Author: Jasmine

Days 1-9

I was a bit confused after Day 3 went on to Day 9; I thought I forgot how much I actually played after a break. I know now Henry’s been relaxing and fulfilling his duties within that gap. My take on the game so far is that it really defines what it means to adventure and venture out into the wilderness. I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten lost or had to back track and use my map and compass. The radio dialogue between Henry and Delilah are very interesting and encourage players to drive how the conversation will play out. I’ve learned that certain things tick Delilah off and that could cause her to be unresponsive for awhile, so my prediction of the player being a key role in determining what happens in the game appears to be correct. Similar to Gone Home and Dear Esther, I’d like to point to the lonely first-person experience I’ve been getting. While I can communicate to Delilah, she’s never seen, and I can only wonder about by myself.

Liveblogging Firewatch

The opening scene of Firewatch was very unique and immersive. Unlike other games, where it’s strictly scenes to introduce the characters, this opening allowed players to interact through Henry’s history and make decisions based on dialogue. It was more entertaining to learn about Henry’s past through this approach, where as with Gone Home and Dear Esther, you get no context, but are forced to explore in order to piece the puzzle together. While this game seems more linear, I predict that there may be different decisions that alter the gameplay in some sense rather than it being a strictly goal-based game to get from point A to point B. So far, I’m enjoying the details and subconsciously found myself trying to pick up any and everything due to the past playthroughs of Gone Home and Dear Esther. I can tell this game will differ in that aspect while also providing a more slightly action-based gameplay, but nonetheless, still a lot of walking…

Liveblogging Firewatch

 

http://eng181f16.davidmorgen.org/quests/side-quests/liveblogging-firewatch/

 

Dear Esther & Gone Home

My game play of Dear Esther consisted of exploring and finding clues, much like Gone Home. It’s undoubtedly similar in the sense that I play with a first-person view, through the eyes of another, looking for random notes and objects to observe. While the similarities hold true, Bell’s depiction of both games shines a new light on the purpose and class of the games. I, myself, think both games were similar enough to overlook the differences, but then again my opinion on my play through can be vastly different than another person’s.

Gone Home | Through the Eyes of Another

Horror game? This isn’t a horror game, right? After frantically pausing the game and Googling the genre of the game-which turned out to be adventure-I resumed with more confidence. Even though the dark rooms and creepy music quickened my heart beat in the beginning, I became curious as to why I was exploring this seemingly abandoned house. Through digging around, I discover I’m Katie, a 21 year-old study abroad student visiting her home.

Through investigating further into notes and clues hidden within the house, I learn of her family which entails, Katie’s mom, dad, and little sister Samantha. Their stories are told piece by piece with every new note and audio recording I come across. The chilling clips of audio engross the audience into a new dimension and the still pictures scattered about come to life as the details of Katie’s family are recounted.

The house appears as if everyone has their own quarters-Dad has his study, Mom has her art studio, and Samantha spends her time in her room. This can be linked to the gap between the family members as you come across their stories. Originally, I felt empathy and concern for the seemingly discord relations between the family members and even Katie for having to discover this truth. However, as I concluded this adventure I found closure of believing that the parents are working their marriage out  earnestly and that Samantha has found true happiness with her partner Lonnie. My play through of Gone Home was one of curious intent and fascination that I thoroughly enjoyed through Katie Greenbriar’s eyes.

Gone Home | Through the Eyes of Another

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