The price point is sadly far too high for this short an experience, and it really is an experience far more than it is a game. It asks you to play it thoughtfully, and savour the story.

In this kind of narrative, atmosphere and immersion are everything, and with great sound and visual design I'm happy to say the devs succeeded. I was particularly impressed with how the game initially pitches itself as horror, and shifted in tone as you explored more of the house. Voice acting was spot on, and provided you with just enough story to whet your appetite each time.

The story itself? It's simple, and that's what I believe makes this a masterpiece. It is a simple concept, perfectly executed. I felt some feels guys, even just when I found a story-related object lying around the house. Finding out little snippets of what are (really the quite ordinary) lives of the parents was somehow made satisfying. The plot is presented to you with perfect pacing, and perfect sequencing throughout the house.

Many thought this game set out to break boundaries and address controversial social issues. I disagree, but I think it shows the unique power that games have when telling a story: interactivity. The story is straightforward, but the magical atmosphere, the perfect pacing, the teasing exposition, all driven by the player.... that is what makes this experience so brilliant. That is something only video games can do.

The price point is sadly far too high for this short an experience, and it really is an experience far more than it is a game. It asks you to play it thoughtfully, and savour the story. In this kind of narrative, atmosphere and immersion are everything, and with great sound and visual design I'm happy to say the devs succeeded. [spoiler]I was particularly impressed with how the game initially pitches itself as horror, and shifted in tone as you explored more of the house[/spoiler]. Voice acting was spot on, and provided you with just enough story to whet your appetite each time. The story itself? It's simple, and that's what I believe makes this a masterpiece. It is a simple concept, perfectly executed. I felt some feels guys, even just when I found a story-related object lying around the house. Finding out little snippets of what are (really the quite ordinary) lives of the parents was somehow made satisfying. The plot is presented to you with perfect pacing, and perfect sequencing throughout the house. Many thought this game set out to break boundaries and address controversial social issues. I disagree, but I think it shows the unique power that games have when telling a story: interactivity. The story is straightforward, but the magical atmosphere, the perfect pacing, the teasing exposition, all driven by the player.... that is what makes this experience so brilliant. That is something only video games can do.