This game impressed me, in multiple ways. The world of Polisemia imagines a late-cretaceous world with pre-industrial civilizations. Good starting point, but nothing without a skilled writer. Yet, we get multiple factions with thought-out history, relations, customs and species. The world feels plausible and alive. I enjoyed that. But most impressive of all -> Basic needs like food, water, light, shelter, security, sleep or waste disposal are constantly addressed. It gives everything beyond that more weight. Never have I seen a game more focused on those needs. Characters are also solid: - everyone has something to do, personal struggles or own agenda - few are exclusively plot or exposition devices, and if so they at least get some backstory - most are seen doing work or chores, just like real life - they don't all share the same level of knowledge or attention for their enviroment - no characters are intentionally written as bland, stupid or obnoxious So, the writer respects its creations, and the player. I can enjoy every character, I didn't end up disliking a single character. That's remarkable. There's tons of optional dialogue, comments, snarky remarks and text hidden away for the player to find. Use the Talk-option on anything, even inanimate objects. Use the Take-Option on anything, even NPCs. Almost any interaction yields unique and often humourous results. Trying every possibility is rewarded. The developers put quite some effort into introducing the player to new game mechanic without explicitly mentioning them. You probably won't notice it on your first playthrough, but it becomes more obvious on repeat playthroughs. You're cued in on upcoming puzzles, often in really clever ways. I never got stuck, yet I had to think for myself. This invisible guidance was pulled off expertly. The ending will offer a lot of resolution and tie up the story's loose ends. It is as memorable as the game. My best purchase of 2023. Thank you Crash! Thank you Twarda!
