To play through a video game that is more hypertext driven than graphical can be a hard sell these days. Although the graphics are few and far between in S4U: Citypunk 2011 And Love Punch, thankfully there is some when the avatar decides to leave the computer. Just what U0U Games‘ latest product represents is quaint and a test of patience since reading all the dialogue is important.
Technically, you’re interacting in an environment reminiscent of ICQ and those older chat programs before the coming of Facebook. The world is circa 2010, but I don’t remember the graphical user interface that dated. While navigating that old operating system took getting used to, memories of dealing with Windows 98 were once a nightmare! Although the retro elements are rather heartwarming, is it enough to keep me going?
Probably not. When Miki (the character you’re playing) is not sitting in front of her computer, she’s out and about, and that’s when I appreciated this game more. Her world is not so pixelated. Although she’s a bit of a recluse with a job of pretending to be someone else online, that can lead to interesting problems. The individual who hired her is where the story develops in earnest.
The real life this game exists in has some great anime style art and although that took a long time to reach, the change of pace was very much appreciated. When a lot of the character building depends on what you say in response to all these chats, I had to wonder how much artificial intelligence the product’s developers coded in. This game is very reflective and almost frighteningly mirrors some interactions I’ve had since using adventure style chat forums where “role playing relationships” are involved. Mind you to to realise the differences between what is real life versus that cyber one is is very important, hence this game.
Although S4U: Citypunk 2011 And Love Punch has a predetermined outcome, players must navigate a complex web of what-ifs and situations to get there. This game isn’t easy to work through and requires a proper time committment to appreciate it for what it is. What’s offered is to explore the complexities of relationships rather than hacking into an old computer. Although this game lacks “punk” elements, I can see how the term could be applied. As for how much of what’s learned can apply to real life, I’m sure something can be excised.
3 Stars out of 5
Citypunk 2011 and Love Punch Trailer
Pros
- Well laid out narrative
- Mellow soundtrack design
- Text Skipping / Fast forwarding Available (Press Shift to fast-forward previously read content; the control panel allows you to enable “Ignore speed restrictions.”)
Cons
- Difficult to get engaged early on
- Limited Save Points / no macOS version
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