Disco Elysium is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city block to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.
probably the best written game I have ever played.
It's one of those games that I was a different gamer before and after. Before Disco Elysium, I believed we knew how a narrative game would play, what limits did it have, what types of choices could be done and the quality and quantity an indie game could deliver. After Disco Elysium, I knew all of that was wrong. And the best part is not that Disco Elysium doesn't just exceed your expectations and says 'this is the most you can ever expect now', they let you know clearly, there's still more to know and do when it comes to videogames.
Read an interview with the lead writer, and he had a philosophy of art that has stuck with me ever since:
“I want there to be fictional universes that talk about our own real life experiences. About the political problems we’re facing, the geopolitical structures around us, the problems of the modern world, etc. Universes which don’t leave us feeling numb, alone, and abandoned after we have finished exploring them. Universes which actually equip us with life tools and provide context for what’s happening to us. Which give us the strength to carry on with our lives, instead of making us feel empty to the point where we say, “Oh my god, I want to go back to the land of the Elves, but I can’t; I’ve already seen it all”.
The best aim behind this revolution in how worlds are built is that of changing how people interpret escapism. I want them to feel good when they return, better equipped, ready to accomplish things, with new tricks to use as they go about their business.”
It's one of those games that I was a different gamer before and after. Before Disco Elysium, I believed we knew how a narrative game would play, what limits did it have, what types of choices could be done and the quality and quantity an indie game could deliver. After Disco Elysium, I knew all of that was wrong. And the best part is not that Disco Elysium doesn't just exceed your expectations and says 'this is the most you can ever expect now', they let you know clearly, there's still more to know and do when it comes to videogames.
Read an interview with the lead writer, and he had a philosophy of art that has stuck with me ever since:
“I want there to be fictional universes that talk about our own real life experiences. About the political problems we’re facing, the geopolitical structures around us, the problems of the modern world, etc. Universes which don’t leave us feeling numb, alone, and abandoned after we have finished exploring them. Universes which actually equip us with life tools and provide context for what’s happening to us. Which give us the strength to carry on with our lives, instead of making us feel empty to the point where we say, “Oh my god, I want to go back to the land of the Elves, but I can’t; I’ve already seen it all”.
The best aim behind this revolution in how worlds are built is that of changing how people interpret escapism. I want them to feel good when they return, better equipped, ready to accomplish things, with new tricks to use as they go about their business.”
One more reason Disco Elysium can change your life (as a gamer).
Disco Elysium and HBomberguy ruined RPGs for me. I'm not sure if I hate them or love them for that
You have to trascend into sadomasochistic gaming: when love and hate become meaningless, it's all an experience.