Alright, some important information first. For some dang reason, just before playing the last mission, my build threw and error saying unrecognized something or other and dropped the game. I was unable to reproduce it and I was not running debug at the time so no log, sorry. It's probably my fault. That said, it's important to note this, because imagine someone playing stranded without playing the last mission. It's a vague struggle to return home with two major characters. However, I was a bit lost to find the purpose or the drive behind the story. I knew spoon made good things and this seemed to fall a bit short.
HOWEVER, I DID get the last mission working and was able to play it before writing this review. It's amazing how a disposition can change so quickly. Spoon, this is great. You have character development on two major characters, from the player's perspective practically the only characters who exist in the universe, and you sicko you really did it, you made us choose between the two! That Xy ace makes his debut in the 11th hour of the campaign and at the same time he feels like he should be there. He is the object of vengeance and through the development of the character he kills, his importance is immediately placed.
Lightning: "Breathe the vacuum you piece of ****", I have not heard such satisfying words while playing a game in awhile. (Can't breathe vacuum lolz u r dead
)
Admittedly when I jumped in, I expected some heavy pow to the bang squared, or some gameplay mechanics. Over time I got the idea, Stranded seems to be largely story driven, ala interactive movie style. The briefings follow that signature WOD character dialog driven style of story telling which, I must admit, I find more tolerable than the standard top down Admiral's lecture.
After the subspace incident and the player's character lightning is trying to find his bearings, getting basic sensor systems online, I was struck by the atmosphere of the campaign. That part really gave me a sense that you were, in fact, alone in space and having even basic functionality was a struggle. Well presented there.
Alright now for who I picked to live (or to die?). I had a suspicion that I was going to save whoever I chose to jump to, but I was not entirely sure that’s how it would play out. Given that logic the choice was simple: Silver! Hey humans before elves right? Sort of feels sticky since Slyphia basically devoted herself to saving both of us, but that’s how it is. Shoulda been a little more human. It’s also important to note that Silver’s “get the bastard” personality is hotter than Slyphia’s intelligent posturing. Smart people should know better than to get killed by Xy aces right? RIGHT?! Why did you make me kill one Spoon you’re so sick!
All in all, it was an entertaining campaign that I am glad to have played. There’s definite deliberation and passion behind the work here and it shows.
P.S. Silverlightning, that’s just adorable.
