May 2018
In a world where we toy with artificial intelligence more than we should, The Fall manages to deliver an experience that makes you question whether you should be cuddling with your robot vacuum or fearing its inevitable uprising. Released initially in 2014 and now making its way through the changing tides of the Nintendo Switch, this game is infused with all the charm of emerging independence and a storyline more twisted than a pretzel at a carnival.
The Fall puts you in the shoes (well, more like a high-tech suit) of A.R.I.D., an AI that’s been granted control but still has to abide by some really annoying protocols, as per the usual AI plotline where rules mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of humanity. The game is a side-scroller and utilizes cover-based shooting mechanics, meaning you do not just blindly rush into everything like a weekend warrior. You'll have to strategize, explore and use traditional adventure game mechanics such as item collection, and puzzle-solving to advance in this crumbling, futuristic world. Imagine if your GPS could solve all your communication issues but instead decided to play hard to get. That's what A.R.I.D experiences throughout her journey while looking for her injured pilot who apparently couldn’t handle a routine space mission. As she interacts with various quirky robots and bizarre facilities in search of medical attention, she faces multiple existential crises and moral dilemmas. And let’s not forget, there are all those delightful environmental hazards waiting to turn you into a digital pancake. Navigating a world that feels old and decrepit provides a haunting atmosphere that beautifully intertwines AI struggles with the narrative of survival.
When it comes to graphics, the game embraces a visually artistic design that feels like a mix between Limbo and your middle school art project that you thought was groundbreaking—except this project actually has a focus. The visuals ooze with style; the backgrounds showcase a decaying industrial landscape, and the 2D art adds a richness to the foreboding tone of the narrative. Characters and environments are designed with palpable detail, leaving you to get lost in this broken paradise that once thrived with technology. Every frame tells a story, and it’s one you’ll want to witness up close and personal.
In conclusion, The Fall delivers an engaging experience that marries thoughtful narrative with solid gameplay, keeping you entertained while pondering the fate of man versus machine. It's not just about playing a game; it's about diving deep into a philosophical rabbit hole where A.R.I.D’s journey reflects the struggles of knowing your purpose and questioning your reality. Sure, some may argue that the game doesn’t rewrite the action-adventure genre rulebook, but it certainly flips it over and doodles all over the pages. If you’re seeking a journey filled with adventure, existential dread, and a visual feast suited for the Nintendo Switch, then do yourself a favor and take the plunge into this charmingly dark title. The Fall might just end up being your next favorite game, unlike that time you trusted a robot to clean your house.
Another SquareThought Site