Almost Home

First impression

I want to download the linux version of the game on itchio and already receive a warning this might be a scam. Not a great start but not usually within the fault of the developer. Quick research seem to show real humans behind the project, so let’s go ahead

Cover Art

I saw the statement regarding that the game cover art is AI generated. I was thinking the same originally. The creator says no AI has been used I want to believe them. But then I have the question: Why the art is misleading? The game is on a highway as you can see ingame on the guardrails on the street. The image shows a rural road. There are hands trying to fetch the main character, while there are no aspects of that in game. So what was the artists intention? The best explanation I can come up with is that the artist heard the brief of the game and drew the image without having ever played the game, which is a bit sad for an indie game of such a small team size.

Playthrough

I have recorded a video but as this game doesn’t have any gameplay, it wouldn’t be very useful to show something. I am just walking with my music along the road where nothing happens. Well, three things are happening

2:30 minutes

Dad calls me. My character says it will take 15 minutes. The horror if having actually keep the W button pressed for 15 more minutes

7:00 minutes

I can use a flashlight for the dark street. I can actually see more without the flashlight than with

10:00 minutes

Battery dies with the music and the flashlight

11:00 minutes

There is a low poly car. I get the prompt to hide. Hide from what? Why? Any option is better than keep on walking. I “hide” seemingly that’s my death and I get the end credits

Music

I understand this is a vibey game. The tracks working well and it’s appreciated that the tracks can be changed and the volume be adapted. That’s convenient. Sadly every track started to annoy me when the percussion starts. I would love to hear the intent of the composer of what function the percussion serves

Summary

Total playtime of 12 minutes. It’s a pure vibes game. Although little bit more of a game then the DeadLane submission but PixelDraft has been aware that it’s not really a game more of a movie. Games like this remind be that we aren’t thinking about the same things when we are talking about what a game is. Although this might belong to the walking simulator genre. But thank you for the subtitles!