It’s a shame that a game that decided to deal with such heavy topics dropped the ball like this because it could have brought awareness to these very real issues and the very real consequences they carry. If the game took another hour or so to explore some of its themes further, to demonise the father instead of victimizing him, “The Good” section of this review might have been longer. However, when the issues present in the game’s story rears its ugly head, it takes an excellent story and slams it into the mud. The voice actor tries their best with what they’re given but it often comes off sounding like robot aliens.īefore I reached the final act, I was ready to score this game at around an eight. I’m not sure if it’s a localisation issue but there are many lines that simply don’t sound natural and represent how a normal person would speak. My final issue with the game is its script. A more accurate phrasing would be to replace ‘grooming’ with ‘sexual abuse.’ Another issue I have is that it should recommend that victims of these issues seek professional counseling, but that might be more of a personal gripe. I spent the game waiting to learn how Nicole’s father might have groomed Rachel but the topic is never touched upon. My issue with this content warning is that the game does not ever tackle the issue of grooming. Everytime you start the game, you read “The Suicide of Rachel Foster is a fictional game containing sensitive subjects that explore grooming and suicide.” It then, wisely considering how poorly it tackles these subjects, recommends that anyone dealing with these issues avoids playing the game and talking to a friend or calling a local helpline. The presence of it is great but what it actually says is misrepresentative of the game’s content. Its conclusions are problematic and half actualised, which is maddening considering the narrative’s excellent beginning.Īnother issue I have is with the opening content warning. The game finally culminates in an ending that wants to achieve an emotional weight that is not deserved, ultimately leaving its themes half explored. It is somewhat unclear if this was intentional or not but it is a huge issue nonetheless. I am doing my best not to spoil anything but I feel the need to mention that the game paints a picture that Nicole’s father, the one who molested a minor, is a victim. This leads to a problematic message being sent to the player. A reveal is made most of the way through and while that reveal itself was well done, everything that happens after that is a product of lazy storytelling. While the story is great, it only stays that way for the first 80% of the game. A fitting setting for the game’s length.The Timberland is a three-storey building, with just the right amount of varied areas to explore when compared with the game’s short length. Finally, the setting of the game is very strong. There are memories and recordings of other characters but Nicole and Irving carry the story for the majority of the game. Throughout the game, there are only two characters present: Nicole and a Federal Emergency Management Agent that she talks with on the phone, named Irving. At the same time, supernatural elements are introduced as fears that Rachel’s ghost haunts the hotel.Īnother strong aspect of the game is how much it does with so little. The story explores the effects of the father’s actions on the community around him, his family, and Nicole herself. Nicole is trapped inside the hotel during a blizzard and is forced to face the demons of her past while trying to survive alone in the middle of the remote Montana mountains. Her family was fractured after Nicole’s father had an affair with the sixteen year old Rachel Foster, which led to a pregnancy and her suicide. It follows Nicole, a young girl who returns to her family’s hotel where she was raised, The Timberland, shortly after the death of her estranged father, with intentions of selling the building. The Goodīy far, this game’s strongest aspect is its story. The topics of sexual abuse against a minor and suicide are prevelant throughout the game, so naturally, will be prevalent in this review. With that being said, I would like to take a page from the game itself and give a content warning. The Suicide of Rachel Foster is a short, single-player experience with an emotionally charged narrative that explores some very dark themes. The Suicide of Rachel Foster is a story-heavy casual adventure game brought to us by Roma developer One O One Games and German game publisher Daedalic Entertainment, the latter being the very same who brought us State of Mind (found on Switchaboo as well, I recommend you read it). We're partnered with Skillshare, where you can do unlimited online courses that'll help you create art, make games, and even help you with school/university! Click here for a free 1 month trial.
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