Navigating Time and Mystery in 'The Forgotten City'
Stumbling into an Ancient Mystery
Ever found yourself rummaging through your game backlog, only to unearth a title that makes you wonder, "Why didn't I play this sooner?" That's exactly what went down with 'The Forgotten City'. Credit where it's due – the homie Ace, a dude with an eye for killer games, had been singing its praises for ages. But life, work, and a never-ending pile of unplayed games meant it was shelved. Until now.
Thank the gaming gods for Steam sales, am I right? There's nothing like a sweet deal to finally make you commit to a game. And with my new lifestyle adjustment (hello, fatherhood and late-night baby duties), the Steam Deck has been a gaming godsend. It's made chipping away at my backlog a feasible, almost leisurely task. 'The Forgotten City', with its roughly 10-hour gameplay, seemed like a perfect fit for those precious moments of tranquility in the chaos of new parenting.
Let's dive into this game. It's not just another title to tick off the list; it's a brain-twisting, time-traveling adventure that's had me hooked like few games have recently. If you've been sleeping on this one, it's time to wake up and get on board.
Intrigued? Let's explore how 'The Forgotten City' unfolds, beginning with its mysterious onset.
The Adventure Begins: A Trip to the Past
You start off washed up on a riverbank, confused and curious, and almost immediately, you're roped into a search for someone named Al by a woman named Karen. But it's not your typical rescue mission. The game throws a twist right from the get-go, letting you choose your character's backstory – a decision that comes with its own set of perks. I skipped the military option with the handy gun, opting instead for a bit of extra cash in hand.
Then things get real. You're not just exploring some ancient ruins; you're about to be flung back in time to an era of Roman glory and mystery. Gold statues that are a little too lifelike for comfort? Check. An entire city forgotten by time? Check. Your journey through 'The Forgotten City' is more than just a game; it's a foray into a world where your decisions shape the past and the present.
First Impressions - Stepping into Another World
Right off the bat, 'The Forgotten City' threw me into a familiar yet distinct vibe. Picture this: you're running around in first-person, and everything's smooth as silk - it's like stepping back into a world reminiscent of 'Skyrim'. And that makes sense because this gem started as a Skyrim mod before morphing into its own unique universe. It's uncanny, really. There were moments I half-expected to see dragons swooping down! But no, this is very much 'The Forgotten City', not Skyrim 2.0, but the echoes are there, and they're pretty cool.
Musically, the game doesn't drop "bangers" – it's not the kind of soundtrack you'll blast in your car – but it does its job. The music subtly weaves into the game's fabric, enhancing the immersion without stealing the spotlight. It's there, it's good, but it's not going to overshadow the game's narrative and mechanics.
Speaking of mechanics, let's talk about the real star of the show: the time loop. If you've ever been caught in the gripping cycle of 'Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask,’ you know the drill. Only here, it's a one-day loop. The beauty of it? It's not just a gimmick. It allows for some serious exploration and experimentation, Groundhog Day-style. You chat up characters, poke around, try different approaches – all under the shadow of this thing called "the Golden Rule."
Dive into Gameplay – The Intricacies of 'The Forgotten City'
Jumping into 'The Forgotten City' feels like slipping into a pair of well-worn boots; it's familiar but with a whole new adventure in store. The game’s foundation, rooted in the Skyrim engine, provides a sense of comfort and ease as you navigate its world. But don’t be fooled – this isn’t just a stroll through familiar territory.
Puzzle-Solving with a Twist
The game unfolds as a colossal mystery puzzle, where each conversation, each interaction, feels like picking up a piece of a larger, more complex jigsaw. Initially, you might find some dialogue options a bit rigid, but give it time. Like a fine wine, 'The Forgotten City' gets better as it breathes, unraveling its story in increasingly fascinating ways.
One of the standout elements is how what seems like a side quest naturally dovetails into the main storyline. It's a tapestry of narratives, where aiding one character might unlock a crucial chapter in another’s tale. It’s this interconnectivity that transforms the gameplay into something more than just completing tasks; it’s about weaving through the lives of an entire city lost in time.
Looping Through Time with Purpose
Now, let’s talk about the game-changer: the time loop mechanic. Initially, I approached it with a bit of hesitation – who wouldn’t? But as the game progresses, this mechanic evolves from a simple plot device to a key strategy element. Crucially, items you collect stay in your inventory through each loop. This detail isn’t just convenient; it’s a game-changer, literally. It allows you to strategize and exploit certain aspects of the game, like accumulating coins from a treasure chest for future use.
Think of it as a Groundhog Day scenario but with a purpose. Each loop provides an opportunity to experiment, to test different outcomes without the fear of long-term consequences. Triggering the Golden Rule doesn’t mean game over; it’s part of the experience. This encourages exploration and experimentation, pushing you to dive deeper into the narrative possibilities 'The Forgotten City' offers.
Story and Characters – The Heart of 'The Forgotten City'
In 'The Forgotten City,' the story and its characters are not just part of the game; they are the game. Diving deep into each character's narrative isn't just recommended; it's essential. And here's why.
Voice Acting and Personality
The voice acting in this game deserves a round of applause. Each character you encounter is brimming with personality, making the ancient city feel alive and dynamic. Walking (or running) around the city never feels mundane because every character you meet adds depth to the game's world. They're not just NPCs filling space; they're pivotal to unraveling the game’s mysteries.
Building Connections
What's unique about 'The Forgotten City' is how it makes you feel about its characters. As you spend hours in the game, these characters transform from mere digital creations to almost friends. The time loop plays a crucial role here. While you, the player, remember the events of the previous loop, the characters do not. This asymmetry could have been a hindrance, but the game handles it cleverly. The dialogue options are cheeky and intelligently designed to acknowledge this time disparity, keeping the interactions fresh and engaging.
Dialogue and Depth
Every character you talk to holds a piece of the puzzle. Initially, some interactions might seem superficial, but as you progress through the loops, layers are added to these relationships. The depth of each character gradually unveils, providing a richer understanding of their role in the city. This evolving relationship with the characters adds a layer of complexity and immersion to the gameplay.
Plot Twists and Story Engagement
Without venturing into spoiler territory, let's just say the plot twists in 'The Forgotten City' are exceptional. They exceeded my expectations and kept me glued to the screen. The storyline is so captivating that I found myself eagerly awaiting my next gaming session, pondering the previous night’s discoveries and eager to unravel more. The narrative is not just a backdrop; it's a driving force that compels you to return, loop after loop.
The beauty of 'The Forgotten City' lies in how it entwines the player with its characters and story. Each loop adds more understanding, more depth, and more investment in the fate of this ancient city and its inhabitants.
Graphics and Soundtrack – The Artistry of 'The Forgotten City'
'The Forgotten City', released on July 28, 2021, is not just a marvel of storytelling; it's a visual and auditory feast, especially when experienced on the Steam Deck OLED. Developed by Modern Storyteller, an Australian development studio, the game began as a Skyrim mod created by Nick Pearce, who later founded the studio to transform it into this standalone adventure. The game's aesthetic choices and soundtrack play a vital role in immersing you into its mysterious world.
Visual Splendor on Display
Playing on the OLED screen, the game's graphics are striking. The contrast between the dark, underground passages and the sunlit ruins of the ancient city is rendered beautifully. This isn't just Skyrim revisited; it's Skyrim refined. The game takes the familiar engine and adds a new polish, a sheen that brings the ancient world to life in stunning detail. As the day progresses in the game, there's a subtle but impactful transition from daylight to dusk. This gradual change in lighting adds an element of realism and urgency to your exploration. It’s not just the environments that stand out, but also the eerily beautiful gold statues scattered throughout the city. These statues, cursed inhabitants frozen in time, are a testament to the game’s attention to detail and atmosphere.
The Subtle Power of Music
The soundtrack of 'The Forgotten City', composed by Michael Allen, might not be something you'd listen to outside the game, but within the context of the game, it's a different story. Allen's music complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the sense of mystery and exploration without overpowering the experience. The auditory backdrop he created is as immersive as it is subtle, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere of the game.
Development Team’s Artistry
The graphics and music are the results of the meticulous work of the development team at Modern Storyteller, who have managed to create an engaging, immersive world. Their ability to bring ancient Rome to life, coupled with a soundtrack that perfectly matches the game’s tone, deserves recognition. 'The Forgotten City' is a clear example of how art and technology can come together to create something truly remarkable. In this game, every visual and auditory element is carefully crafted to enhance the player's experience. It’s a game where art and narrative intertwine, creating an adventure that’s as much a pleasure to see and hear as it is to play.
Personal Highlights – The Unfolding Mysteries of 'The Forgotten City'
Initially, 'The Forgotten City' might seem like it's finding its footing, but it quickly becomes an immersive narrative. The game's unique rhythm, once understood, reveals a tapestry of interconnected stories and characters that turn every encounter into a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Characters: From Background to Spotlight
Each character you meet, no matter how seemingly unimportant, becomes a vital part of the story. This narrative depth transforms casual encounters into integral plot points, emphasizing the game's clever storytelling.
Masterful Time Loop Integration
The introduction and execution of the time loop mechanic is seamless and brilliantly intertwined with the story. It's not a gimmick; it's a fundamental part of the narrative structure. Other games like 'Loop Hero' and 'Deathloop' have played with this concept, but 'The Forgotten City' brings its unique flavor. The smooth incorporation of the loop stands out, especially compared to other story-driven games I've enjoyed, like 'Life is Strange: True Colors' and 'Firewatch'.
A Compelling Drive to Finish
While games like 'Firewatch' and 'Life is Strange' are compelling in their own right, 'The Forgotten City' had me hooked in a way that I just had to see it through to the end. There's this irresistible pull to unravel every piece of the story, to understand every twist and turn. It's not just about finishing the game; it's about satisfying the burning curiosity the game ignites in you.
Wrapping Up 'The Forgotten City'
While some critiques point to dated animations and character models, these are minor compared to the game's strengths. The voice acting and narrative compensate for any visual limitations, making the experience rich and rewarding.
The only notable drawback is the limited replayability, inherent to the mystery genre. However, it's a game that leaves a lasting impression, and one that I'm glad to have in my collection for future revisits, perhaps to share with friends or family.
Join the Conversation
I'm keen to hear your thoughts on 'The Forgotten City'. Join our Discord for in-depth discussions or reach out via social media. I'm curious to hear which character's story intrigued you the most or what was your favorite plot twist? Let's discuss the intricacies of this time-bending adventure together!
Also, as we delve into time loops, don't miss our next mainline podcast episode on 'Majora’s Mask.' If you're exploring this classic for the first time or revisiting it, our Discord is the perfect place for shared experiences and discussions.
Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the medium, I look forward to connecting with you and hearing about your gaming adventures!
Composed by Alex Stahlmann
Images courtesy of IGDB.com and The Forgotten City.
