kisui is Reviewing Written by dannway
Hello, welcome back. This time, I'm going to write a short review on the game “Written” by dannway. The game is made for Neo-Twiny 500 words limit interactive game jam, so this review will try to adhere to limit to that limitation too.
As usual, basic intro. An interactive fiction is a “game” where it is mostly text based. You have the choice on which path of the story you will take. Some take this further by making it like RPG with enemies and inventory system. Some has freeform like you can talk, take, attack, or kiss any object in the game and it will have a reaction to it (mostly snarky quips on less usual game choice like kissing yourself or attacking a piece of furniture). But some are also more like a Choose Your Own Adventure or a Visual Novel (albeit without the visual, only text).
“Written” is more on the Choose your own Adventure path with branching choices. The game itself is pretty simple, made from Ink interactive fiction scripting language. The game is less a game and more a piece of art with interactive fiction as delivery medium. I say this because I believe in a game you need objectives or rules to follow and play around.
This piece of narrative is a great choice of delivery medium. Without giving much spoiler, it is awkward at first, making you think “what is this? I don’t get it”. With 500 words limit, the game ends in around a minute or less. But as other interactive fiction, the game have branching path, which for interactive fiction veterans, will trigger their curiosity to try other paths not taken.
As we re-iterate other path, the game reveals more “confusing” hints of what is this. We made guesses which can’t be confirmed to no avail, giving unsatisfying ending to this. But at the same time, the choice of medium shines through this limitation. It is short and fast, it makes you want to replay in case you miss anything. Then after 5 to 10 iteration, you starts to ponder, what is the message the game trying to deliver? Who is the game referring to? What is it about? We theorize and continue on while repeating the game. Until it reaches a conclusion, a closure that is satisfying enough for us while leaving room for open interpretation and curiosity.
For the design (font choice and background) and Background Music, there are nothing that is noteworthy. It does support the storytelling and vibes of the playthrough which is definitely a plus point.
As a piece of interactive fiction that use 500 words limit theme. The game is perfectly executed and highlight the limitation. But as a game, I believe not many people will reach the conclusion, leaving awkwardness for people who has shorter attention span and for those who doesn’t have time to ponder.
That said, it is a beautifully executed short piece. Play it, ponder on it, and write your own conclusion.