A compelling narrative unfolded through a curious home
By: Ryan RamakrishnanReviewed on Xbox One
Despite only taking a couple of hours to stumble upon everything that it had to say, the story “Gone Home” offers is one grounded in realism, one that never lost my attention. The game’s exceptional writing and wondrous attention to detail makes for a sweet, unforgettable adventure and a particularly special one for the medium.Story
“Gone Home” puts you in the shoes of someone coming home to their family, quickly realizing their notable absence. I entered the pitch black home, quickly searching for a light switch, while a thunderstorm shook the infrastructure and my fear alike. Unbeknownst to me at first glance, and likely to many others unaware of the true essence of “Gone Home,” this is no horror game. I actually appreciate the horror vibes you subconsciously get right off the bat. It draws in curiosity. Soon enough, you’re reading notes and listening to audio logs, each evoking truly warm and intimate emotions.
The only frightening thing about “Gone Home” is the realistic nature. Maybe it’s just my taste in gaming but I have never experienced a video game with such a raw, genuine story. The home you explore depicts family life better than some films and novels could dream of yet there aren’t even people inhabiting it. By the time I completed “Gone Home,” I felt like I knew this family, there past, their interests, their stories, and this is all thanks to The Fullbright Company’s impressive way of delivering an engaging plot. “Gone Home” succeeds in its writing and how it allows you to get behind the lives of these characters without even seeing them, and that is no small feat.
Gameplay
Gameplay is limited to the likes of walking from room to room and interacting with anything from household items to hidden doors. “Gone Home” sees the player read several notes, posters and documents, as well as listen to audio recordings and voice overs, all of which collaborate to give you the compelling story.
The game’s focus on exploration as a plot execution is simple and calm. It is sometimes nice to take a break from today’s frantic action games and sit back and consume a beautiful story.
“Gone Home’s” lack of exciting or fresh gameplay is cherishable because of how it plays into the grand scheme of things; I never wished for it to be any more than a walking simulator or point and click game because anything outside of this realm would ultimately detract from what is a special experience.
Graphics
Visually, “Gone Home” captures it all. The attention to detail in the home you explore is amazing. Thanks to a simple art direction, “Gone Home” doesn’t have to put great detail in every object but the general layout of every room, the home’s structure and the home overall has many things to look at. The developers clearly put a lot of time creating a living, breathing home and rightfully so, as it is the only setting. I saw so many aspects of the character’s home in each room and the art direction works to its advantage, allowing for the home to be created in all its glory.
Sound
Exceptional voice-acting allows for random voice-overs, thoughts and plentiful audio logs to tell the story in a compassionate manner. The already astonishing writing is complemented perfectly by the voice actors who evoke emotions of humor, heartbreak and anything in between.
“Gone Home” comes with a soundtrack that feels right at home with its atmospheric story. The teenage-driven plot-points are told with the utmost fitting music, switching to a more mysterious sound when the game has you asking more questions. It is an overall ambient score, beautifully executed. The music had me calm and engaged, fitting for my exploration of a lonely yet ever-so-alive home.
Content
“Gone Home’s” cheap price-point justifies its lack of content.
In your exploration, there are a handful of collectibles to find to piece together the overall puzzle that is the story of the absent family.
Trophies and achievements for those interested offer a few neat opportunities for your playthroughs, particularly for speed-running fanatics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what “Gone Home” does with its story is beautiful. Simple first person exploration of a home allows you to watch a story of the past unfold, one that is nothing short of genuine. Even when nothing is pieced together, there is an ever-present sense of authenticity. With brilliant writing and voice acting, “Gone Home” makes for an engrossing, sweet and unforgettable time, one that strives for realism and succeeds in every way.
Gameplay is limited to the likes of walking from room to room and interacting with anything from household items to hidden doors. “Gone Home” sees the player read several notes, posters and documents, as well as listen to audio recordings and voice overs, all of which collaborate to give you the compelling story.
The game’s focus on exploration as a plot execution is simple and calm. It is sometimes nice to take a break from today’s frantic action games and sit back and consume a beautiful story.
“Gone Home’s” lack of exciting or fresh gameplay is cherishable because of how it plays into the grand scheme of things; I never wished for it to be any more than a walking simulator or point and click game because anything outside of this realm would ultimately detract from what is a special experience.
Graphics
Visually, “Gone Home” captures it all. The attention to detail in the home you explore is amazing. Thanks to a simple art direction, “Gone Home” doesn’t have to put great detail in every object but the general layout of every room, the home’s structure and the home overall has many things to look at. The developers clearly put a lot of time creating a living, breathing home and rightfully so, as it is the only setting. I saw so many aspects of the character’s home in each room and the art direction works to its advantage, allowing for the home to be created in all its glory.
Sound
Exceptional voice-acting allows for random voice-overs, thoughts and plentiful audio logs to tell the story in a compassionate manner. The already astonishing writing is complemented perfectly by the voice actors who evoke emotions of humor, heartbreak and anything in between.
“Gone Home” comes with a soundtrack that feels right at home with its atmospheric story. The teenage-driven plot-points are told with the utmost fitting music, switching to a more mysterious sound when the game has you asking more questions. It is an overall ambient score, beautifully executed. The music had me calm and engaged, fitting for my exploration of a lonely yet ever-so-alive home.
Content
“Gone Home’s” cheap price-point justifies its lack of content.
In your exploration, there are a handful of collectibles to find to piece together the overall puzzle that is the story of the absent family.
Trophies and achievements for those interested offer a few neat opportunities for your playthroughs, particularly for speed-running fanatics.
Regardless of the short playtime for the main story, I don’t see an experience like such to call for more than what it already provides in a tightly focused, interesting story. I was more than satisfied with calling it a day after seeing all the home had to tell me about.
ConclusionUltimately, what “Gone Home” does with its story is beautiful. Simple first person exploration of a home allows you to watch a story of the past unfold, one that is nothing short of genuine. Even when nothing is pieced together, there is an ever-present sense of authenticity. With brilliant writing and voice acting, “Gone Home” makes for an engrossing, sweet and unforgettable time, one that strives for realism and succeeds in every way.
Did you like the way “Gone Home’s” story was told? Did you try the speedrunning challenges for trophies or achievements? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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