I love exploring games and consider them my favorite genre on Nintendo Switch. I could easily spend hours playing them. Gone Home ticks all the right boxes for me: it has a compelling story, a creepy atmosphere, and is set in the 1990s. Plus, it doesn't have any puzzles or combat, which is a nice change of pace. But what sets this game apart is that it made me think deeply about my relationships and identity. It's a truly thought-provoking experience.
Gone Home is a first-person exploration game that puts the player in the role of a young woman who has returned home after a year abroad to find that her family's house is empty. The player must explore the house and interact with objects and clues left behind by the family to uncover the story of what happened to them. The game also touches on themes of sexual identity and self-acceptance, as one of the characters in the game struggles with their sexuality and coming out.
Pros
The game is a deeply personal and emotional story that invites the player to consider the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. This is one of the rare games that had me thinking even after I finished it.
The themes are, honestly, one of the main reasons I would recommend this game today: the game explores the dynamic between Katie, the protagonist, and her family and how their relationships have changed over time. It also touches on themes of communication, trust, and acceptance within a family. Another theme in the game is identity and self-discovery. As Katie investigates the house and learns about her family's lives, she is also forced to confront her own identity and the choices she has made in her own life. The game encourages players to think about their own relationships and experiences and how they have shaped who they are.
No puzzles or combats. You have to piece together clues and hints to uncover the story of what happened to the family.
Free to explore and progress at your own pace.
Cons
It can be a stressful and tense experience. While it’s sold as being a “relaxing” and “enjoyable” experience, it’s not. I played through the game a second time so as to enjoy it a bit more.
The environment is a bit too dark and feels like there may be jump scares or ghosts around every corner (there aren't).
Full of nostalgia, which is great if you grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but if you’re not familiar with VHS cassettes and Super Nintendo cartridges, it can be confusing.
Graphics are outdated as the game was released 10 years ago, and already back then, it wasn’t top-notch.
Overall, I would recommend Gone Home only for its exploration of complex and nuanced themes. Or if you like spooky but not too spooky games. If you're interested in giving it a try, consider picking it up on sale.
If you like these dark and mystical themes, I suggest trying out Little Misfortune!
Recap: Worth it, if on sale.
Total Game Time: 3 hours
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