So my first attempt at this game ended up in bouncing off it with a lot of frustration.
Having now gone through it in a more guided fashion I have to say that that exact frustrating obtuseness is its biggest strength. The idea of exploring the potential of a backdrop world by inhabiting it as a living place is sold so well by the knowledge that its not going to explain itself to you or really point you anywhere. If you want to understand this world and its people you do it in its schedule and by its rules, by happening upon things, by being patient and by listening to what it has to say to you.
Not a lot needs to be said about this that won't have already been said but I think that the path from frustration to wonder exemplified in the action limit system is such a good metaphor for what this game is and what it has to say. If you are willing to look past first impressions, accept and learn from frustrations then you gain the ability to see what's actually there beyond basic form and function.
Having now gone through it in a more guided fashion I have to say that that exact frustrating obtuseness is its biggest strength. The idea of exploring the potential of a backdrop world by inhabiting it as a living place is sold so well by the knowledge that its not going to explain itself to you or really point you anywhere. If you want to understand this world and its people you do it in its schedule and by its rules, by happening upon things, by being patient and by listening to what it has to say to you.
Not a lot needs to be said about this that won't have already been said but I think that the path from frustration to wonder exemplified in the action limit system is such a good metaphor for what this game is and what it has to say. If you are willing to look past first impressions, accept and learn from frustrations then you gain the ability to see what's actually there beyond basic form and function.