Info about IMMORTALITY:

Official game description:
Match cut your own path through the footage and solve the mystery:  
IMMORTALITY is an interactive trilogy from Sam Barlow, creator of _Her Story_. Use the cinematic ability to teleport from scene to scene to explore a treasure trove of newly unearthed footage from the three lost films of Marissa Marcel and traverse decades of movie history:  
Alan Fischer directs _Ambrosio_ his adaptation of M. G. Lewis’s notorious Gothic novel _The Monk_. He casts unknown Marissa Marcel as the infamous Matilda.  
John Durick writes his thriller _Minsky_ with Marcel in mind. Set in New York City, the movie concerns the death of a famous artist and Marissa stars as the muse suspected of murdering him.  
For his swansong, Durick teams up with Marcel again as she returns from a lengthy hiatus. The movie _Two of Everything_ is a subversive thriller which explores the duality between a successful pop star and her body double.  
None of these movies was ever released. They were thought to be lost or destroyed. Until now.

Release date: Aug 30, 2022

Categories: Interactive Fiction, Interactive Movie, Narrative Adventure, Non-linear Narrative, Environmental Storytelling, Investigative Gameplay, FMV (Full-Motion Video), Choice-based Narrative


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Unforgettable layered storytelling (weight 0.86): The game features a deeply engaging, non-linear narrative with hidden storylines, multiple endings, and thought-provoking themes. Players consistently praise its complexity, emotional impact, and open-ended interpretation, making it a standout experience.
- Cinematic production and acting (weight 0.69): The game boasts Hollywood-level production values, with stellar cinematography, direction, and performances—especially from lead actresses like Manon Gage. The attention to detail in visuals, sound design, and acting elevates it to a film-like quality.
- Innovative fragmented narrative design (weight 0.59): The storytelling is uniquely fragmented, using rewinding mechanics, hidden clips, and non-linear presentation to create a puzzle-like experience. This design encourages player-driven discovery and rewards exploration, setting it apart from traditional games.
- Profound themes and character depth (weight 0.47): The narrative explores mature themes (e.g., art, abuse, legacy) with nuanced characters and memorable performances. Players highlight the emotional resonance and thematic richness, which add layers of meaning to the story.
- Unique interactive film experience (weight 0.42): It redefines interactive storytelling by blending film and gameplay, offering a 'film-first, game-second' approach. Players engage with cinematic visuals, non-linear exploration, and detective-like mechanics, creating a one-of-a-kind hybrid experience.
- Behind-the-scenes filmmaking insights (weight 0.16): The game includes authentic behind-the-scenes footage and details about filmmaking, adding realism and depth. This meta-layer enhances appreciation for the production process and the artistry involved.
- Engaging horror and suspense elements (weight 0.08): The game effectively blends horror and suspense, with eerie moments, chilling atmosphere, and slow-burn tension. These elements are praised for their execution and contribution to the overall experience.

Common complaints:
- Poor gameplay depth and engagement (weight 0.97): Players consistently report that the gameplay feels tedious, frustrating, and lacking in meaningful interactivity. The mechanics are described as cumbersome, random, and unsatisfying, often detracting from the overall experience rather than enhancing it.
- Unsatisfying or unclear endings (weight 0.7): The game’s endings are often described as abrupt, confusing, or unsatisfying. Players report accidentally triggering endings prematurely, missing key narrative moments, or feeling left without resolution due to poor feedback and pacing issues in the final act.
- Frustrating clip navigation mechanics (weight 0.38): Finding and unlocking clips is a major pain point, with players describing the process as tedious, random, and poorly explained. The lack of progress tracking, unclear objectives, and repetitive mechanics make full completion feel like a chore.
- Poorly explained or hidden mechanics (weight 0.37): The game fails to adequately explain its core mechanics, leaving players confused about how to progress. Hidden mechanics, such as unlocking scenes or rewinding clips, are often missed or misunderstood due to vague tutorials and lack of in-game guidance.
- Technical and control issues (weight 0.18): Players report numerous technical problems, including poor keyboard/mouse controls, performance issues (e.g., stuttering, slow loading), and bugs that disrupt gameplay. These issues exacerbate frustration, particularly during critical moments like the ending.
- Lack of player agency and feedback (weight 0.16): The game provides minimal feedback during exploration, leaving players unsure of their progress or the impact of their choices. The UI/UX is described as unintuitive, with no tools for note-taking, bookmarking, or tracking viewed content, making the experience feel unpolished.
- Excessive or gratuitous explicit content (weight 0.15): The game’s heavy focus on nudity and erotic scenes is a recurring point of discomfort for many players. Some feel it detracts from the narrative or makes the game unsuitable for streaming or public play.
- Tedious achievement hunting (weight 0.08): Completionists and achievement hunters find the process of unlocking all content frustrating due to repetitive mechanics, unclear guidance, and excessive trial-and-error requirements. This makes the game feel unrewarding for players seeking full completion.
- Regressive compared to predecessors (weight 0.07): Fans of the developer’s previous games (e.g., *Her Story*) criticize this title for feeling like a step backward in terms of gameplay depth, player agency, and narrative cohesion. The simplistic mechanics and lack of investigative depth are particularly disappointing.

Gameplay feedback:
- Detective-style investigation (weight 0.44): Players act as detectives, solving puzzles by piecing together clues from fragmented footage. The gameplay emphasizes observation, investigation, and uncovering hidden narratives through layered storytelling.
- Interactive film exploration (weight 0.43): The game adopts an interactive movie format, allowing players to explore non-linear footage through rewinding, pausing, and clicking on elements to trigger new scenes. This blurs the line between film and gameplay.
- Match-cutting core mechanic (weight 0.42): The game revolves around navigating and discovering footage using a match-cutting system, where players scrub, rewind, or fast-forward clips to jump between scenes based on objects, gestures, or characters. This mechanic is central to piecing together the narrative.
- Rewind for hidden content (weight 0.34): Rewinding clips is essential to uncover hidden sequences, audio cues, or phantom footage. This mechanic reveals subverted scenes, hidden storylines, or additional layers of the narrative.
- Object-clicking navigation (weight 0.26): Players progress by clicking on objects, characters, or gestures within scenes to jump to related clips. This system creates arbitrary but meaningful connections between footage.
- Algorithm-guided exploration (weight 0.23): An algorithm influences clip selection and scene order, subtly guiding players through the narrative while maintaining the illusion of non-linear freedom.
- Narrative-driven progression (weight 0.22): The experience is heavily story-driven, with player-controlled exploration and interpretation shaping the understanding of interconnected films. Horror and mystery elements are often present.
- Hidden secrets and endings (weight 0.16): The game includes hidden clips, post-credits secrets, and multiple endings that may require external guides or exhaustive exploration to uncover fully.
- Controller haptic feedback (weight 0.09): The game uses controller vibrations and audio hints to guide players toward hidden details or eerie scenes, enhancing immersion and discovery.
- No keyword-based searching (weight 0.07): Unlike similar games (e.g., *Her Story*), this title lacks a database or keyword-search mechanic, requiring players to rely on visual and interactive exploration instead.

Performance notes:
- Performance stuttering and lag (weight 0.06): Players report frequent stuttering, lag, and interface freezing even on capable hardware. This affects gameplay fluidity and immersion, particularly during video playback.
- Audio quality and missing sound (weight 0.05): Players experience inaudible dialogue, missing audio in scenes, and sound looping bugs, which break immersion and hinder storytelling.
- High system requirements (weight 0.04): The game demands significant hardware resources, leading to constant fan noise and performance strain. Players with mid-range systems may struggle to run it smoothly.
- Screen tearing and V-sync issues (weight 0.04): Visible screen tearing occurs due to V-sync problems, detracting from the visual experience, especially during fast-paced or cinematic moments.
- Controller input and vibration bugs (weight 0.03): Issues with controller responsiveness and vibration functionality disrupt gameplay, particularly for players using gamepads instead of keyboard/mouse.
- UI and clip selection glitches (weight 0.03): Unresponsive clip selection and UI glitches in scene selection menus hinder navigation and usability, impacting the overall experience.
- Game crashes and instability (weight 0.02): Frequent crashes due to bugs make the game unstable, forcing players to restart and disrupting progression.
- Softlock during credits (weight 0.02): A widespread issue where the game softlocks during the credits sequence, preventing players from completing the experience smoothly.
- Cinematic and FPS issues (weight 0.02): Cinematics occasionally suffer from low FPS or remixing, which disrupts the narrative flow and visual quality.
- Slow loading times (weight 0.02): Extended loading times are a frequent complaint, particularly when transitioning between scenes or accessing content.
- Large installation size (weight 0.02): The game's 26GB+ file size is a common complaint, particularly for players with limited storage space or slower download speeds.
- Control freezes with unlocked content (weight 0.02): The game freezes when interacting with unlocked videos, likely due to UI or backend processing issues, frustrating players.

Recommendations:
- Narrative-driven artistic experience (weight 0.4): The game is highly praised for its unique, cerebral storytelling and immersive narrative depth, appealing to fans of complex, reflective, and unconventional experiences. It is often compared to interactive films or detective stories like 'Her Story'.
- Patience and curiosity required (weight 0.28): Players advise approaching the game with patience and an open mind, as its unconventional storytelling may require time to appreciate fully. Curiosity is key to enjoyment.
- Short playtime with high replay value (weight 0.26): The game is relatively short (around 5 hours) but offers a memorable, open-to-interpretation story. Players are encouraged to spend 10+ hours to fully explore its depth.
- Controller recommended for best experience (weight 0.11): Players consistently recommend using a controller, particularly one with haptic feedback, for optimal gameplay. Keyboard/mouse is less preferred, especially for finer control.
- Niche appeal for FMV enthusiasts (weight 0.11): The game is explicitly recommended for fans of Full Motion Video (FMV) games or those tolerant of tedious gameplay. It may not suit players seeking traditional interactive or investigative experiences.
- Best for film and cinema lovers (weight 0.1): The game is ideal for film enthusiasts, particularly those interested in cinematic storytelling, scene analysis, or experimental narratives. It appeals to fans of auteur films and Lynchian archives.
- Frustration potential for some players (weight 0.06): The game may frustrate players due to its mechanics or lack of quality-of-life improvements. It is not universally recommended unless the player is highly engaged with its niche appeal.
- Wait for a sale or discount (weight 0.05): Many players suggest purchasing the game during a sale, as its value may not justify full price for all audiences. Personal preference and budget are key considerations.
- Use walkthroughs to avoid frustration (weight 0.03): Some players suggest using walkthroughs or watching clips on YouTube to progress efficiently, as the game's mechanics can be opaque or frustrating without guidance.
- Play with a partner for discussion (weight 0.03): The game is recommended to be played with a friend or partner to enhance the experience through discussion, theorizing, and collaborative exploration of its narrative.

Other player notes:
- Content warnings strongly advised (weight 0.06): Players recommend heeding content warnings due to the game’s graphic themes, noting potential discomfort or social awkwardness (e.g., being seen playing by others). Streaming is discouraged for similar reasons.
- Subtitles mostly effective (weight 0.02): Subtitles are well-translated overall, though some dialogue may be difficult to hear without them. This aids accessibility but isn’t flawless.
- Achievements tied to exploration (weight 0.02): Achievements are integrated into the game’s mystery, encouraging players to engage deeply with its content and uncover hidden elements.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Players frequently cite clunky, unintuitive, or poorly explained controls and mechanics as major sources of frustration. The gameplay often feels tedious due to repetitive tasks like clip hunting, lack of progress feedback, and random or arbitrary unlocking mechanics, which disrupt immersion and make completion feel like a chore. Technical issues, such as stuttering, crashes, and finicky input systems, further exacerbate the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): The game often fails to meet player expectations, particularly when compared to its predecessor, *Her Story*. Many players feel the storytelling lacks depth, coherence, or emotional engagement, with weak plot resolutions and unresolved narrative gaps. The gameplay mechanics are perceived as simplistic, repetitive, or poorly executed, leading to an unfulfilling experience despite the game's ambitious premise.
- Curiosity (weight 0.08): The game's non-linear, fragmented storytelling and layered mysteries encourage players to explore hidden details, uncover secrets, and piece together the narrative. The open-ended structure and ambiguous hints invite deep analysis, theorizing, and a desire to uncover all hidden content, fostering a sense of investigative engagement.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Players praise the game's unique cinematic quality, ambitious storytelling, and high production values, including top-notch acting and immersive narrative depth. The experimental and artistic approach to blending film and interactivity is widely respected, with many highlighting the effort and creativity behind its unconventional design.
- Awe (weight 0.05): The game's innovative storytelling, technical execution, and interconnected narrative layers leave players astonished by its depth and originality. The high-quality production, surprising twists, and the seamless blend of reality and surrealism create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that feels both groundbreaking and immersive.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players derive satisfaction from uncovering the game's narrative coherence, piecing together hidden details, and making progress in the puzzle-like structure. Successfully unlocking clips, discovering key story elements, and engaging with the layered storytelling provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment, even if the gameplay mechanics are flawed.
- Confusion (weight 0.05): The non-linear storytelling, lack of clear objectives, and ambiguous mechanics often leave players unsure of their goals or how to progress. Unresolved narrative elements, hidden mechanics, and the overwhelming amount of content can make it difficult to understand the plot or track progress, leading to frustration and disorientation.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admire the game's bold, experimental approach to storytelling and its high production values, including innovative filmmaking techniques and immersive narrative depth. The ambition, creativity, and artistic integrity of the game are frequently praised, particularly its ability to elevate the FMV genre and explore complex themes.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): The game's unique narrative structure and hidden connections create moments of excitement, particularly when uncovering new clips, solving puzzles, or experiencing unexpected twists. The detective-like experience of reconstructing the story and discovering hidden layers fuels a sense of engagement and intrigue.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Despite initial difficulties, players often find enjoyment in piecing together the narrative, exploring hidden details, and engaging with the game's cinematic world. The collaborative or investigative aspects of gameplay, along with the thrill of uncovering secrets, provide a fun and immersive experience.
- Frustrated (weight 0.03): Poorly explained controls, lack of progress indicators, and repetitive or unclear mechanics break immersion and create frustration. Players struggle with pacing issues, unclear objectives, and tedious gameplay loops, particularly during the endgame, where clip discovery and navigation become overly cumbersome.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): The compelling narrative, strong performances, and layered mysteries keep players engaged, often leading them to invest significant time in uncovering secrets and deeper meanings. The initial intrigue and immersive cinematic world hook players, encouraging them to explore and piece together the story.
- Fascination (weight 0.02): The game's unique blend of video editing, narrative mystery, and thematic depth captivates players, particularly its exploration of filmmaking, art, and perception. The layered storytelling, ambiguous narratives, and hidden scenes invite deep analysis and appreciation for the game's artistic vision.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Repetitive or slow-paced gameplay, particularly during clip hunting or unengaging narrative segments, leads to boredom. Some players find the progression unsatisfying or meaningless, with the gameplay feeling like a mindless grind rather than an immersive experience.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Players are impressed by the game's cinematic quality, intertextual storytelling, and artistic achievement. The high production values, strong acting performances, and the ambitious scope of the narrative leave a lasting impact, particularly in how it blends film and interactive elements.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Unexpected narrative twists, spooky moments, and revelations create memorable surprises for players. The game's unconventional structure and explicit or shocking content (e.g., nudity) also contribute to moments of surprise, subverting expectations in both storytelling and gameplay.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Explicit or ambiguous content, such as excessive nudity, erotic scenes, or unsettling character behavior, creates discomfort for some players. The unresolved or provocative themes around artistic expression and narrative ambiguity can also contribute to an uneasy experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): The game evokes nostalgia through its cinematic presentation, reminiscent of classic films or film school experiences. The memorable and unique storytelling leaves a lasting impression, making players wish to relive the experience or forget it to experience it anew.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Players feel let down by the game's lack of narrative cohesion, depth, or profundity, particularly when the grand reveal or ending fails to deliver. The experience can feel unsatisfying or like a waste of time, especially if the gameplay mechanics or storytelling fall short of expectations.
- Impression (weight 0.01): The game leaves a strong impression due to its high-quality cinematography, layered storytelling, and unique blend of gameplay and narrative. The synergy between its artistic vision and interactive elements creates a memorable and thought-provoking experience that resonates with players.}