KMGR of "Exile: Journey through Darkness"

Image via WikipediaExile: Journey through Darkness is more like interactive fiction than a game... It features excellent writing, but ultimately isn't that much of a game as you don't as much play it as see it happen. The end result, including the major "twist" at the end, is as shocking as it intends to be, and the result... again, is mixed.

The game is an isometric adventure with very few commands. You basically can choose to go in a particular direction (as dictated by arrow on screen to another screen), or interact with something on screen.

Its most interesting aspect is known as "face-off", where you need to "battle" your opponent in a test of wills. Your opponent will say something, which will reveal his upcoming attack: plead, threaten, lie, or deal. The game explains which one beats which one. So choose wisely. If you chose the right one, he loses energy. If you both picked the same or polar opposite, both lose. The idea is to deplete his mental energy before he does it to yours. If you win, he will do what you want.

The story started with a bang. Your character woke up underwater, and struggled to the surface. You know your daughter Perdita is nearby, and she is in danger. You must make your way back into town to find her... But how do you convince the person that you see to help you? And why is he so reluctant to get involved?

And the story just starts to take twists and turns you don't expect. You start to gain various powers... some of which you need to solve your problems. You'll find a conspiracy around you... many people wish to kill you... and you WILL find out who really killed you at the end... and it'll be a huge "Sixth Sense"-type revelation that'd be so shocking... you'll flip. And too bad as that's the end of the game.

The graphics are a bit low-tech, but they got the job done. Music... is okay.

All in all, Exile: Journey Through Darkness makes you justify does the ends really justify the means, and what WILL you do for love? And how will you handle the truth? It has great writing, but the game aspects are just a bit too simple.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: great story, some genuinely shocking moments, great twist
Cons: not much of a GAME