Bastion [Game Review]
In 2011, this game made a breakthrough in the independent gaming industry, becoming one of the most beautiful and exciting games within the indie. However, Bastion is one of the few indie games that was able to become a cult and famous even outside of a rather narrow circle of fans of independent game development. Two million copies sold in a year for a single-player game, not in Early Access, and also in isometric mode – this is a feat.
How did the developers from Supergiant Games achieve this?? Thanks to three things: a hand-drawn world, a thoughtful, heavy plot and great music. All three parts also combine characters as the main trump cards of the game: Kid and Narrator. In general, the idea of introducing a Narrator into the game is one of the best ideas that have been brought to life in the entire history of interactive art. After all, it is very difficult to make a game project without words, because the player often cannot see the facial expressions of his character (which could be used in a movie or in a play, where the action can take place without words, and the viewer will understand everything precisely from the facial expressions of the actors). So, Bastion took an isometric view, giving the player the opportunity to enjoy an amazing story from the Storyteller, played by the talented Logan Cunningham. His Narrator turned out not to be a stereotypical old sage who knows everything – no! The narrator of Bastion is already an old man, before whose eyes his World was destroyed by the Catastrophe. And the Narrator only assumes what could happen if the main character Kid makes this or that choice. Why Kid? Simply because the Narrator was lucky to meet him. Together they will do everything possible to counter the consequences of the Holocaust, leaving you alone with difficult thoughts. Bastion will tell a truly deep, smart and powerful story. It will just give food for thought; but, believe me, the topics raised will touch you to the core. If it inspires you to create, it won’t be surprising!
The essence of Bastion is simple and https://bookmakersnotongamstop.co.uk/review/love-casino/ complex at the same time. A global catastrophe, a destroyed world and Kid, trying to piece it back together or create a new world. In general, here are the main ideas invented by the authors (in particular, Greg Kasavin, a scriptwriter for the studio, with whom, by the way, you can talk in Russian if you find his profile on Steam); So, the ideas of the project are revealed precisely in reflections on the topic of such a catastrophe and what should be done to save what little remains of the world. The author of these lines was inspired by the semantic load of Bastion to write a story on a similar topic. I believe that if a work gives impetus to creativity (moreover, full-fledged creativity, and not fan fiction), then this is, at a minimum, an amazing project that deserves close attention, without options or questions.
In addition to the plot, Bastion offers incredibly wonderful, charming, delightful and beautiful art, done entirely by hand. The lost world sparkles with colors, details and little things. Look at the backdrops – each of them deserves to be a separate painting from recognized masters of painting. Of course, your humble servant understands painting like a goat in oranges, but, in my opinion, my admiration is probably also present among those who understand something about this painting.
Well, music is a separate matter. You don’t have at least one song in your playlist? Then you have lost a lot. The sad guitar motifs along with the indescribable vocals that are present in Bastion are, if not, then quite close to the pinnacle of musical art. The entire soundtrack was composed by Darren Korb. American composer, for whom working on music in Bastion was the first serious project, since he had previously played music in unknown television shows. And what’s most interesting is that both the music and vocals of Logan Cunnigham were recorded directly in Darren Korb’s apartment, and not in a specialized studio. But the result of their work exceeded all expectations. If you want to check out Bastion, don’t forget to take the OST with you.
As for the gameplay, Bastion is doing well here too. Kid uses completely different weapons to fight with opponents depending on the player’s taste and color. Revolvers, shotguns, bows, flamethrowers, grenade launchers, even the shield that the protagonist uses to cover himself can be used as a weapon. Each weapon offers its own combat tactics, and their combination gives rise to a huge variety of completely different play styles. In addition, no one forbids the player to use both wine, which makes life easier (a very special drink in the world of the game), and idols, which complicate the passage. Everything your heart desires: from casual to hardcore.
Overall, Bastion has some tough questions to ask and some flaws to find, but from the point of view of the average gamer, not a professional journalist, Bastion is one of the greatest works of interactive art. Sounds very loud, but not far from the truth. This kind of indie will clearly appeal to even ardent fans of the mainstream. Well, fans of indie games already know what Bastion is, and why it is in the collection of selected games in every self-respecting connoisseur of independent game development.