The interactive adventure game was popularized by games likeTelltale’s Walking Deadseries and Quantic Dream’stitles likeHeavy RainandDetroit Become Human. However, the genre has been around for a while in other forms like point-and-click adventure games likeBrokenSwordand visual novels likePortopia Serial Murder Case, which dates back to 1983.As Dusk Fallsimplements almost all elements of the interactive adventure genre by being both an interactive drama and a graphic novel.
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As Dusk Fallswas developed by Interior Night, a studio led by Caroline Marchal, a former designer from Quantic Dream. So, players familiar with that studio’s work should know what to expect here.As Dusk Fallsis a more approachable title than Quantic’s efforts, however, and its grounded characters are far more relatable. It’s still a good idea to go into the game with some of these beginner’s tips before starting.
7Change The Settings Before Playing
As Dusk Fallsisan accessible game for most playersand is far easier to follow than most of Quantic Dream’s efforts. However, it’s still a good idea to play around with the settings before diving into the game. There are a range of accessibility features likeMenu Narration,Text to Speech, andsubtitlesto make things as approachable as possible for players.
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One can even adjust the angle of the on-screen text and UI, the speed, and size of the cursor, as well as having a range of multiplayer options to make it easier to communicate with others. There are useful gameplay adaptation features too, such ashaving discovered hotspots remain on screen.
6Adjust The QTE Length
One of the most useful gameplay adaptation options inAs Dusk Fallsis the ability to adjust the Quick Time Event settings. Quick Time Events are on-screen prompts that willaffect the outcomes of certain scenariosas well as force quick thinking on certain narrative choices.
One canadjust the length of timethat players have to reactfrom 10 seconds to 20 seconds. Allowing oneself to have 20 seconds will take some of the pressure off the decision-making and actionable events, giving players more time to utilize the button-mashing events. However, the gamealso allows players to turn off the button mashing feature altogether.
5Carefully Scan The Environment
There will be several occasions where one of the protagonists will need to scan the environment for Hidden Interactions. Several of these interactions can be easily missed.
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Furthermore, some objects may need to be interacted with more than once to discover items or move forward with the story. Some interactions are important while others will help give the audience more insight into the character’s feelings and personality.
4Be Ready For The QTEs
As explained above, Quick Time Events happen frequently throughoutAs Dusk Falls.Even after adjusting the above settings, one still needs to be ready for them as they happen so they can make the actions and decisions they want to while playing.
As the gameplay is so narratively driven it’s easy to forget that players still need to be on their toes when just watching events unfold as if it’s a TV show. However, certain decisions and events need to be acted on with a moment’s notice and a fight or debate can go the wrong way if one isn’t careful.
3Look Out For Important Choices
As well as Quick Time Events, there are moments where the game will inform the player that they are about to make an important decision. These decisions will have an impact on which direction the branches inthe crime dramawill take.
When playing the game and watching the story it is quite easy to miss these notifications that appear at the top of the screen. They will usually represent a moment where something significant is going to happen or how the other characters will respond to the protagonist.
2Explore The Story Tree
Just as it is with other interactive movie games likeDetroit: Become Human,As Dusk Fallsfeatures an events tree that allows players to have an idea of what the most important choices and events are in the game.
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For example, if Vince chooses to take a walk with Jim instead of staying in the motel room with his wife, it will have an impact on the story and take the branch in another direction. Unfortunately, players can’t reload the chapter from the Story Tree so they would have to play the entire chapter again to make new choices. Fortunately,it’s not a long game, so replaying these sequences isn’t too painful.
1Experience The Game Organically
As a narratively driven adventure game with lots of twists and surprises in store for the player, the best advice one can give when startingAs Dusk Fallsis to simply play it and enjoy it as it’s meant to be played. Far too many gamers get wrapped up in chasing Achievements and Trophies that they forget to enjoy the game.
If a decision made during a conversation means that the player didn’t get the outcome they wanted, then so be it. Just let the events unfold organically as they are meant to. There is no right or wrong way to playAs Dusk Falls;just let the story play out as it’s meant to. One can always replay the game to see what effect one’sactions and decisionshave on the narrative and outcome.
As Dusk Fallsis available now for the PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
