The story was told well, I like that it's kind of an "open world" story, something you discover in the order you choose to look through things to some degree, and as intensely as you choose to. This is an exception to that! I got this game in a bundle, so I hadn't read the description and didn't know what to expect from it beyond the warnings at the beginning. I've always thought these 'phones-as-an-extension-of-their-user' games are really interesting, but I'm not a fan of how most of them are done. The way it's all integrated is immersive, extremely well though out, and balances storytelling with gameplay really well.
The art is gorgeous, the music is gorgeous. The tl dr is: I really, really enjoyed this. I didn't find the artwork to be a key attraction or detraction to the game. Visuals - 3/5 - The pictures were a crucial addition to help get the narrative across. There was a bit of information overload at the start, but this was the best part of the game for me. Mechanics - 4.5/5 - Puzzles can often be frustrating, but because the search for clues kept unfolding new pieces of the narrative, it made the process a joy rather than a chore. But for me, the ending to this story is not something to be applauded, and lauding that decision soured the entire game. Story - 3/5 - As a narrative, the story is well-rounded and immersive. I just can't get behind the message this game wants to get across. The puzzles make use of this feature well. The creator makes use of the unique interface to spin a compelling narrative. I can't deny that this game is well-made. Note: I played this game on my phone, which I would recommend for the optimal experience. It's a clever way of delivering a narrative, with you discovering more about Sam, the more you investigate the phone. "This new phone has a lot to explore, even if you may not see it on the first look. But it has the same small moments of revelation, all of which come together to form a story in its own neat yet meandering way." "It shares some of the feeling of Her Story, albeit featuring today's technology and with less of a focus on the crime angle. A relatable story that helps build empathy with the characters, allowing to explore difficult topics such as identity, gender binarism, individuation and privacy.
The game asks a simple question: if you close the app but still think about the game, have you truly stopped playing?
An immersive and intuitive way of introducing the narrative through a fake smartphone interface.Digging through secrets scattered among apps, text messages and photo galleries, the player-voyeur starts witnessing the emotions of Sam, and behind the apparent light-heartedness of a teenage story, their questioning on coming of age, homophobia, depression or the search of oneself. Through the interface of a mobile phone, the player must discover what happened to its owner, Sam. OUT NOW on PC, MAC, LINUX, iOS and Android! A Normal Lost Phone is a game about exploring the intimacy of an unknown person whose phone was found by the player.