Brukel

by Bob De Schutter, Lifelong Games

The Developer Says...

A first-person exploration game based on the actual memories of a 92-year-old grandmother, told to players in her own voice. Take pictures of what remains of her abandoned childhood home to uncover the dark, traumatic events that she had to fight through as a teenage girl.

Players Like...

❤ Gameplay Overview

The player takes on the role of the game designer's grandson, trespassing in his 92-year-old grandmother Bie Verlinden's abandoned childhood home. The primary gameplay mechanic involves using a smartphone camera to take pictures of various items throughout the house. When the player correctly identifies and photographs an object, they are rewarded with an audio recording of Bie telling a story related to that item.

❤ Photographic Exploration

Players praised the innovative use of smartphone photography as the core gameplay loop. By framing and capturing precise pictures of the environment, players uncover Bie's personal narratives. This makes exploration feel more purposeful and rewarding compared to a typical walking simulator. Reviewers highlighted how this mechanic seamlessly integrates the storytelling with the gameplay.

❤ Immersive Narrative Experience

As the player photographs items, Bie's recollections gradually transform from nostalgic reminiscing about her youth to harrowing accounts of the German occupation during World War II. Reviewers emphasized how this shift in tone and subject matter creates a powerful emotional impact, making the player feel like they are experiencing these traumatic events firsthand.

❤ Authentic Historical Perspective

A major draw for players is the opportunity to gain a personal, authentic perspective on the horrors of war through the eyes of an ordinary civilian. Reviewers appreciated hearing Bie's stories in her own Flemish voice, which lends a strong sense of verisimilitude that helps players connect with the historical context on a deeper level.

❤ Streamlined Pacing

While the experience lasts around an hour, reviewers felt the pacing was well-executed, allowing players to smoothly progress through Bie's memories without getting bogged down in repetitive gameplay or tedious backtracking. The game doesn't overstay its welcome or drag on unnecessarily.

About | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy

Copyright ©2024 by Totally Human Media