Mesmeric & emotionally compromising // Recommended for fans of rich, character-driven narratives

LockeProposal's Big Day Out

+ Journals & character biographies hold massive amounts of information and behind-the-scenes storytelling+ Voice-acting is absolutely top-shelf, almost across the board+ Soundtrack is well-selected and is implemented flawlessly; complements the narrative atmosphere+ Choices really matter, and the consequences of said choices reverberate throughout the rest of the narrative+ Does well to handle myriad mature themes, and does not do so in a manner that comes off as crass or over-saturated+ Intensely atmospheric; game can be played in marathon sessions without a distinct feeling of being drained or drawn-out+ Camera work is very well done, and gives interactions a decidedly cinematic feel; is very effective at moving the story forward, visually+ All characters, even supporting cast, enjoy applaudable depth and development; it must be said that the player is likely to develop emotional attachment to some of the characters, making the game an effective experience+ Player is able to replay scenes and actions, so as to explore the effects of one's decisions+ Environments are very detailed, and boast largely competent lighting effects- Atrocious lip syncronization- Visuals and textures are mostly underwhelming, and feel somewhat dated (does not necessarily detract from one's appreciation of the art-style, however)