Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Indie, Music
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Evil Indie Games
- Publishers: Evil Indie Games, Forever Entertainment S. A.
No Thing: A Journey Through a Totalitarian Dystopia
Released in 2016, No Thing is a minimalistic surreal action game that takes place in a totalitarian regime of the future. The game follows the story of an office clerk named Jacques who is sent with an important message to the Queen of Ice.
Gameplay
No Thing is a 2D side-scroller with a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. The game world is divided into a series of interconnected screens, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. Jacques must use his wits and agility to overcome these challenges and progress through the game.
One of the most striking things about No Thing is its minimalist art style. The game’s world is rendered in a simple black and white palette, with only a few splashes of color. This stark aesthetic creates a sense of unease and alienation, which perfectly complements the game’s themes of totalitarianism and oppression.
The gameplay in No Thing is deliberately slow and methodical. Jacques moves at a deliberate pace, and the game’s puzzles require careful thought and experimentation to solve. This slow pace forces the player to pay attention to their surroundings and to think carefully about their actions.
Story
The story of No Thing is told through a series of cryptic and fragmented messages. Jacques is sent on his mission with no explanation, and he must piece together the truth about the Queen of Ice and the totalitarian regime that she rules over.
As Jacques progresses through the game, he encounters a variety of strange and unsettling characters. These characters provide Jacques with clues about the Queen of Ice and her regime, but they also serve to highlight the paranoia and fear that permeates society.
The story of No Thing is a complex and ambiguous one. The game offers no easy answers, and it is up to the player to interpret the events of the game and come to their own conclusions.
Themes
No Thing is a game that explores a variety of dark and disturbing themes. The game’s totalitarian regime is a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked power and the suppression of individuality. The game also explores the themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world.
No Thing is a challenging and thought-provoking game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it. The game’s minimalist art style, slow pace, and cryptic story all work together to create a unique and unforgettable experience.
Critical Reception
No Thing received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its unique art style, innovative gameplay, and thought-provoking story. No Thing was nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.
Legacy
No Thing is a seminal work in the independent game scene. The game’s unique art style and innovative gameplay have influenced a number of other games, and the game’s themes of totalitarianism and oppression continue to resonate with players today.
Conclusion
No Thing is a masterpiece of independent game design. The game’s unique art style, innovative gameplay, and thought-provoking story all work together to create a truly unforgettable experience. No Thing is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
