War video games often rely on violence to drive the gameplay. but 'Only Shadows' focuses more on the after effects of serving in the military. Designed as a first-person exploration game, 'Only Shadows' tasks players with exploring a world of broken paths that all stem from conflict and war. The game does this by portraying a constantly shifting mind, meant to showcase the impact war can have on an individual.
Gameplay in 'Only Shadows' revolves mostly around puzzle solving and memorization. Various settings help drive these puzzles and can range from large war rooms to serene suburban settings. Floating text gives some context to what is going on but the game ultimately lies on aesthetics to force players to interpret the memories in the game.
PTSD-Inspired Indie Games
'Only Shadows' Portrays War Through Memories and Fractured Thought
Trend Themes
1. Ptsd-inspired Games - Opportunity to create video games that focus on the after effects of traumatic experiences, exploring the impact on individuals.
2. First-person Exploration - Opportunity to design games that emphasize exploration and immersion, allowing players to navigate and interact with different environments.
3. Aesthetic Storytelling - Opportunity to utilize visuals and aesthetics to convey emotions and narratives in video games, creating a unique and immersive experience for players.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - Opportunity for game developers to create innovative and impactful games that address sensitive topics and evoke emotional responses.
2. Therapeutic Gaming - Opportunity to incorporate gaming as a therapeutic tool to help individuals understand and cope with traumatic experiences, providing a new form of therapy.
3. Narrative Visualization - Opportunity to utilize storytelling through visuals and interactive experiences in various mediums, such as video games, virtual reality, and augmented reality.