The Twenty-Second: Stories of Underground Kharkiv is a quest and a visual novel that will tell you in the first person about the events of 2022 in the Kharkiv metro.
The experience primarily involves exploring a detailed 3D recreation of a Kharkiv metro station, interacting with non-player characters, and progressing through the story. There are no combat, puzzles, or other traditional gameplay mechanics.
Players freely explore the underground shelter environment, interacting with various objects and characters. The atmospheric design and sound design work together to create a strong sense of place, making players feel like they are truly in the Kharkiv metro during the war.
The core gameplay loop involves advancing the narrative by talking to the diverse cast of supporting characters. These conversations unlock new story beats, diary entries, and historical information about Ukraine. The linear, focused nature ensures a cohesive narrative without getting lost or distracted.
While the player character remains largely silent, dialogue trees allow players to learn more about the individuals taking refuge in the metro and their personal stories and perspectives on the ongoing conflict. The writing aims to be thoughtful and empathetic.
Interspersed throughout the narrative are historical lessons and discussions about Ukraine's history and the current conflict, delivered through conversations with a young student character. These segments provide valuable context and information for players.
About | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©2024 by Totally Human Media