BLACKWOOD CROSSING
All aboard for Gloomsville
Death is evident in some form in most games, but rarely is it as keenly felt as in Blackwood Crossing. While most virtual experiences are preoccupied with providing players with an arsenal of deathdealing devices, Brighton-based developer PaperSeven has crafted an adventure that’s firmly focused on coping with loss.
This tale takes place on a train, its sole passengers two orphans. Events are seen from the perspective of teenager Scarlett, who’s attempting to mend her strained relationship with her younger brother, Finn. 1 Tender moments between them, like crafting paper butterflies, are heart-warming – but, like their childhood innocence, fleeting. They are pursued by a Donnie-Darko-esque rabbit that adds to the game’s dark tone. Characters give emotive performances that are backed up by some goosebump-inducing musical tones, resulting in a powerful portrayal of love, fear, and guilt.
The sombre narrative is blended with minimalist gameplay. Much like Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture, small snippets of retrospective dialogue are offered and it’s up to you to piece together events. Characters appear as still figures and must be paired up correctly to unveil the story. Aside from that, progression largely involves searching for the items needed to solve the game’s rudimentary puzzles. 2
Given the modest visual style, loading screens seem unnecessarily long, and the indicator for interacting with objects is sometimes unclear or requires too much precision. Still, this bittersweet narrative adventure will play your heartstrings like a fiddle.