When I first started playing video games, the experience was vastly different from what it is today. It was all about quick reflexes, stressful situations, and fast action, with death lurking around every corner.
While those elements haven’t vanished from modern gaming, there’s a growing trend towards relaxing experiences with minimal pressure and simple gameplay. Some of these games offer tranquil flight experiences, like the Aery series, while others are story-driven “walking simulators.”
Tonguç Bodur is a master of this latter genre, blending beautiful environments with intriguing narratives in games like The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna. Purpose 1951 is another entry in his ever-expanding catalogue.
Story-heavy games with limited gameplay present a challenge: if the narrative or world-building fails to captivate, there’s little else to hold your attention. However, Bodur’s prolific output ensures that even if some titles miss the mark, others resonate deeply.
While I wasn’t fully engaged with the storyline or protagonist in Purpose 1951, there was something compelling about it that lingered in my thoughts long after the credits rolled.
Set in the 1950s in the United States, you play as a doctor recounting his experiences in healthcare, starting with his early days and the tragedies he witnessed in underfunded hospitals. The narrative’s turning point is a failed surgery on a young man with powerful political connections. Publicly condemned and forced to resign, the doctor’s life spirals downwards, leading to a broken marriage. It’s not a cheerful tale, but it ultimately offers a glimmer of hope.
The gameplay mechanics are incredibly simple. You walk through various environments, and the entire experience lasts about an hour, with four chapters and a couple of interludes. Movement primarily runs at one pace, though one chapter places you on a bicycle, offering slightly faster movement . While mostly linear, there are opportunities to deviate from the main path to discover hidden boxes and these work as collectibles, unlocking achievements and adding a touch of exploration to the experience.
Tonguç Bodur truly excels in visual design, and Purpose 1951 is no exception. You’ll primarily traverse picturesque autumnal landscapes with serene lakes, swaying trees, and distant cityscapes. There are also moments set in urban environments and a rundown interior. While not as surreal as some of Bodur’s other works, the visuals are still captivating and conducive to relaxation.
The soundtrack complements the visuals with soothing piano melodies that create a tranquil atmosphere. The lead voice actor delivers a solid performance, narrating the story in an assured and measured tone.
Is Purpose 1951 Tonguç Bodur’s finest work? In my opinion, it falls somewhere in the middle of his portfolio. The story is engaging without being exceptional, and the visuals are generally pleasing, with a particularly striking depiction of a depressing interior in the final section.
However, I appreciate Bodur’s dedication to creating these short, narrative-driven experiences, and I eagerly anticipate his future projects.
Purpose 1951: A Journey of Reflection and Redemption Arrives on Consoles – https://www.thexboxhub.com/purpose-1951-a-journey-of-reflection-and-redemption-arrives-on-consoles/
Buy Purpose 1951 on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/purpose-1951/9p5nqx81tbw6