“Fort Solis” is a third-person linear narrative thriller. It endeavors to capture the very essence of the tension that space evokes. It has visually stunning graphics, remarkable voice acting, and a captivating premise. The game has every component required to immerse players in an otherworldly experience. Unfortunately, the gameplay doesn’t support the story as well as it should.
The game presents a world set in 2080. Jack Leary, voiced by Roger Clark, is part of a two-person engineering crew stationed on Mars. Jack responds to a distress signal originating from the nearby mining base, Fort Solis. You play Jack. You go to Fort Solis and discover a deserted base with signs of sabotage.
Exploration forms of the core of the gameplay. You traverse the forsaken station, piecing together fragments of the puzzle hidden within workers’ quarters, rec rooms, and various hubs. You move through abandoned workstations, halted projects in greenhouses and labs, and chance upon interactive audio and video logs. These provide you glimpses into the lives of the missing crew.
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The linear storytelling, gameplay issues and the severe lack of player agency subdues the potential of the game’s premise. There are no dialogue options, no choices, no moral complications in the decision making process. Nothing the player does affects the environment of the game. The 5 hour run time can feel a bit unengaging.
Credit is due for the game’s visual and auditory elements. The retro-futuristic aesthetic brings an air of nostalgia. The overall sci-fi ambiance is enhanced by the liminal spaces and intricate details. The sound design is stunning – enough to send a shiver down your spine at certain points.
All the great qualities of the game are held hostage to the gameplay. The most glaring flaw lies in the lack of player impact on the unfolding narrative. Maybe it would be a much better game if the players had the ability to shape or influence the story.
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Source: Fort Solis: A Beautiful Narrative Experience Hindered by Gameplay
Category: Game, News, Fort Solis
