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.