Developer: Love Conquers All Games

Hate Plus (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Hate Plus: A Hateful Journey Through Transhumanism and Patriarchy

Prepare yourself for a dark and twisted journey through the derelict generation ship known as the Hate Plus. Developed by Christine Love in 2013, this visual novel is a sequel to the critically acclaimed Analogue: A Hate Story, but fear not if you’re new to the series – Hate Plus stands firmly on its own two feet, ready to drag you into its abyss of transhumanism, patriarchy, and the slow erosion of freedoms.

A Hateful Discovery

You, an unwitting data recovery specialist, embark on what you believe to be a routine mission to the Hate Plus. Little do you know that your life is about to take a sharp turn when you stumble upon an adorable AI girl named Ami. Raised in a strictly patriarchal Neo-Confucian society, Ami has uncovered a series of messages left by the enigmatic Old Mute, hinting at a sinister political program that has plunged her society into a Joseon Dynasty-esque nightmare.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to protect Ami, you find yourself drawn into the mystery of the Hate Plus. Together, you delve into the ship’s dark past, uncovering a tale of oppression, regression, and the fragility of freedom.

Transhumanism and Its Discontents

Hate Plus explores the concept of transhumanism, the pursuit of enhancing human capabilities through technology. In this twisted universe, transhumanism has taken a dark turn, resulting in a society where women are reduced to second-class citizens, their rights and freedoms stripped away.

Through Ami’s eyes, you witness the chilling effects of this patriarchal dystopia. Women are forced into subservient roles, denied education, and subjected to constant surveillance. The very essence of their humanity is questioned and diminished.

Patriarchy’s Corrosive Grip

Hate Plus shines a harsh light on the corrosive effects of patriarchy, exposing its insidious nature and the damage it inflicts on both individuals and society as a whole. The game doesn’t shy away from depicting the everyday horrors faced by women in a patriarchal world – the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which their autonomy is undermined, their voices silenced, and their spirits broken.

A Cast of Complex Characters

As you navigate the Hate Plus, you’ll encounter a cast of complex and compelling characters. Ami, the traumatized AI, is at the heart of the story, her journey of self-discovery and resilience resonating deeply. The enigmatic Old Mute serves as a haunting reminder of the past, his messages guiding you through the ship’s labyrinthine corridors and the depths of its dark history.

Visuals and Sounds that Haunt

Hate Plus’s visuals are as striking as they are unsettling. The derelict ship, with its decaying grandeur and oppressive atmosphere, provides a fitting backdrop for the game’s somber themes. The character designs are equally evocative, capturing the emotional turmoil and resilience of the characters.

The game’s soundtrack is equally haunting, a mix of ambient drones and unsettling melodies that seeps into your subconscious, amplifying the game’s oppressive atmosphere.

A Journey of Hate and Hope

Hate Plus is not an easy game to play. It confronts you with uncomfortable truths, forces you to confront the darkness that lurks within humanity. But amidst the hate and despair, there is also a glimmer of hope. Ami’s unwavering determination, your own compassion, and the power of human connection serve as beacons of light in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Hate Plus is a masterpiece of interactive storytelling, a visual novel that transcends the boundaries of the genre. It’s a game that will haunt you long after the credits roll, its themes of transhumanism, patriarchy, and the fragility of freedom echoing in your mind.

If you’re ready for a thought-provoking, emotionally challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience, then step aboard the Hate Plus. Just be prepared for the darkness that awaits you – and the glimmer of hope that might just survive it all.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Analogue: A Hate Story (2012)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Analogue: A Hate Story is a dark and twisted visual novel that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The story is well-written and the characters are complex and well-developed. The game tackles some difficult topics, such as transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay, in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

You play as an unnamed protagonist who is invited to a party at the apartment of a man named Orion. Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to improve the human condition. He is also a collector of vintage video games and anime.

As you explore Orion’s apartment, you begin to uncover a dark secret. Orion is not who he seems, and his party is not what it appears to be. You soon find yourself trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, and you must use your wits to survive.

Analogue: A Hate Story is a non-linear game with five different endings. The choices you make throughout the game will determine which ending you get. The game also features two pursuable characters: Orion and his sister, Luna.

Characters

  • The protagonist is an unnamed young woman who is invited to Orion’s party. She is a loner who has difficulty connecting with others. She is also a fan of vintage video games and anime.
  • Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to improve the human condition. He is also a collector of vintage video games and anime.
  • Luna is Orion’s sister. She is a kind and compassionate woman who is concerned about her brother’s well-being.

Gameplay

Analogue: A Hate Story is a point-and-click adventure game. You explore Orion’s apartment and interact with objects and characters. You must also solve puzzles in order to progress through the game.

The game features a unique “hacking” mechanic. You can use your hacking skills to access computers and other electronic devices. This allows you to uncover hidden information and solve puzzles.

Themes

Analogue: A Hate Story tackles some difficult topics, such as transhumanism, traditional marriage, loneliness, and cosplay.

  • Transhumanism is the belief that technology can be used to improve the human condition. Orion is a transhumanist who believes that technology can be used to eliminate disease, aging, and even death.
  • Traditional marriage is a legal union between one man and one woman. Orion and Luna are married, but their marriage is not a traditional one. They are both transhumanists who believe that technology can be used to improve their relationship.
  • Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and lack of connection with others. The protagonist is a loner who has difficulty connecting with others. She finds solace in vintage video games and anime.
  • Cosplay is the practice of dressing up as a character from a video game, anime, or other fictional work. Orion and Luna are both cosplayers. They use cosplay as a way to express themselves and connect with others.

Reception

Analogue: A Hate Story received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its well-written story, complex characters, and unique gameplay. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Narrative.

Conclusion

Analogue: A Hate Story is a dark and twisted visual novel that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The story is well-written and the characters are complex and well-developed. The game tackles some difficult topics in a thoughtful and nuanced way. I highly recommend Analogue: A Hate Story to anyone who enjoys visual novels or dark and atmospheric games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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