This seems so… elementary, and something I’ve criticized in the past with games. In a flash, the player is given all possible information and history they need on a given character in one short spiel. There is much subtlety to be found in Draugen-where there is practically none is in its ending. By the end, however, I was left somewhat disappointed.Īs I’ve matured, I’ve found subtlety to be a fantastic proponent of storytelling. About halfway through Draugen, I was totally intrigued by where the story could go. I found myself at odds with the random dramatic spikes between the two characters, but with new information came haunting clarity. What I will say is that the story weaves about with the characters’ development quite well, even if initially blunt. Of course, much of the information I provide is intentionally vague, as I feel the story is the driving point and shouldn’t be spoiled. Bickering and teasing are a vast part of their back-and-forths, and unless that sounds promising by description alone, I can’t find the confidence to recommend it. Their differences are never in doubt, as the story (almost) always keeps them together. Edward is more stern, more of the stereotypical responsible adult of the two, trying to keep Lissie in check. Lissie is talkative, constantly spouting unsubtle expository details and weird phrases. As stated before, I initially loathed them, particularly on first introduction when they’re rowing the boat to Graavik. One’s enjoyment of the game could very well rest in the chemistry and dialogue attributed to these two. What may prove more of a mixed bag are the central characters.Įdward Charles Harden and Lissie are the two stars of Draugen, aside from some references to other important characters. What will ultimately give this game worth is the mystery aspect, which has a natural and believable build-up. Fortunately, as the mystery unveiled itself and the characters became more consumed, the writing proved more engrossing. With Draugen, my initial reaction was vastly negative, with the characters spouting expository details and little more. I’ve discussed before with games that only prioritize a single aspect (typically story or gameplay) being easier to find problems with, since they have nothing to fall back on if all else fails. Most of the issues I have come down to the writing, which this game gambles by making the sole motivator. The inevitable twist is effective, and the payoff keeps the intrigue lasting, but all that comes prior feels perhaps too ordinary. Draugen tries to keep things simple, more peaceful, until a point where it all falls apart. Personal taste notwithstanding, there’s a much higher emphasis on incorporating the darker aspects of the story in more interesting, more fantastical ways. With these comparisons, it’s hard not to think of what former games had done better in the same regard. (I will discuss more of this in the “Gameplay” section.) Where the games linked had a noteworthy prospect of gameplay mechanics, Draugen is firmly set in realistic interaction. Suspenseful tales involving isolation, slowly entailing some introspective dynamic with the lead character. Both games share varying similarities to the present topic, particularly with their stories. Playing Draugen, I can’t help but think back to two other games I’ve played for review: Unknown Fate and The Other Half. The mystery of Graavik developed into a sort of intangible ambiguity, similar to what I ultimately thought of the whole experience.ĭraugen is available on Steam for your regional pricing. Draugen was still something I wanted to experience, if only for the potential I saw in its preview trailers. To some degree, it polluted my expectations for its course, though not without promise. I noticed one publication even labeled it as “horror,” much to my dismay (horror and I don’t get along). In only a minute of my time, I wanted to travel to Graavik, the game’s setting, myself.Īmusingly, it was only later, past the point that I received the game, that I realized it would be dark. A breath of the past promising introspection tender embracing of ensuing adventure. Even so, there was something alluring about the trailers for this game that reverberated an essence of charm and intrigue. Emphasizing narrative importance in video games is something I’ve had my fair share of here at KeenGamer. When it comes to personal experience, Draugen is nothing new to me.
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