Primarily based on the works of author H.P. Lovecraft, Dagon: Full Version would greatest be described as a visible novel. Interplay is proscribed to clicking elements of the display to advance or discover trivia hotspots. These on the lookout for journey gained’t discover rather a lot right here, however followers of the written phrase might need to give this one a better look.
I’m not very accustomed to the works of Lovecraft, a fellow New Englander who had a tough life and obtained extra fame after his loss of life. However I’m accustomed to his inspiration (Edgar Allen Poe) plus subsequent media that Lovecraft himself impressed. I’m additionally accustomed to visible novels as one thing of a bookworm. Lastly, I drift in direction of horror video games that lack demonic parts, and are much less targeted on blood, bounce scares, and violence. Dagon is extra about an unsettling environment and leaving you to your personal interpretation, one thing indicated by its lack of an M-rating.
Whereas I name this a visible novel, it’s extra like a group of visible brief tales. The titular Dagon (from 1917) is one such instance. It’s loosely named after the Philistine god (typically related to fish), most well-known for having his homes of worship and statues repeatedly collapsed by the Almighty. The story retains the murky fish angle to some extent however largely goes off in a singular path, to its profit. Medicine and solar publicity are a frightening duo for a person adrift at sea. I gained’t spoil something, however once more it’s a brief story. I wouldn’t name it a breezy learn, however it’s too temporary to be heavy-handed. The narrator provides an acceptable gravity to the proceedings.
To make this assortment “Full” DLC has been added within the type of extra Lovecraft diversifications. All are simply as temporary (“appropriate for one gaming session” as marketed) however add range to this assortment. Additionally they introduce range in narration, though you too can learn alongside (with adjustable font). One DLC is an adaptation of a brief story from when Lovecraft was solely seven, fittingly narrated in a younger-sounding voice. One other is an excerpt from a letter an grownup Lovecraft wrote to a buddy describing a nightmare. Right here, it makes an attempt a grown-up New England accent with affordable outcomes.
At factors, you possibly can click on spots for trivia on the historic background of Lovecraft’s work and the author himself. Attention-grabbing, however despite the fact that I solely discovered about two-thirds on my playthrough, these aren’t robust replay incentives to expertise this launch. Although maybe will probably be efficient in getting folks into the existential writings of the writer.
Dagon: Full Version is intriguing in the best way many visible novels are. Whereas its brevity helps it keep away from some points frequent to the style, it additionally lessens the influence it could have. Can the environment conveyed by this presentation compete with your personal creativeness? The written phrase solely interprets so effectively on this medium. Nonetheless, the visuals complement it effectively (with a zoom possibility), the solid of narrators is assorted and succesful, and the HD rumble implementation is immersive.
