I have some bad news, folks. You might be seeing a lot more reviews of dark-themed games on this blog. It all started with The Children of Silentown and Little Misfortune, and I've been hooked ever since. I've found that lately, these games' eery visuals and dark themes are some of the only genres that truly have a story to tell and are crafted with care. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good farm simulation game (I'm counting down the days until the new Story of Seasons comes out this summer), but for now, I'm all about exploring the darker side of gaming. So, brace yourselves for some spooky and thought-provoking game reviews in the coming weeks.
I recently had the pleasure of playing Lydia, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. What stood out to me the most about this game was the level of interpretation that the player can have in each level. It's clear that the creators put a lot of thought and care into every detail, and each one holds a special meaning. The powerful storyline is the cherry on top, making for a short but breath-taking gaming experience. What's even more impressive is that even after finishing the game, the story stayed with me and had me thinking about it long after. This, for me, is a clear indication of the high quality of the narrative.
Lydia is an award-winning hand-drawn game that explores the thought-provoking memories of a child growing up in a household with drunk and broken parents. The game is based on real experiences and delves into the ways in which a resenting and alcoholic household can affect a young girl's imagination and perception of twisted and manipulative family dynamics.
Pros
Story: Lydia is a powerful and moving game that takes players on a journey through the eyes of a child growing up in a broken and alcoholic household, highlighting the emotional impact of abuse and neglect in a way that is both thought-provoking and deeply affecting.
Saving: While it may seem insignificant to some players, the save feature in Lydia holds great importance for me. The game starts with a message informing players that their progress is automatically saved at the beginning of each scene. This is particularly helpful for those who may need to step away from the game for a bit, as it lets players know exactly where they left off and when they can exit the game without losing progress. It's a small detail but it makes a big difference in the overall player experience.
Languages: Another great aspect of Lydia is the choice of languages available for players. Given the mature content of the game, it's a nice touch to have the option to play in multiple languages. I personally haven't come across many games that offer this option, and it's refreshing to see. The game offers 5 or 6 languages to choose from, so players can enjoy the story in their native language. While I can't guarantee the accuracy of the translations, I'm confident that they are of good quality. It's a great way to make the game more accessible to a wider audience.
Colors: The color choices in Lydia are spot-on in my opinion. The background of the game already has a child-like drawing quality to it, and the use of mostly black and white colors throughout the game is incredibly effective in conveying the story. It's realistic in the sense that rarely do children in a troubled environment express themselves through drawings with a wide range of colors. The use of black and white adds a layer of depth to the game's visual storytelling,
Gameplay: Lydia features straightforward point-and-click gameplay, where players navigate through the story like an interactive graphic novel. The game mechanics are easy to pick up, making it accessible to players of all levels. The focus is on the story; players can explore and discover its different aspects through simple gameplay.
Audio: The audio in Lydia plays a crucial role in creating the game's eerie atmosphere. The music is thoughtfully composed and effectively sets the tone for the game. While the game can be played without music, it does enhance the overall gaming experience. The voice acting is also noteworthy, with performances that are well done and reminiscent of Little Misunderstood.
Cons
Technical Aspect: While the background of the game is visually stunning and the character design is sleek, the technical aspect of the game leaves something to be desired. The character's movements are slow and repetitive, and the layout of the dialogue could be improved.
Length: One of the key aspects of Lydia is that it is a short game, with a playtime of around an hour or less. However, players are made aware of this before purchasing the game, so it's not a surprise.
Gameplay: Lydia is designed to be like an interactive graphic novel, but the gameplay itself is limited. Players have the ability to choose from a few dialogue options and the ending, but it's not a game that offers much in terms of interactivity or player choice. The game focuses on the story and the emotional impact it has on the player, rather than traditional gameplay elements. If you're looking for a game with lots of action or puzzles, this might not be the game for you.
Total Game Time: 1 hour
Similar Games to Lydia: Limbo, The Children of Silentown, My Child Lebensborn.
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