Gone Home: A Story of Love, Secrets, and Riot Grrrl Culture
This post is from the series of reviews that I’m doing as discovery phase for my personal game. Today we are going to walk through the game “Gone Home”.
I have to warn that this review may contain some spoilers, although I will not reveal any major story points.
Gone Home is a powerful video game that has captivated audiences since its release in 2013. Developed and published by The Fullbright Company, this first-person exploration game tells a compelling story of a family’s past, secrets, and struggles. Through sound design, and storytelling, Gone Home delivers an emotional and memorable experience that is not easily forgotten.
The gameplay of Gone Home is quite simple, as players take on the role of a young woman, who has returned home from a year-long trip abroad to find her family’s mansion empty. The game revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving, as players search for clues and discover the hidden secrets of the house. The mechanics are intuitive, and the pacing is well-balanced, keeping players engaged and invested in the story.
Can’t say too much about visuals, it doesn’t feel like something brilliant, but there are a lot of details and realistic environments that create a sense of immersion. This attention to detail of the house and its surroundings adds depth to the story and creates an atmosphere that draws players in.
Gone Home is a game that evokes strong emotions, from nostalgia and longing to fear and heartbreak. The story explores themes of family, love, and identity, and delves into sensitive topics such as mental illness and sexual orientation. The characters are well-written and relatable, with each member of the family having their own struggles and secrets. The game’s emotional impact is felt through its poignant storytelling, which leaves a lasting impression on players long after the game has ended.
The sound design in Gone Home is superb, developers use of sound effects is effective in creating tension and adding to the game’s emotional impact. The voice acting is excellent, with the actor delivering authentic and convincing performances that bring the characters to life.
Another part of sound & game design of Gone Home are references to Riot Grrrl, a feminist punk movement that emerged in the 1990s. These references can be found in the form of music posters, zines, and cassette tapes scattered throughout the house. The inclusion of these cultural references adds to the game’s atmosphere and helps to further establish the game’s setting in the mid-1990s. It also serves as a nod to the game’s theme of individuality and rebellion against societal norms.
The game’s themes and characters resonated with me on a personal level, and I found myself immersed in the story and invested in the outcome. The only thing that made me feel uneasy — the dark environment and stormy weather in Gone Home, as if something ominous was waiting behind every closed door.
Players who prefer more action-packed or gameplay-focused experiences may find Gone Home to be slow-paced and lacking in traditional game mechanics. Some players have also criticized the game for being too short (about 2 hours). Additionally, some players found the game’s themes and subject matter to be too heavy or uncomfortable.
Replayability
While Gone Home’s story is not meant to be played repeatedly, the game does offer the option to uncover additional secrets and storylines that may have been missed during the initial playthrough. However, the impact of the story may be lessened with each subsequent playthrough.
Influence
Gone Home has been a significant influence on the video game industry, inspiring other game developers to create narrative-driven experiences that focus on exploration and storytelling. It has also opened up discussions on topics such as mental health and sexual orientation in video games, paving the way for more representation and diversity in the industry.
Conclusion
Gone Home is a game that deserves recognition for its powerful storytelling, immersive gameplay, and emotional impact. The game’s usage of references, sound design, and characters all come together to create a compelling and unforgettable experience. It is a game that will stay with players long after they have finished playing.
For those who are new to my serie of game articles, I have previously written about my plans to create my own game. You can read more about it in previous posts:
1. Hello World
2. It’s Alive
3. Dive into the Numbers: Uncovering Game Industry Insights and Statistics
4. Discoveries and inspiration
5. Twelve Minutes Review
6. Before Your Eyes Review
7. Journey Review
