The World After XBOX Review
Set during a pandemic lockdown in France, The World After tells the story of Vincent, a writer that fled the city in order to work on his new book. Recurring strange dreams push him to look for the truth behind the village mystery. As he investigates an old castle, he finds a way to switch between night and day and start being chased by a dreadful monster, The Nightwatcher. Will he be able to find answers? What lies beyond the Tannhäuser Gate? Who or what is The Nightwatcher? What is the meaning of the strange messages he keeps on finding
– PixelHeart
Game Play
A simple point-and-click story telling style that feels very much like Return to Zork. Specific items in the environment are indicated by the cursor and the player follows logic to solve problems, whilst also making key decisions that influence the final outcome.
There are positive and negative cinematic endings depending upon the choices the character makes, all of which are shown at the very last sequence of the story.
Graphics
All of the graphics are live action filmed and still images with beautiful backdrops of a French village and castle ruins.
The cinematography expertly captures lighting and emotive character expression with unique angles and perspective. Arguably the best aspect of the game is the cinematography.
Sound
The music track is adequate, not underwhelming or overpowering, although it is tiresome on a second play-through.
Unfortunately, the voice acting for the English characters is extremely underwhelming and at times outright jarring. The cringe-factor is at times so bad that it can be an instant turn off for most people. Most reviews have panned the voice acting and it is a consistent critique. To the developers credit, they did provide an English translation rather than simply using subtitles, and some of the voicing, particularly for Vincent, is fairly good.
The Foley/sound effect work is actually fantastic. Sounds captured during filming such as the breeze, leaves, livestock, doors closing and similar activities are all part of this game and at no point does it seem that something is amiss – which would be the case if the sounds were missing.
Final thoughts
The story is quite unique. Although it does in part centre around the COVID 19 pandemic, it is using the pandemic as a platform to tell a more unique and ‘out there’ story.
The clever use of the characters wearing masks, is that the filming for French also suits the English as the mouth cannot be seen.
This game can easily grate the sensitivities of those who have simply had enough of the pandemic, the restrictions and the goings on. Throughout the story, the player is presented with video diaries of other NPC’s that speak to the overall theme, incorporating the pandemic into the narrative. Although on one hand that is a very clever story telling device, it is also a point of frustration and at a deeper level it is that frustration that is also been shown in subtext.
This game can be played until completion at least twice in one evening, but offers very little in real enjoyment or entertainment value. It is well made, well presented and a curiosity, but as they say, the juice is not quite worth the squeeze.
This story would have been better told as a 15 minute short and published on YouTube, rather than a playable game format.
Summary: Just like the pandemic, you may want to create as much distance from it as possible - But it wouldn't hurt to play it if the story is of interest.
3
lackluster
About the Author
Scott De Lacy Scott has a professional IT background spanning over 18 years, is an hobbyist electronics designer, talented musician, holds qualifications as a trainer and experience in emergency and community services sectors. He reviews Movies, PC and XBOX One games, and hardware.
Related Posts
Nacon Limited Edition Camo Revolution X Pro Grade Controller for Xbox Review →
Sherlock Holmes The Awakened Xbox Review →
Dance of Death: Du Lac & Fey XBox Review @SalixGames →
