I was excited for this game, but with a bit of tentativeness I always have for leftist shit that really loves its own writing. There is a desire to use proletarian backgrounds, vibes, earthiness, lived experiences as a juxtaposition to ornate poetics about the universe or whatever. I also worry about exhausting the magic in magic realism; if everyone is doing it, it becomes less weird and less interesting right?

After playing Disco Elysium, Where the Water Tastes Like Wine, and Kentucky Route Zero (in descending order of preference), would NORCO be the final nail in the coffin of originality for this subgenre.

No not yet. NORCO is about as interesting as Disco but not as long. It's also really really about southern Lousiana, in a way KRZ didnt feel like it was about Appalachia. It's funny, and less self-consciously zany than Disco so more just outwardly gonzo at times. It's not arthouse, it's a a real ass love letter to a doomed place and to the games of their youth.

i give it two thumbs waaay up!