Recent reviews by HtotheTML

Before I begin, if you've read other reviews of this game on here saying "go in blind/knowing nothing" or "don't read the reviews here and get spoiled, play the game immediately," there is a great amount of merit in choosing to do that, and I also agree with that sentiment. What I will provide here is a bit more context for those who need more than just a positive word about the game, and would like some concrete details to work with. If you would like to adhere to this advice, then I'll leave you with the following sentiments, so you can go and give the game a try:

"OneShot is a game far greater than the sum of its parts, and I have never before seen what OneShot does be attempted, and achieved, in a way that reaches the player on such a deep personal level. The music, visuals, and narrative are all stellar, and the gameplay is simple enough to not become stressful or overwhelming. It's a gripping experience from start to finish, and I could never let it go."

With that being said, let us proceed into some details, for those who would like to know more.

OneShot is a game about saving a dark, broken, dying world from ruin by restoring its light and fulfilling the hopeful wishes of its residents. The protagonist, a child named Niko, is unfamiliar with this world they have awakened into, much like you, the player. The goal is clear: return the world's sun (which in this instance is a large light bulb) to the top of a tower, situated high up at the center of this world. To do this, Niko must explore this darkened land, interact with its residents, and solve simple puzzles to get closer to this tower.

This next part is a wonderful element of the game that's best experienced firsthand, rather than simply read about. You may stop reading this review whenever you feel satisfied and wish to hop in, but this is your last opportunity before you receive a complete picture.

Beyond all this though, is something about this adventure (and the game, as a whole) that reaches the player on a personal level, as stated before. If you've read the description of this game on the Steam page, you might have seen it: "The world knows you exist." Correct me if I'm wrong, but in most cases of video games I've played, the player themselves isn't usually acknowledged and treated as an entity and a part of the game's story (aside from the occasional fourth-wall breaking joke, and a select few horror games). You are an element in this game's story, as well, and I don't just mean you're the one directing Niko's actions through your controller or mouse and keyboard inputs. Characters in the world speak of you, in the same way they'd refer to a character actually present in the narrative. The child Niko, in addition, speaks directly to you and communicates with you, and you have the ability to directly communicate with Niko. By involving the player in this way as an integral part of the story, you yourself have stakes in the narrative, more than just "I gotta know what happens next."

Of course, there's more still that I haven't told you (so, so much more), but I refuse to let these remaining secrets slip. OneShot is a personal experience, and I could not sing higher praises about it. It's a game that changes you, and I left it feeling deeply moved. I Consider it a wonderful little secret that I want as many people to experience as possible.

See you at the solstice!