(Purchased w/DLC on Steam)
This is such a gem of digital storytelling! Don't go into this expecting a point-and-click adventure game, because this is not a puzzle adventure in the vein of Thimbleweed Park or the LucasArts classics. Rather, this is an "on-the-rails" anthology with a point-and-click interface. You're here for the story, not for the gameplay.
And what a tale! The anthology consists of the backstory for 3 strangers on a train that they have no recollection of boarding. Each story is presented in a different way, leveraging a variety of storytelling techniques. Each is well paced and at times very creative in the reveal of key plot elements. The author has achieved a perfect balance in the storytelling. They don't spell everything out for the viewer, instead letting the viewer discover for themselves what is going on. At the same time, the author is never overly oblique, nor do they presume to try for clever plot twists. The brilliance of the design is that even as you come to realize where the story is going, there is still a powerful impact when a key plot point is reached.
[MINOR SPOILERS?] This is especially felt in Acts 2 and 3, both of which, compared to Act 1, contain a great deal of character backstory reveal. In Act 2, even as I came to the dreadful realization of what Lady Winterbourne would discover in the pond, I still clenched in agony when it was finally revealed. In Act 3, even though I knew full well what Dr. Samuels was going to do for the wounded soldier who lost his legs, I still jumped at the moment when… well, best not to reveal everything.
The fact that the game could evoke such a strong emotional responses, without being excessively cagey with the plot exposition, speaks to an impressive storytelling finesse and a proper respect for the intellectual and emotional potential of the viewer. Few games can claim such insightful design.
The entire interactive story goes quickly, lasting only 2 to 3 hours depending on whether you get hung up on any of the sparse puzzles that it presents. (Also, depending on how long you spend listening to Lady Winterbourne's vinyls. I for one thoroughly enjoyed listening all the way through each one while enjoying her spontaneous dancing. Scandalous!) The game focuses on quality over quantity, and those few hours are time well spent.