DeVuego ES_COR

For a developer that focuses on narrative design, structure, and experimentation, Deconstructeam got off to a bit of a rocky start but my favorite thing about Essays on Empathy is that there’s a narrative thread that goes through the product as a whole. Though each game is different, has its own story and experiences attached to it, the through thread seems to be a team of people that create art and allow their creative vision to make them better people. Likewise, I feel like I’ve become a better person just in the past week of experiencing these games.

Unsurprisingly, I dove back in. Because I wasn’t ready to be done with The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, I hadn’t uncovered all of its secrets yet. And as I continued to craft new cards, forge new relationships, and learn more about the cosmos, I felt even more connected. Not just connected to the game, but to the world around me.

Which is a long-winded way of saying The Red Strings Club is really just an experience to soak in. Enjoy the music, consider the writing, mix a few drinks, and talk. I don’t think it’s for everyone, but if you dig cyberpunk, philosophical discussion, and the warm, loving arms of Patrick Swayze around you as you shape biomass into implants to sever any emotional ties to this world, give it a try. Great music, pixel-style art, a cyberpunk aesthetic, and the mellow feeling of shooting the shit at the bar. What’s not to love?

Crossing Souls is a love letter to the 80’s with a charming cast of characters that’s unfortunately held back by weak combat mechanics.

The River of Alice Extended Version is a thoroughly mixed bag. Though some of the puzzles, the visuals, and the sound are pleasant and relaxingly surreal, the slow pace and sometimes nonsensical puzzles make the game more akin to a dream you’ll forget in the morning.

I wish I could recommend Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX, but it’s just not a lot of fun to play. The visuals and music are beautifully redone, and the world is quite unique. It’s just that the game itself is frustrating ,repetitive, and a bit buggy. Kudos to the devs for doing such a strong remaster, I just wish the game being remastered was better.