Narrative
Ongoing coverage on Narrative.
Latest coverage
Silent Hill: Townfall review - an often inspired, if slightly lumbering trek into the fog
Silent Hill: Townfall offers an inspired, albeit somewhat slow-paced, journey into the iconic foggy town, exploring themes of trauma, corporate neglect, and the challenges faced by healthcare workers. While the stealth mechanics can be tedious, the game's narrative and atmosphere are compelling, particularly in its second half, making it an interesting exploration of developer identity within the Silent Hill franchise.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s Cloud is Still the Protagonist, But You’ll See “Other Characters” More
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi confirmed Cloud Strife remains the main protagonist, but the game will feature other characters more prominently. The title, set to launch on April 8th, 2027, will include dedicated content for characters like Barret, Tifa, and Yuffie, aiming to balance the narrative focus while delivering on fan expectations.
Control Resonant review - A kaleidoscopic ode to creativity
Control Resonant is a masterful expansion that reimagines the original game's formula, offering a fresh yet familiar experience. Players step into the shoes of Dylan Faden, exploring a warped Manhattan with new paranatural abilities and facing unique combat challenges. The game is praised for its inventive level design, narrative depth, and celebration of creativity, making it a standout title.
Control Resonant review - action-RPG oriented follow-up to Control leaves behind too much of what gave the original its magic
Control Resonant, a follow-up to Control, shifts towards an action-RPG focus but loses much of the original's narrative magic and atmospheric focus. While it expands the scope with a larger world and new mechanics, the review criticizes its diluted narrative, less compelling family dynamics, and combat that hasn't significantly improved. The game's attempt to incorporate live-service elements is seen as detrimental to its unique identity.
Control Resonant’s Best Aspect Left Me Utterly Speechless
Control Resonant is Remedy Entertainment's best gameplay experience to date, featuring deep, engaging melee combat mechanics and a stunning rendition of Manhattan. The game successfully blends Remedy's signature weirdness with satisfying power progression and a surprisingly touching narrative centered on Dylan Faden's redemption arc. Despite minor frustrations with the map navigation, the game's art direction, combat design, and emotional depth make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Final Fantasy Resonance Teases A Rollercoaster Narrative In New Trailer
The latest trailer for Final Fantasy Resonance showcases a classic RPG narrative with memorable characters and intersecting storylines. The game features a blend of traditional RPG elements with modern HD-2D visuals, emphasizing vibrant colors and dynamic scenes. The trailer also highlights character bonds, including those with Noctis and Gilgamesh, and confirms an October 22nd release date.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Director Won’t Confirm Whether the DLC Takes Place in the Past or Present
Director Naoki Hamaguchi has not confirmed whether the upcoming DLC for Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, focusing on Sephiroth and Vincent Valentine, will take place in the past or present. The DLC is slated for release between Winter 2027 and Spring 2028 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Here’s The Great New Tactics Game You Should Be Playing–And I Don’t Mean Fire Emblem Or Zero Company
Ex Sanguis is a highly recommended tactics game that builds upon the strengths of Othercide with a snappier roguelike gameplay loop and streamlined mechanics. While it may lack the deep narrative of its predecessor, its satisfying combat and rewarding progression make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Elder Scrolls Online’s rumors system offers ‘an old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience’
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing a new 'rumor system' on September 28th, designed to offer a less guided, 'old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience.' This system categorizes quests into Whispers, Plots, and Conspiracies, with increasing difficulty and requiring players to connect clues without extensive UI guidance.
Faraday Blues: Rewrite Your Family’s Fate Across Three Shattered Realities
Faraday Blues, a surreal sci-fi adventure game, is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2027 with Xbox Cloud Gaming support. Developed by Serenity Forge, the game allows players to rewrite tragic choices across three interconnected visual novels by manipulating relationships and memories using character cards. The narrative features 64 reality-altering endings and is a personal project for Game Director Zhenghua Yang, co-creator Satchely, and narrative director Kevin Ye.
CONTROL 2 – What Happens Next? Breaking Down the Biggest Connections
This analysis delves into the narrative connections and unanswered questions surrounding Remedy Entertainment's Control and its upcoming title, Control Resonant. It explores the roles of Dylan and Jesse Faden, the Federal Bureau of Control, and new threats like the Resonants and The Patterning, highlighting the series' signature mystery and focus on control.
Review – Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion (Switch 2)
The Nintendo Switch 2 port of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion is praised as the definitive way to experience the game, offering a smooth, visually appealing performance. While the action RPG's core story and gameplay are solid, the narrative is criticized for veering into fan fiction territory, and the DMW system is deemed bizarre and inconsistent, though it shines in the final moments.
Why Blizzard Stopped Protecting The Overwatch Formula To Save The Game
Blizzard is embracing changes to Overwatch's core formula, including a new Perk system and a year-long narrative arc, to revitalize the game and surprise players. Associate game director Alec Dawson stated that the team is no longer afraid to innovate, aiming to expand the definition of Overwatch while maintaining its status as a top competitive shooter.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Is The Series’ New Peak
Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is hailed as the new high point for the series, blending deep interconnected stories with intricate RPG systems. The game features a unique sci-fi setting, a flexible structure allowing players to tackle stories in any order, and expertly designed tactical combat. Its layered narrative, gorgeous visuals, and impressive orchestral score contribute to a sprawling masterpiece.
Rumi and Jinu: On Some Showing Compassion, Making a Difference
This article discusses a pivotal narrative decision made by the character Rumi in the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, focusing on her choice to change her perception of Jinu. The decision is highlighted as crucial to the film's overall story.
Rumi’s Last Stand: A Battle Already Won
The article discusses the final battle of Rumi's journey against Gwi-Ma, highlighting Gwi-Ma's taunt about Rumi's inability to fix herself or the world. It frames the conclusion as a moment where Rumi's personal struggles are central to the narrative.
The Green Light Review
The Green Light review highlights a game that starts intriguingly with a stealth mechanic but quickly devolves into repetitive delivery quests. The article expresses disappointment that the experience ends abruptly just as it begins to gain momentum.
Weekend Discussion - September 12, 2026
This weekend discussion post from September 12, 2026, covers various topics including a conversation with Matt Groening about The Simpsons' future predictions, a new card game based on Dangeresque, Lobo movie scenes, fighting game art, and music from Kings of Leon. The author also shares personal gaming interests, including platformers, puzzle games, shooters, RPGs, and compelling narratives.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Celebrates Successful Launch With Accolades Trailer
The Blood of Dawnwalker has received a highly favorable critical reception following its launch, with an accolades trailer celebrating its success. The game is praised for its unpredictable adventure, engaging combat, innovative mechanics, and compelling story, particularly its unique human and vampire dichotomy.
Wolverine Only Aims As High As Its Stout Hero
Insomniac Games' Wolverine is a solid, cinematic action game that serves the character well but fails to leverage the studio's creative strengths. While the visual presentation and character performances are commendable, the combat lacks weight, flow, and depth, feeling rote and unrewarding. The narrative offers an emotional perspective on Logan and sets up future X-Men universe developments, but the gameplay remains largely unremarkable.