Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, Ouya, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One
- Developers: Double Fine
- Publishers: Double Fine Productions, Nordic Games Publishing
Broken Age: A Timeless Adventure
Broken Age is a charming and heartwarming point-and-click adventure game that tells the parallel stories of Vella Tartine and Shay Volta, two young people from vastly different worlds who are both on the cusp of adulthood and yearning for something more.
Vella is a young woman living in a small village that has been terrorized by a monstrous Mog Chothra for generations. As the village’s annual sacrifice, Vella is chosen to be the next victim, but she refuses to accept her fate. With the help of her friends, Vella sets out on a quest to defeat the Mog Chothra and save her village.
Shay, on the other hand, is a young boy living on a spaceship with his motherly computer, MOM. Shay has always dreamed of exploring the world and becoming a hero, but MOM has always kept him sheltered and safe. When Shay finally decides to defy MOM and venture out on his own, he finds himself on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
As Vella and Shay’s stories progress, they begin to intersect in unexpected ways. They both learn the importance of friendship, courage, and standing up for what they believe in. And in the end, they both find their place in the world and achieve their dreams.
Development and Reception
Broken Age was developed by Double Fine Productions, a company founded by legendary game designer Tim Schafer. The game was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012, and it was released in two parts in 2014 and 2015.
Broken Age was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the game’s charming characters, witty dialogue, and beautiful art style. The game also won numerous awards, including the Game of the Year award from Adventure Gamers.
Gameplay
Broken Age is a classic point-and-click adventure game. Players control Vella and Shay as they explore their respective worlds, solve puzzles, and interact with characters. The game features a variety of puzzles, from simple inventory puzzles to more complex logic puzzles.
One of the unique features of Broken Age is its “Act 1.5” system. After completing Act 1 of the game, players can switch between playing as Vella and Shay at any time. This allows players to experience both sides of the story simultaneously and to see how the characters’ actions affect each other.
Themes
Broken Age explores a number of themes, including the importance of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. The game also examines the relationship between technology and humanity.
Vella and Shay are both characters who are trying to find their place in the world. Vella is struggling to find her place in a village that has always seen her as a sacrifice. Shay is struggling to find his place in a world that he has never been allowed to explore.
As Vella and Shay journey through their respective worlds, they learn the importance of friendship and courage. They also learn the importance of standing up for what they believe in.
Legacy
Broken Age is a timeless adventure game that has captured the hearts of gamers around the world. The game’s charming characters, witty dialogue, and beautiful art style have made it a classic of the point-and-click genre.
Broken Age has also been praised for its innovative “Act 1.5” system, which allows players to experience both sides of the story simultaneously. This system has been praised for adding depth and replayability to the game.
Broken Age is a game that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for years to come. It is a game that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and it is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.
Review Score
8.5/10