Disco Elysium - The Final Cut

sail the 7 seas

Disco Elysium is a game that I find difficult to write about without simply diving headlong into discussions of existentialism and the workings of the human mind, because the game uses its mechanics and setting to address all of those issues so beautifully that it can't help but make me reflect. It manages to address these varying subject matter without ever feeling overwhelming or boring, due in part to the extremely engaging narrative and unique world which help drive the existentialist themes I mentioned, but largely because of its excellent use of mechanics. In Disco Elysium your skills represent different facets of your characters psyche, investing points in a skill will make you better at utilising it but also makes that skill a larger part of your characters personality, up to the point where it can become intrusive and limit your perspective. For example, the skill Electrochemistry gives you info on drugs, but also pushes you to use them to the point of substance abuse. The skill system not only provides the opportunity to customise your characters personality to a great extent, it also provides a unique perspective on the way we think. After playing, I have found that the skill system is a fascinating lens through which to consider my own though processes. Doubtless, my description of the game so far likely makes it sound rather dour and serious. But the game is actually rather goofy in many ways, with many surreal and hilarious comedic moments. The most impressive thing about Disco Elysium is that it can have so many light comedic moments and still address complex themes without ever sacrificing or diminishing either component. Any game that is worthy of serious analysis whilst having my necktie tell me I'm a nerd is special. So in summary, Disco Elysium is a game you must experience for yourself. I would reccomend going in as blind as possible, as the game unfolds and reveals itself so well that to spoil it is to miss out on a lot of enjoyment.

10 stars

Best game of a decade , that can make you rethink you life and worldview.

Heard the Hype, watched the same few clips on various review channels along with the promise of a smart, unique detective game where your actions could mould the character into whatever style of 'hero' / ''anti-hero' you envisioned. I was unsure, but sounded like a adventure and character I could get lost into. To be fair the start, waking heavily hung over with a hotel room and struggling to gather your sense and bearings following a lengthy internal monologue, set the stage and promise of great things to follow. What follows though wears off very quickly turning into a RNG controlled, depression fest of dullness, with next to no detective work / action. Feast your eyes on various shades of browns whilst being bombarded by a script that like those students who argue Communism is the way to go and real Communism has never been achieved yet, all without the joy of telling them to fk off. As for the being able to mould your character into what you want, I never found that in the game although I tried many playthroughs and restarts searching for what all the 9 out of 10, 10 out of 10, Best game this year ! and so on the marketing promised. Infact didn't even enjoy the setting, dialogue or anything much. P.S all those who awarded it 10/10, 9/10 and gave it awards, deserve to go live in Martinaise.