Developer: Orthogonal Games

Near Death (2016)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Near Death: A chilling survival horror experience in the frozen wastes of Antarctica

Released in 2016, Near Death is a first-person survival horror game that puts players in the shoes of a lone survivor of a plane crash in Antarctica. Stranded in the midst of a deadly blizzard, with no hope of rescue, players must explore the abandoned Sutro Station research facility and scavenge for the means of escape while enduring blinding whiteouts and temperatures 100 degrees below zero.

Near Death is a masterclass in survival horror, creating a palpable sense of isolation and vulnerability that is rarely matched in the genre. The game’s setting is both beautiful and terrifying, with vast, icy landscapes that stretch out to the horizon and abandoned buildings that hint at a forgotten past. The constant threat of death from exposure or starvation adds a constant sense of urgency to the proceedings, and the game’s unforgiving difficulty will test even the most experienced players.

One of the things that makes Near Death so effective is its commitment to realism. The game’s survival mechanics are brutal, and players must carefully manage their resources in order to stay alive. Food and water are scarce, and players must scavenge for supplies or risk starvation or dehydration. The cold is also a constant threat, and players must find ways to stay warm or risk freezing to death.

The game’s world is also incredibly immersive, with a rich backstory that is slowly revealed through exploration and environmental storytelling. Players will discover clues about the fate of the previous inhabitants of Sutro Station, and the reasons for their abandonment. The game’s atmosphere is thick with tension and dread, and players will constantly be on edge, wondering what horrors await them around the next corner.

Near Death is a challenging and unforgiving game, but it is also a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The game’s stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and realistic survival mechanics create a truly unique and terrifying experience that will stay with players long after they finish playing.

Gameplay

Near Death is a first-person survival horror game that puts players in the shoes of a lone survivor of a plane crash in Antarctica. Players must explore the abandoned Sutro Station research facility and scavenge for the means of escape while enduring blinding whiteouts and temperatures 100 degrees below zero.

The game’s survival mechanics are brutal, and players must carefully manage their resources in order to stay alive. Food and water are scarce, and players must scavenge for supplies or risk starvation or dehydration. The cold is also a constant threat, and players must find ways to stay warm or risk freezing to death.

Players must also be aware of the dangers of the environment. The blizzard can make it difficult to see, and players can easily get lost or disoriented. There are also a number of hazards in the environment, such as crevasses and icebergs, that can cause injury or death.

In addition to the survival mechanics, Near Death also features a number of puzzles that players must solve in order to progress. These puzzles are often environmental in nature, and require players to use their wits and ingenuity to overcome obstacles.

Setting

Near Death is set in the frozen wastes of Antarctica, amidst the ruins of an abandoned research facility known as Sutro Station. The station was once home to a team of scientists who were studying the effects of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. However, a mysterious event caused the station to be abandoned, and the scientists were left to die.

Players will explore the abandoned station and its surrounding environment, uncovering clues about the fate of the scientists and the reasons for their abandonment. The game’s setting is both beautiful and terrifying, with vast, icy landscapes that stretch out to the horizon and abandoned buildings that hint at a forgotten past.

Atmosphere

Near Death is a masterclass in atmosphere, creating a palpable sense of isolation and vulnerability that is rarely matched in the genre. The game’s setting is both beautiful and terrifying, with vast, icy landscapes that stretch out to the horizon and abandoned buildings that hint at a forgotten past. The constant threat of death from exposure or starvation adds a constant sense of urgency to the proceedings, and the game’s unforgiving difficulty will test even the most experienced players.

The game’s sound design is also top-notch, with a haunting soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of isolation and dread. The sound of the wind howling through the abandoned station, and the creaking of the ice beneath your feet, will send chills down your spine.

Conclusion

Near Death is a challenging and unforgiving game, but it is also a rewarding and unforgettable experience. The game’s stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and realistic survival mechanics create a truly unique and terrifying experience that will stay with players long after they finish playing. If you’re a fan of survival horror games, then Near Death is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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The Novelist (2013)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

The Novelist (2013): A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Dreams and Sacrifices

The Novelist is a narrative-driven game that asks one central question: can you achieve your dreams without pushing away the people you love? Developed by Kent Hudson and published by Telltale Games, the game follows the story of Dan Kaplan, a novelist struggling to write the most important book of his career while trying to be the best husband and father he can be.

The game is played from a first-person perspective, and the player controls Dan as he goes about his daily life. The player must make choices that affect Dan’s relationships with his wife, children, and friends, as well as his progress on his novel. The game features multiple endings, depending on the choices the player makes.

The Novelist is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant game that explores the complex themes of dreams, sacrifices, and the nature of success. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the player is sure to feel invested in their lives and struggles.

Gameplay

The Novelist is a point-and-click adventure game with a strong focus on narrative and character development. The player controls Dan as he explores his home, office, and other locations, interacting with objects and characters. The player must make choices that affect Dan’s relationships with his family and friends, as well as his progress on his novel.

The game features a unique “thought cloud” system, which allows the player to see what Dan is thinking and feeling at any given moment. This system provides insight into Dan’s inner thoughts and motivations, and helps the player to make more informed choices.

Themes

The Novelist explores a number of complex themes, including:

  • Dreams and sacrifices: Dan is a talented writer with a dream of writing a great novel. However, he must balance his dream with his responsibilities to his family. The game explores the sacrifices that people make in order to achieve their dreams, and the impact that these sacrifices can have on their relationships.
  • The nature of success: What does it mean to be successful? Is it about achieving fame and fortune, or is it about living a fulfilling life? The Novelist explores the different ways that people define success, and the challenges that they face in achieving their goals.
  • The importance of family and relationships: Dan loves his wife and children, but his dedication to his writing often takes him away from them. The game explores the importance of family and relationships, and the need to find a balance between work and personal life.

Characters

The Novelist features a cast of well-developed and relatable characters. The player is sure to feel invested in their lives and struggles.

  • Dan Kaplan: Dan is a talented writer with a dream of writing a great novel. However, he must balance his dream with his responsibilities to his family. Dan is a complex and flawed character, but he is also deeply passionate about his writing and his family.
  • Sarah Kaplan: Sarah is Dan’s wife. She is a loving and supportive partner, but she also worries about Dan’s obsession with his writing. Sarah is a strong and independent woman, and she is not afraid to speak her mind.
  • Lily Kaplan: Lily is Dan and Sarah’s daughter. She is a bright and curious child, but she also misses her father when he is away working on his novel. Lily is a reminder of the importance of family and relationships.
  • Ben Kaplan: Ben is Dan and Sarah’s son. He is a playful and energetic child, but he also has a sensitive side. Ben is a reminder of the joy that children can bring to our lives.

Critical Reception

The Novelist received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its strong narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Game Developers Choice Award for Best Narrative.

Conclusion

The Novelist is a beautiful and emotionally resonant game that explores the complex themes of dreams, sacrifices, and the nature of success. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the player is sure to feel invested in their lives and struggles. The Novelist is a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games and anyone who is interested in exploring the human condition.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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