I finally got round to playing Gone Home (half price in the Steam winter sale) and thought I'd post my thoughts.
It's a beautiful game. I've always enjoyed point and click/puzzle games anyway, but the storyline and setting were excellent. It isn't particularly difficult, but it captures the feeling of entering an empty property wonderfully. There are lots of nice little touches and it was quite moving. It doesn't take long to finish - maybe a couple of hours or less if you race through, but it is definitely an experience I'm glad I had. I particularly loved some of the storytelling, as the narrative clicks into place. Compared to some literature it is quite clumsy, but as you uncover things yourself in the game and learn about the characters it is surprisingly touching.
A while back I played the Stanley Parable and that was a similar but very different experience. Similar in that it is quite short, not at all difficult and with an excellent setting and storyline. Different in that it is funny rather than moving, and it mocks quite a few classic videogame clichés to great effect. It also has excellent deliberate replay value - it has widely different endings as you take different routes through the game.
Both of these games have been widely heralded in both videogame and mainstream press and are definitely worth your time.
I've just downloaded Ether One in the sale as well which is apparently much more challenging. Any other good indie game recommendations while the sale goes on?
Comments
I want to play Gone Home, but right now I am finishing off Tex Murphy: Tesla Effect.