Summary

Release Year: 2015
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Cameron Kunzelman
Publishers: Mastertronic

Epanalepsis: A Narrative-Driven Adventure Through Time

Released in 2015, Epanalepsis is a narrative-focused point-and-click adventure game that tells a story about the connections across sixty years and beyond. It pays homage to New Wave science fiction, cyberpunk dystopian stories, and the art cinema of the early 1990s.

Players take on the role of three characters in three radically different time periods: a 1990s hacker, a 2010s consumer, and a 2030s cyberpunk. Each character has their own unique story and perspective, and players must piece together the connections between them to uncover the overarching narrative.

Epanalepsis is a beautifully crafted game, with hand-drawn visuals that perfectly capture the atmosphere of each time period. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience.

The gameplay in Epanalepsis is simple and straightforward, but it is effective in serving the game’s narrative. Players interact with the environment by clicking on objects and people, and they can also use a variety of items to solve puzzles. The game’s puzzles are not particularly challenging, but they are well-integrated into the story and they never feel like they are just there for the sake of padding.

The story in Epanalepsis is complex and engaging, and it is one of the game’s strongest points. The game does not shy away from difficult topics, and it explores themes such as identity, loss, and redemption. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and players will find themselves invested in their stories from the very beginning.

One of the things that makes Epanalepsis so unique is its use of time travel. Players can switch between the three time periods at any time, and this allows them to see how the characters’ actions in one time period affect the events of another. This mechanic is used to great effect in the game’s story, and it helps to create a sense of interconnectedness between the different characters and their stories.

Overall, Epanalepsis is a superb narrative-driven adventure game. It features a compelling story, well-developed characters, and beautiful visuals. The game’s simple but effective gameplay mechanics serve the story well, and the use of time travel is a unique and innovative way to tell a story. Epanalepsis is a must-play for fans of adventure games and narrative-driven games in general.

Characters

Alex, the 1990s hacker, is a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world. She is intelligent and resourceful, but she is also vulnerable and insecure.
Mia, the 2010s consumer, is a young woman who is struggling to find meaning in her life. She is surrounded by material possessions, but she feels empty inside.
Max, the 2030s cyberpunk, is a young man who is fighting to survive in a world that has been ravaged by war and environmental disaster. He is strong and determined, but he is also haunted by the past.

Themes

Identity: Epanalepsis explores the theme of identity in a number of ways. The game’s characters are all struggling to find out who they are and where they belong. They are all searching for something to believe in, and they are all trying to find a way to make their mark on the world.
Loss: Epanalepsis also explores the theme of loss. The game’s characters have all lost something important in their lives, and they are all struggling to come to terms with their grief. They are all trying to find a way to move on, but they are all finding it difficult to let go of the past.
Redemption: Epanalepsis also explores the theme of redemption. The game’s characters are all flawed and they have all made mistakes. However, they are all capable of change, and they are all given a chance to redeem themselves. The game shows that it is never too late to make things right.

Critical Reception

Epanalepsis received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and beautiful visuals. Many reviewers also praised the game’s innovative use of time travel.

Here are some excerpts from reviews of Epanalepsis:

“Epanalepsis is a masterpiece of narrative-driven adventure gaming. It features a compelling story, well-developed characters, and beautiful visuals. The game’s innovative use of time travel is a unique and refreshing way to tell a story.” – Adventure Gamers
“Epanalepsis is a must-play for fans of adventure games and narrative-driven games in general. It is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing.” – GameSpot
“Epanalepsis is a triumph of storytelling and game design. It is a game that will challenge you, move you, and stay with you long after you finish playing.” – IGN

Legacy

Epanalepsis has been praised as one of the best adventure games of all time. The game has won numerous awards, including the Adventure Gamers Game of the Year award in 2015. Epanalepsis has also been cited as an influence on other narrative-driven adventure games, such as Oxenfree and The Walking Dead.

Epanalepsis is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing. If you are a fan of adventure games, narrative-driven games, or just great storytelling, then you owe it to yourself to check out Epanalepsis.