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TalkBack / Re: Catherine: Full Body (Switch) Review
« on: July 07, 2020, 09:59:28 PM »
I strongly disagree with reviews like this, so I will try to be respectful.
I don't fault the author for pointing to perceived faults with the writing or story. The author obviously has a certain perspective on gender issues and LGBT issues that is growing. However, I think that perspective makes it impossible for the author to objectively evaluate the game. The review focuses heavily on the fact that the writing is "regressive" and "cynical".
I will agree that there is certainly a male + hetero (whatever you want to call it) slant to the perspective, I think it should be noted that Vincent is both male and heterosexual (as far as we can tell). Moreover, he is a a slacker who is afraid of commitment. Much of the game's perspective is through his eyes.
The game actually does an interesting thing by asking us, the player, to make ethical choices. And while the author seems to disagree with the writers' views on ethics or morality (as do I in some choices), the game makes one think about choices. The puzzle portion of the game is outstanding, the voice acting good, and the game itself is very unique.
I am probably about 10 years older than the author, and I am a heterosexual man. So, I can definitely say that colors my perspective, and maybe someone who is LGBT or a woman is going to have a much different experience. Ultimately, Vincent is a guy, who drinks at a bar with his guy friends, and ends up caught in a situation where he much choose between remaining faithful, giving into temptation, or maybe even giving into nihilism.
I think the game is fun and one of the most unique games I have ever played, and I enjoy it just as much now as I did years ago. I think this review is overly harsh of the game. I think one can be critical of the games perspective (if one thinks it is morally flawed in some way), without denigrating in the way this author has.
I don't fault the author for pointing to perceived faults with the writing or story. The author obviously has a certain perspective on gender issues and LGBT issues that is growing. However, I think that perspective makes it impossible for the author to objectively evaluate the game. The review focuses heavily on the fact that the writing is "regressive" and "cynical".
I will agree that there is certainly a male + hetero (whatever you want to call it) slant to the perspective, I think it should be noted that Vincent is both male and heterosexual (as far as we can tell). Moreover, he is a a slacker who is afraid of commitment. Much of the game's perspective is through his eyes.
The game actually does an interesting thing by asking us, the player, to make ethical choices. And while the author seems to disagree with the writers' views on ethics or morality (as do I in some choices), the game makes one think about choices. The puzzle portion of the game is outstanding, the voice acting good, and the game itself is very unique.
I am probably about 10 years older than the author, and I am a heterosexual man. So, I can definitely say that colors my perspective, and maybe someone who is LGBT or a woman is going to have a much different experience. Ultimately, Vincent is a guy, who drinks at a bar with his guy friends, and ends up caught in a situation where he much choose between remaining faithful, giving into temptation, or maybe even giving into nihilism.
I think the game is fun and one of the most unique games I have ever played, and I enjoy it just as much now as I did years ago. I think this review is overly harsh of the game. I think one can be critical of the games perspective (if one thinks it is morally flawed in some way), without denigrating in the way this author has.
