Many gamers start and finish stories in games, rarely going for replays. My story was similar – dominated by games that focused on one narrative. It was hard for me to find motivation to go back to those games. But recently, everything has changed.
I recently decided to replay The Last of Us Part II Remastered. When I first played this amazing post-apocalyptic sequel by Naughty Dog, I was absorbed by its dynamic, violent world. The dramatic scenes moved me emotionally, but I felt overwhelmed by their intensity. Now, during my second playthrough, I am discovering new nuances.
I’m taking my time. I’m reading all the blood-soaked letters scattered throughout the abandoned hotels. I’m observing shop windows, moving car skeletons, sunbeams on grassy wastelands. I’m listening to the characters. I’m appreciating the traumas that drive the main character, Ellie, much deeper and more complex. The small, very specific moments that signify the redemption of antagonist Abby now reach me from the darkness. The pace of the game becomes orchestral, rather than strictly industrial. I even smiled spontaneously a couple of times.
Replaying games with linear narratives is like rereading a favorite book: nothing changes except ourselves. Our feelings, age, and experiences influence 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 games with linear narratives in the same way?
I have opened the doors to this experimental revision, and I will certainly leave them ajar. Films and short novels are easier to revisit due to their relative brevity, but if we view narrative games as escapes from routine, as vacation zones from the novelty, it’s worth revisiting them. They also have a lot to say about ourselves. I wonder how I will feel now during a 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 rule out a third playthrough of The Last of Us Part II. The remastered version includes director’s commentary and other extras. You can always raise the difficulty level, which itself provides a completely different experience. However, I know there are things I didn’t notice in the characters when I played on long winter evenings in 2020. It’s something that starts to become apparent with age: there is too much world and too much to love to limit oneself to just one playthrough.
Recommended 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 Vienna-based studio Mi’pu’mi Games. Here, you play as a protagonist with hearing difficulties, navigating a world plagued by an acoustic affliction – anyone who hears deadly supernatural howls turns into a monster. It’s a unique puzzle-solving experience similar 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 takes the lead, while in Europe, it’s EA Sports FC 24. The list is dominated by sports simulators and long-running series, but where are the new, original titles? Cyberpunk 2077 and Hogwarts are the exceptions on PS5. On PS4, Gang Beasts, A Way Out, and The Forest have been added – a more interesting collection that showcases the maturing market (or the fact that people who buy big AAA games usually transition to new consoles).
Projects by Samuel Barlow, the creator of innovative narrative games like Immortality and Telling Lies, have been in the spotlight. According to reports, he is working on a new sci-fi game in the style of Immortality and a horror game reminiscent of 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 almost new) ones at lower prices, making games more accessible to people with lower incomes. Although 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 a happy vacation with the yakuza.
Pokémon with guns: why Palworld could become the biggest game of 2024.
“Dreams in Pixels”: the weird, sweaty, social 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 return to the topic of my article above and ask you: “What narrative game would you recommend?”
FAQ:
1. What games are mentioned in the article?
The article mentions the game “The Last of Us Part II Remastered” and narrative games like “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 notice that replaying these games allows them to discover new nuances, appreciate smaller details, and better understand 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 think 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 themselves. Additionally, these games have a lot 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 (developer of the game “Howl”)
– PlayStation (information about games on PlayStation)
– TechRadar (article about Game’s decision to stop selling used software)
6. What is the recommended narrative game to read about?
The suggested narrative game to read about is “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 affliction. The game offers an authentic folkloric atmosphere and puzzle-solving elements. It is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox, with an estimated playtime of 10+ hours.
8. What are the suggestions for content to read about?
The article suggests reading a review of the game “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth,” an article about the game “Palworld,” an article about the beginnings of games titled “Dreams in Pixels,” and information about Microsoft’s new game “Indiana Jones.”
9. What question does the author ask readers?
The author asks readers: “What narrative game would you recommend?”
The source of the article is from the blog japan-pc.jp