Where We Remain
I wanted to take the time this week to promote a game some friends at Twofold Secret have made. Granted, Chris and Joel probably comprise half of my readership but I wanted to put it out there just the same.
Where We Remain is a browser game designed using Flixel. Though, unlike most browser games, it’s not one to be played at work when your boss isn’t looking. You need to be able to invest a little time into the game-and it is best with the sound turned on– so maybe play on your lunch break. It’s not that Where We Remain takes a lot of time to play but you won’t do yourself or the game justice if you don’t give it your full attention. Go play so I don’t spoil the game for you.
The first time I played I had no idea what to expect or what the game was about. I found myself on an island and came across a note from the woman I love. She’s trapped in a cave on the island and warns that I’m in danger. Foolishly ignoring her words telling me to hide, I started moving about the world and like any well-trained video game player, making collecting flowers my priority. I didn’t know what they were for, but it seemed like the thing to do. Her note said that those who intended to harm me were coming but since I didn’t see any threat on the screen I figured I had the time to run if trouble showed.
A few moments later the screen began to darken and a distant rumbling began to sound. Now beginning to worry, my love’s advice began to sink in – I should probably start looking for somewhere to hide. It was too late. A loud claxon of deep brass sounded and a writhing cloud of calamity broke onto the screen. I fruitlessly ran in the opposite direction and was promptly engulfed and killed by the great mass.
Subsequent games were a blur of running to sanctuaries, hiding in caves, and dying whenever cornered in the open. Harassed and on the run from the spirits who prowled the island, I stopped only to read the notes scattered throughout the land.
Where We Remain does a great job instilling terror with such a simple presentation. Your only hope is to stay near known caves while you look for the cave where your love is trapped. Venturing into the open without nearby shelter is a great risk. Various items can be found in caves that will help your search and your ability to stay out of the reach of the malevolent spirits. Game play aside, I enjoyed piecing together the story of the place and finding a deeper meaning in the search for the woman I love.
This is great work by Chris and Joel. They made a game with a lot of intensity using a medium that doesn’t typically have a lot of depth. Between the randomly generated elements of the island, different difficulty levels, and multiple endings, Where We Remain is a nice challenge. Play the game, and if you like what you see, be sure to help spread the word.
