The Long Dark Review (PlutoniumElysio)
I've been a fan of this game and its development for a very long time it feels-- as far back as mid-2015. As soon as I was able to persuade my parents to get it for myself, I was glued to its universe and still find it such a fascinating world even as an adult-- perhaps moreso, because I'm older now and can appreciate its production quality/timeline. It's also incredibly refreshing to be able to play a game that beautifully harnesses natural fear and tension instead of cheap jumpscares or loud noises for the sake of just startling; not only does this game cleverly harness my anxieties in a rather positive and cathartic way, but the psychological terror of fighting every step to survive in a vast open world of snowy regions long since abandoned by their former rulers is absolutely riveting.
And every time I hear the music or see the art style of this game, I am swept back up into the cool windy embrace of those howling lands: The somber yet hopeful cello, the taut apprehensive violin, the flowing ivories of the piano... All of the sound design and art of this game feels so unique and has been such an impact on me growing up, so much so that I'll probably never truly realize just how much its very existence has inspired me and my work/love of creating.
The concept of surviving as long as you can in the quiet apocalypse is simple, yet expertly executed in my eyes. Everything from scavenging to exploring feels balanced, or like actually trying to survive in the wild, even in the later stages of the game-- my dying to a wolf just before reaching 100 Days is certainly proof of that (and I haven't even tried for 500 yet!). The first time I succumbed to the long dark is also memorable, though reflective of my earlier naivety when I accidentally over-corrected my balance and fell off of the train tracks traversing between Coastal Highway and Mystery Lake. But, as embarrassing as my fatal noob mistake was, I hopped right back into another save to begin anew! And that cycle has certainly continued, with the spirit of open-world survival being loyally and consistently kindled through the game's incredibly immersive atmosphere and passionate well-combined mechanics. It always perfectly scratches that itch I get whenever I need to disconnect my brain from reality and enjoy living in a virtual open world, navigating the copious yet unique regions and exploring what all they have to offer my hoarder side.
I've never had another game enrapture my mind in such an intensely beautiful way like The Long Dark does. Any time a friend even remotely reminds me of this game, I encourage them to get it for themselves if able, in the hopes that they experience even a sliver of the sheer wonder this game has faithfully provided me through the years. It is absolutely worth the purchase in my book, and I don't plan on stopping that hours-on-record count any time soon! I'll get the rest of those achievements too-- mark my words, haha-- but until then I've truly enjoyed savouring the incredible experience that Hinterland provides. Thank you.