Those familiar with the indie video game community may know the recent-ish (2014) classic, award nominee game “Broken Age”. Beautifully charming, complimented by astonishing graphics/ art work, makes this a wonderful game for casual gamers. This will be a review of “Broken Age” regarding its positive aspects along with its flaws.
Photo Source: Broken Age – Developer: Double Fine Productions – Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Players follow the story of two young kids Velouria Beastender Tartine (referred to as Vella throughout the game) and Shay Volta. At the beginning of the series, these two have never meet and lived in two very different circumstances but they both share one problem, neither of them has any control over their future.
Shay is a young teenager who has spent his entire life on a ship and has never been given the chance to experience life as everything is made safe in this artificial, isolated environment. On the other hand, Vella has been groomed to become a sacrifice. In Vella’s land, monsters known as Mogs arrive every fourteen years to take away maidens to be appeased or so they are told.
Photo Source: Broken Age – Developer: Double Fine Productions – Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Aside from the graphics, the greatest thing to take away from this game are the messages it gives. These messages can include the importance of intimacy between loved ones or the value of individuality/ thinking for oneself. Both stories also share the message that people need to be given the freedom to grow and make their own choices.
Vella has the strongest presence as she desperately wants to save her world from suffering this fate so she rebels. Vella’s story offers more diverse scenery and characters while Shay’s would spark the interest of sci-fi lovers. It should also be mentioned that these two switch environments in act 2 so audiences can enjoy the effects of act 1’s consequences mixed with sudden realization from the characters.
Photo Source: Broken Age – Developer: Double Fine Productions – Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Unfortunately, what makes this game fall short are the numerous plot holes and the overall fall that came with act 2. Act 1 left many questions that needed to be answered that act 2 failed to elaborate on. Such as ideas that seemed extremely far fetched given the motives and characters that just seemed to lack qualities/ knowledge needed to give them life (metaphorically speaking). An example would be most situations surrounding Marekai, also the timeline lacks structure so details are left fuzzy or making little sense.
Photo Source: Broken Age – Developer: Double Fine Productions – Publisher: Double Fine Productions
Indie games are what make the gaming community so diverse and allows so many individuals to explore interests and develop skills. While not the best game in said community, “Broken Age” is still an experience many may find enjoyable. The price is reasonable and the controls/ game mechanics are easy to understand. We also want to mention the interesting extras that can be purchased directly from the official site so if interested, be sure to check it out.
Thank you for reading and please be sure to check out our other content. Leave a like and comment below with your opinions on the game, once again thank you and stay nerdy.
