I have played computer games for more than 20 years, and one of the things I really enjoy is when I stumble upon something with a good story, or something that genuinely feel fresh. This strikes both chords. While the longest journey may be epic, Kingdom Hearts may be nostalgic and heart warming and monkey island is funny this game go for a completely different aproach. This game makes rather classical movie titles like "butterfly effect", "big fish" and even "Forest Gump" come to mind. These stories are thought provoking, providing perspective, and is more about the "feel" than a logical plot. I can't think of any game that I have played with similarily high ambitions that has succeded telling such a story to the same extent. Myst can be argued, but are much more slow-paced with less content; I have not completed bioshock but my impression is that gameplay quickly "steal" much of the focus there compared to here. This game tries to balance and aply the effects of exploration slowing down phase to allow time to saviour the different story-elements, and providing immersion enhancing interactivity (also called gameplay-elements). It can be argued that to find the perfect balance here for everyone is impossible, but no matter I think they have managed to come much closer to a "perfect blend" than any other game I have experienced with similar ambitions story-wise. In short I am extremely happy to have gotten the chance to experience this wonderfull game, and it is highly recomended to anyone that enjoy a deep story playing on an emotional level. It might not have the most creative plot nor the best gameplay, but it doesn't try to either. So I really think this is best played with a non-critical and patient mindset. As a sidenote. Was so lucky as to play this with my girlfriend, and she had the following exelent idea: I voiced the male characters and she voiced the female characters. For us this further added to the value of the game.
