Tuesday 27 March, 2018

Restarting the game a few times confirmed my earlier suspicions - this is very much a linear 'amber' narrative and the supposed 'options' are inconsequential. Ironically, this is highly appropriate for the subject matter being presented. Black Friday was a force unto itself and much of the conflict was as inevitable as gravity. Even the most influential people of the era could have done little more than postpone the eruption of violence - a relative innocent like Reza has no chance to exert any significant influence.

Whether you initiate violence with the police or not, they open fire on the crowd - Reza escapes but Abbas is wounded. Whether you treat Abbas' wounds or not, he pulls through to continue the revolution. Whether you support or object to getting involved further, Babak drags you to the rebel hideout at the radio station.

Autonomy is an illusion and Reza continues to be swept up in events beyond his control, which strain his ability to comprehend them.

Great job Shelia! The way that game’s subject matter is metaphorically represented in the player’s false sense of agency is a great observation. Continue to consider how the amount of agency given to a player can give different context in how the player perceives a game’s subject matter.