8. What content suggestions are provided for reading?
The article suggests reading a review of “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” an article about the game “Palworld,” an article about the beginnings of games titled “Dreams of Pixels,” and information about Microsoft’s new Indiana Jones game.
9. What question does the author ask the readers?
The author asks the readers: “What narrative game would you recommend?”
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp