nw1630

In my opinion, this game is overrated. I didn't connect with it as much as other players, but I guess I'm not really the demographic for it. I've found it's mostly men talking on it being super moving, and in some ways it is, but it didn't bring me to tears - not like The Last of Us or Life is Strange (1&2), sue me. I think the missing factor is the true sense of tragedy. Like, Arthur fully caused his downfall with ignorance & the whole discourse on "redemption" was a little cringe to me, like "oh, I don't feel guilty about murdering people until I'm the one who's gonna die", and unfortunately, I think that's the mindset of the incel majority who play this game. With The Last of Us, it was sad because Joel died saving someone he loved. Seeing him be moved to protect Ellie is selfless - Arthur is giving narcissistic. With Life is Strange, it dealt with real **** like grooming and murder or racism and the long-lasting effects of that - with Arthur, it's kind of like a fantasy version of real issues. Also, the whole faux-tragic love story between Arthur and Mary made me roll my eyes. Arthur didn't even seem like he liked her, and neither did she! In fact, I think they're both insufferable even without each other - Arthur's gruff, bordering-on-rude act, and Mary's disregard for Arthur's feelings is just bleh. I think they were only framed as a tragic couple for said incel majority because it seems like the kind of thing they would love: tough cowboy x busty southern belle - someone tell these men to discover AO3, because I swear, just because she wants your help and has big boobs, doesn't mean she's the love of your life, but congratulations, it might mean you are in fact the real life Mary and Arthur. That being said, I can't say anything bad about the actual gameplay - it's detailed, fun and never-ending. You can collect cigarette cards, meet with strangers, craft collectables, etc. I think this is the game's major redeeming quality that separates it from being just another game.

Kind of incredible for a prequel, answers most of my curiosities about Arcadia Bay before Max's return. I particularly enjoyed the extra time with Chloe after the first game (no pun intended) as her character was complex but lovable. I did, however, find myself in the same situation with Rachel Amber, wanting more time with her, like with Chloe, but I think it works for the narrative since her whole thing is that she's the elusive it-girl. The overall vibe is great too, Chloe's POV being more punk than Max's hipster perspective of life - I enjoyed having more insight into the town, with Frank, Firewalk and the Ambers. Anyways, BUY THIS GAME!!