Many experienced players get so tired of spectacular special effects that they recall youth and simple simple games. The main thing in them was not the graphics, but the plot. It is no coincidence that today the genre of text quests has become popular again. In such games there are no three-dimensional pictures, in fact, we are invited to paint them with fantasy. The process is controlled through the selection of a text menu. The game STAY (Do not leave) at first glance seems like a typical representative of this series. But in reality, everything is much more interesting.
Download Do Not Go Game for iPhone and iPad (App Store)
In such games, the background is important. It is necessary to form the basis for fantasy on something. In STAY, in a short video, we show the story of a man named Quinn, who was kidnapped for some strange purpose. And so he ended up in a dark room, lit only by a computer monitor. Chat is launched in it, on the other side of which the player appears. We have to find out: who is Quinn, how he got here and help him get out of a difficult situation.
The playing field itself is clearly moving away from the concept of a regular text quest. The main part of the screen is still occupied by the field for communicating with Quinn. In the terminal, we see its replicas and send the selected own answer options. On the left is the camera window, in which we see the unlucky prisoner. His face is not static, but constantly changing in accordance with emotions. Below are the mood sensors of Quinn and his relationship to us. In the process of developing the plot in accordance with our reaction in the form of answers, these indicators will change in one direction or another. Initially, he distrusts us, and he can be understood. It is not clear where to trust a stranger in a computer? Isn’t this another trap?
In the process of communicating with Quinn, he finds objects, finds himself in various situations, and constantly consults with us. We have to give him advice and help solve puzzles. Along the way, you can learn more about Quinn, trying to understand the reason for his imprisonment. But there is no need to overdo it with interference in your personal life – this can ruin our relationship. Fortunately, the prisoner turned out to be quite sociable (and does he have a choice?) And with a sense of humor. But remember that wrong advice can not only offend Quinn, but also destroy him. The passage of the game depends on the choice of the phrase transmitted through the terminal.
An unusual feature of STAY is the construction of an action based on real-time mode. In parallel with the time of the game itself, the timing of our absence from the game is also underway. This clearly improves engagement in the process. You can forget about the game and the unlucky Quinn, but all this time he will be tormented and wait for an answer in the terminal. Only an unscrupulous person can throw it! The game unobtrusively nurtures feelings of guilt, bringing us back to our place.
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But it would be boring in STAY to just chat with Quinn, even if he answers different questions lively. The game is interesting to others – for its puzzles. It turns out that you can diversify their text quest. We have to visit with Quinn in 19 different rooms, try to understand the purpose of 44 items of inventory. The game has links to ancient Egyptian culture, quotes from psychologists. Books and films scattered everywhere let us know that we will have to work our heads. There is no need to talk about the linearity of the plot – 7 variants of endings are able to make STAY go more than once.
In the course of solving puzzles, it will be possible to gain direct control over objects. Only the first obstacles seem simple, but it’s difficult to call them traditional. Fans of smart games will certainly appreciate the level of puzzles. It will be necessary not only to think over some places, but to estimate tactics of actions with a pen in hand. But the solution to the puzzles will reward you with a sense of satisfaction, and Quinn will certainly appreciate the help. There is no overabundance of riddles – the game is divided into 24 chapters, and such tasks are found only in every third or fourth scene. So the creators of STAY skillfully combine the psychology of communication with a simple logical, but still action.
The picture is not a “chip” of such games. At STAY, we are dealing with simplified but nice pixel graphics. It perfectly helps to shape the feeling of a computer terminal. Dark colors recreate an atmosphere of gloom and mystery. The music turned out to be similar to the schedule. Creepy and exciting, it really helps to feel the whole atmosphere of Quinn’s helplessness.
Compassion is one of the most important human qualities. Thanks to STAY, we manage not only to show it, but also to spend time with interest. The full passage of the game will take from 5 to 8 hours, but the variability of the endings can make you return to Quinn and his problems. The story of this hero really turned out to be deep and meaningful. Together with him we will make mistakes and correct ourselves, be offended and put up, overcome obstacles. But we really feel that we are influencing what is happening. The character, on whose interaction the game is built, turned out to be well-developed, witty and charming. It is impossible not to sympathize with him. A small “fly in the ointment” in the game can be considered only difficult puzzles and inconvenient controls when working with them.
Download Do Not Go Game for iPhone and iPad (App Store)
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