Summary

Release Year: 2019
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle
Platforms: Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One
Developers: Sick Chicken Studios
Publishers: Digital Tribe Games, EastAsiaSoft, Ratalaika Games

Guard Duty (2019): A Comedy Adventure About Love, Loss, and the End of the World

Guard Duty is a comedy adventure game about love, loss, and the end of the world. Experience an unforgettable story spanning across two radically different time periods.

In the year 2020, the world is on the brink of collapse. A deadly virus has ravaged the globe, and society is crumbling. In the midst of this chaos, two strangers, Walter and Maria, find themselves drawn together.

Walter is a security guard at a local museum. He’s a kind and gentle man, but he’s also lonely and isolated. Maria is a young woman who has lost everything in the pandemic. She’s tough and resourceful, but she’s also scared and vulnerable.

Despite their differences, Walter and Maria find solace in each other’s company. They share stories, laughter, and dreams. But their newfound happiness is short-lived. The virus is spreading rapidly, and it’s only a matter of time before it reaches them.

In a desperate attempt to save themselves, Walter and Maria decide to flee the city. They pack their meager belongings and set off on a journey into the unknown. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, some friendly and some hostile. They also face the challenges of a world that is rapidly falling apart.

But through it all, Walter and Maria never give up hope. They believe that they can find a way to survive, and they believe that they can find love in the darkest of times.

Gameplay

Guard Duty is a point-and-click adventure game. Players control Walter and Maria as they explore the world, interact with other characters, and solve puzzles. The game features a variety of puzzles, from simple inventory puzzles to more complex logic puzzles.

The game also features a branching narrative. Depending on the choices that players make, the story will unfold in different ways. There are multiple endings to the game, and players can replay it multiple times to experience different outcomes.

Themes

Guard Duty explores a variety of themes, including love, loss, hope, and redemption. The game asks the question: what does it mean to be human in the face of adversity?

Walter and Maria are both flawed characters, but they are also capable of great love and compassion. Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Critical Reception

Guard Duty received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its story, characters, and puzzles. Many critics also noted the game’s unique art style and sense of humor.

Awards

Guard Duty won several awards, including:

The IGF Award for Excellence in Narrative
The SXSW Gamer’s Voice Award for Best Narrative
The Golden Joystick Award for Best Indie Game

Legacy

Guard Duty is a unique and memorable adventure game. The game’s story, characters, and puzzles have resonated with players around the world. Guard Duty is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.