Comments on: Relationships in Games: The Loner, The Rebel

By: cary

cary — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:10:09 +0000

Reblogged this on Recollections of Play and commented:

Over on United We Game, I recently completed a trilogy of posts on relationships in games. Having played some varied titles of late, I considered the importance of the company we keep in game and how those relationships, virtual though they may be, affect the way we play. In this, the third installment, I explore the notion that in some games, the path alone may be the best one taken. If you'd like to check out the previous posts in the series, click below. Relationships in Games: The Teammates Relationships in Games: The Romance(s)

By: cary

cary — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:50:03 +0000

Though I’ve never played Dead Space (survival horror ::shivers::), I read a lot about Isaac Clarke. He’s such an interesting character and it seems everyone’s experience with him is slightly different. Like, it’s an opportunity for the player to really place him or herself into the game. As you said, each player’s own narrative drives the game and Isaac. It’s pretty special when games allow the players in like that. And there’s no feeling more powerful or helpless than that of you against the world.

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 02:18:22 +0000

One of my favorite “loner” games has to be the original Dead Space. It’s just you and Isaac reacting and enduring to the horrors of the Ishimura and the Red Marker. Isaac doesn’t talk, he doesn’t need to. Everything you need to know is told through his visions, and everything you want him to be is filled in with your own internal narrative. Isaac is the only one capable of facing the terror around him, taking it as best he can as he moves forward. Even though he’s in a seemingly insurmountable situation, being Isaac Clark is still a powerful experience.