Weekly Try A Thing (part 1 of 2): A Raven Monologue experienced

So this week, instead of clearing out the backlog, I figured I'd try a few free-to-play games I'd seen on Steam's queue, see my thoughts on those.

I was slightly mistaken, in that A Raven Monologue is less a "game" and more an "interactive storybook".

A storybook with a beautiful song and no words attached, mind you, but...

Well. It's... it's something that has to be experienced first-hand. Click that link there, sit through it - it's only about five or ten minutes - and come back.

I'll be here. I figure you might want a hug afterward, too. I'll be here.

Proper game with actual gameplay later.

Weekly Try A Thing (part 2 of 2): System Goose Overload also, uh, experienced

Well, I was right that this one was more of a game, in that there was actual input, and a goal, and it took time to do.

Half walking simulator, half stealth game, the story is simple: You are the last goose out of captivity. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to exterminate the human race.

Wait, what?

Yeah, this is surrealist as hell, just as a forewarning. It's actually kind of got an Undertale-esque "things aren't what they first seem" vibe and it's pretty clear that amongst the list of inspirations, Yume Nikki and Undertale both rank fairly high in System Goose Overload's aesthetic choices and use of text/sprites.

The "stealth" segments (which mostly consist of "don't get caught by searchlights/lasers, but they don't notice you if you're curled up in a ball hiding") maybe wear on a little overly long for me, but also I'm not a fan of stealth gameplay, so it might just be that it's not my thing. The walking simulator isn't too robust either, as aside from a few free-roaming sections the game is more or less a long, curvy tube.

That said, the game has its share of atmospheric tidbits to look at, including the first time I've chuckled at a pop culture joke in ages. Turns out all it takes is to make it subtle enough that it's inobtrusive, and to not overstay your welcome. Also, the music is pretty good - dunno if I'd call it game of the year quality, but it's absolutely worth getting stuck in your head for a little while.

I might be more critical if I paid for it, but considering it's free, it's a solidly rompy way to spend about 90 minutes. And in the end, everyone is Geese and I didn't even have to stain my hands with your blood.