LTTP or ‘late to the party’ pieces are opportunities for me to catch up and write about games I missed out on the first time around. They may contain spoilers.
Time machines aren’t real but everyday people like you and I have managed to find our way back to the past through entertainment mediums such as movies, TV shows and even games. Of all the mediums available to us though, I believe games can be the most effective time machines.
The Fullbright Company’s Gone Home was an adventure game that brought me back to 1995. The 1990s was brought to life through CRT TVs, VHS tapes, Super Nintendo carts and posters featuring the cast of 90210. Hand written notes, post cards and A/V equipment review magazines reminded me of slower times. It was a convincing and nostalgic trip back in time and I loved every minute of it.
I didn’t know what to expect from Gone Home. I had no idea what the mystery was about and why Katie’s sister and parents weren’t home. Was it a murder? Ghosts? Did someone go crazy and kill everyone? No, in the end it was a beautiful tale of love and coincidences.
Red herrings were carefully laid out to leave doubts until the very end. They even propped up unsettling scenarios that could only be found in a large empty mansion in a stormy night. Secret passages, lightning, thunder and a malfunctioning lightbulb actually caused stirred a feeling of unease within me.
Gone Home told a simple tale but they presented it in a unique and interesting manner. I was rewarded after every exploratory effort. I either progressed the story, fleshed out some back story or was shown a blast from the past. It was a wonderful adventure — and like every nook and cranny in the mansion — should not be missed.
Verdict:
Must Play
For more information on Gone Home, visit the official website.
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