PC User Reviews

PAGAN: Autogeny is undoubtedly my favourite game of 2019. Many one-developer games fail as they are either too ambitious, or too safe. Autogeny, as well as the two other PAGAN games, are exceptions to this. These games are the result of genuine passion and artistry; Oleander Garden utilises every aspect of the games - audio, gameplay, narrative, graphics etc. - to create a wonderfully focussed and thought-provoking experience. I didn't expect much going into Autogeny - there had been no significant publicity for it and the description was quite vague - and I am so glad that this was the case. Unravelling the story and meaning of the series has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in my two decades of gaming. On top of this, it exposed me to a world view that I had not really considered before. I won't say what that is - I fully recommend that whoever reads this buys and plays the game for themselves. It may be confusing at times, and you may have to look for help online, but that's all part of this game's charm. "Games as art" is not as much of a controversial subject as it once was, but people still misuse the idea. Many think that pure aesthetic, narrative, or tactile quality is what makes games art - but that doesn't cover the most important elements: meaning, structure, and intent. PAGAN isn't the best looking series out there, but it's not meant to be. It doesn't have the most dramatic or emotional story - hell, at times it feels like there is no story - but its one that will stick with you once you understand it. It certainly doesn't have the most satisfying gameplay, but that works in its favour. PAGAN is everything PAGAN needs to be, and I'd never have it any other way.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]