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Review of I Am Dead on Xbox Series X/S

by Chucky Chucky photo Aug 2021
Cover image of I Am Dead on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Released: 09 Aug 2021
Genre: Puzzle Adventure
Developer: Hollow Pond
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Introduction

Welcome to 'I Am Dead,' a puzzle adventure game where you play as a recently deceased museum curator named Morris Lupton. What could be more exciting than exploring an afterlife and meddling with the memories of the living? Spoiler: probably everything else, but here we are. Grab your spectral companion Sparky, the faithful dog who is definitely not a Schrodinger's cat, and let's dive into this slightly morbid but whimsically enchanting escapade on Xbox.

Gameplay

So, let me break this down for you. You play as Morris, who, let's be honest, had a rough go of it since he's, you know, dead. The guy wakes up in his own graveyard, which is not how you're ideally supposed to start your day. Your main goal? Save the island of Shelmerston from an impending volcanic eruption-no pressure! Equipped with a rather unusual ability to see inside people and objects (which is either a power or a gross invasion of privacy, depending on how you look at it), you navigate through quirky puzzles and cutesy quests. The puzzles aren't your typical rub-the-lamp-until-genie-shows-up kind either; they feel more akin to 'where's Waldo' but with existential dread. You'll be uncovering memories, chatting with ghostly characters, and digging into the rich (read: dead) history of the island while trying your best not to get too morose about your own existence as a floating ectoplasm. It's a mix of delightfully morbid humor and thought-provoking themes about life, death, and what we leave behind. Playing through is like consuming cotton candy at a funeral-uniquely enjoyable but with a faint taste of sadness.

Graphics

'I Am Dead' flaunts a distinctive art style that's part quirky indie vibes and part artsy funeral home brochure. The visuals are vibrant and charming, with each character looking like they were designed by an artist who had just watched one too many episodes of a feel-good ghost show. The scenery on Shelmerston Island is packed with color and personality, making the haunting (pun totally intended) environment feel alive. While you're bumbling through the game, you might find yourself appreciating these quirky visuals, and with more than a few instances of 'hey, that's cute!' sprinkled throughout the gameplay. Besides, how many games encourage you to appreciate the beauty of dead people's memories?

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'I Am Dead' is like that friend who insists on reading you their poetry while wearing a ghost-sheet costume. It's a unique narrative-driven experience, filled with whimsical charm and philosophical musings about what happens when we kick the bucket. Although it does take some major detours into hidden object territory, the clever puzzles and rich storytelling provide enough substance to make it a worthwhile venture. If you enjoy quirky adventures that make you chuckle, ponder, and ultimately feel like a slightly-better-than-average ghost for a few hours, then jump on board this surreal afterlife journey. And remember-it's all fun and games until someone loses their earthly body.

See Latest Prices for I Am Dead on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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