Some Stories Refuse To Be Ignored
Some games are meant to be a distraction from modern-day life; those in which you are a magic-wielding hero flying through the air, shooting fireballs with one hand while throwing spears with the other.
Then there are other games that can almost be played automatically while doing other things, like listening to a podcast or chatting with a friend as you take part in the latest street fight or blast waves of aliens.
But there are more still that demand your attention – games that you can’t turn away from. These are games that reflect real life and tell stories about real emotions and real events. The Quiet Things tells one of those stories.
Following Alice Through Life’s Darkest Moments
This game comes with some warnings before you start, as it deals with suicide, childhood abuse, and mental illness. It’s a story based on the life of creator Alyx Jones, drawing from their own experiences as well as real-life diary entries and police tapes. As you journey through the game, you step into the shoes of Alice, a teenager living somewhere in the south of England.
The story begins when Alice is a small child. Her mother is seriously ill in a hospice and sadly passes away. From there, we see Alice trying to cope in a household where her father is overwhelmed by grief. He eventually remarries, and another child joins the family. Soon Alice is 15, and her relationship with her stepmother is poor, while her relationship with her father is even worse. This leads to physical and emotional abuse, therapy, suicidal thoughts, and eventually leaving home.
But it doesn’t end there. What follows is a series of foster homes and hostels where even more difficult experiences await. The Quiet Things tells a story about Alice enduring everything that is thrown at her, but it is also a tale about social care in the UK. There are moments when the system lets Alice down, and there are moments when it does exactly what it should and helps her.
A Harrowing Journey Filled With Hope
While this story is harrowing, and you need to be prepared for that before starting the game, it is also a story about hope and kindness. There are elements of brilliant writing throughout, although there are also a few places where a little editing could have tightened things up. Overall, though, I was engrossed from beginning to end and found myself gasping in disbelief, and at times anger, at what happened to Alice.
Piecing Together Memories One Object At A Time
Gameplay is presented in first person and takes place mostly in interior locations. Each chapter – and there are around 150 of them – moves the story forward while allowing you to freely explore the environment around you. Scattered throughout each area are markers attached to objects or doorways that trigger the next part of the story.
For example, you might find a toy wolf, and interacting with it will reveal a new section of the narrative. Each chapter can contain between ten and twenty points of interest. Some reveal small snippets of the story, while others unlock larger sections that connect to the next prompt you need to find. There are also smaller observations attached to everyday objects, such as televisions or household items, that can be fun or flippant.
Finding these markers can – at times – be quite difficult, however, and there were occasions when I found myself wandering around a chapter for ages, checking every room and corner repeatedly. At times, I wished there had been some sort of clue system to gently point me in the right direction.
Watching Events Unfold Like A Ghost
Visually, The Quiet Things focuses on its locations and static environments rather than anything animated. You never actually see the characters whose voices you hear, but this never feels like a problem. In fact, it seems entirely appropriate, as if you are observing the story like a ghost witnessing these difficult events unfold. The interiors are well realised and packed with detail, while the occasional outdoor locations – particularly towards the end – provide some genuinely effective and emotional moments.
The Voices That Carry The Story
The audio is excellent, with a soundtrack that reflects the story beautifully throughout. However, it’s the voice cast that truly steals the show. The British cast delivers outstanding performances, from the lead actress portraying Alice with solemnity and passion to the supporting cast in the smaller roles. Their performances are the heart of the game and bring the story to life in a powerful way.
An Emotional Story That Stays With You
The Quiet Things is a difficult game to play. Not because of the gameplay itself, which is very straightforward, but because of Alice’s story and the subject matter it tackles. Yet it is also an impressive achievement. To tell such a personal and emotional story through the medium of a first-person adventure game is no small feat.
It may be a little too long in places and could perhaps benefit from some tighter editing, but The Quiet Things had me hooked all the way to the end.
Important Links
The Quiet Things – A Powerful And Personal Story Of Survival – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-quiet-things-a-powerful-and-personal-story-of-survival/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/The-Quiet-Things/9N18FMWMPGZP
