An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
- November 7, 2019
- James Earl Cox III
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Get on itch.io Store"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short, immersive game based on Ambrose Bierce's Civil War story. It offers a unique, emotionally gripping experience that takes advantage of interactive storytelling. By blurring the line between reader and protagonist, it showcases the power of game design as an art form.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game effectively conveys a powerful story through minimalist visuals and gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves in the experience.
- The 8-bit graphics and atmospheric music enhance the emotional impact of the narrative, making it a memorable short experience.
- As a free game, it offers a unique interpretation of a classic story, making it accessible for those interested in quick, artistic storytelling.
- The gameplay is extremely limited, primarily consisting of holding the right arrow key, which may leave players wanting more interactivity.
- The pacing feels rushed, and the abrupt ending can leave players feeling unsatisfied or questioning the purpose of the story.
- Technical issues, such as lag and automatic restarts, can detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating for some players.
- story51 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story, based on Ambrose Bierce's classic short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," is presented through minimalist, wordless visuals that effectively convey the protagonist's emotional journey. While some reviewers appreciate the artistic adaptation and the ability to engage players in the narrative without traditional storytelling methods, others criticize the execution as lacking depth and gameplay. Overall, the game serves as a brief yet impactful experience that encourages reflection on the original story's themes.
“Bierce's story was unique for its time because of how the reader is able to directly experience the actions and feelings of the central character, Farquhar, as if it is their own.”
“This game variation has taken the Civil War story and kept the main theme yet shown it in an artistic way by using no words, only visuals in the form of pixelated graphics and sound.”
“The pixel art does a fine job of telling the story, and the music manages to evoke a sense of urgency while staying true to the overall simple design aesthetic.”
“The visuals fully showcase the protagonist's experiences much as Bierce intended in his story, yet the only missing section is the story's explanation behind why the protagonist had ended up at Owl Creek Bridge and who was behind it.”
“This game variation has taken the Civil War story and kept the main theme, yet shown it in an artistic way by using no words, only visuals in the form of pixelated graphics and sound.”
“Although not as effective as some of this developer's other titles, this game is another competent example of minimalist storytelling in video-gamedom.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature charming 8-bit visuals that effectively convey the story without words, appealing to fans of retro aesthetics and minimalist design. However, some reviewers criticize the use of outdated pixel art as a lazy substitute for modern graphics, arguing that it detracts from the emotional depth of the narrative. Overall, while the visuals are appreciated for their artistic intent, opinions vary on their execution and impact.
“The visuals change often, and it conveys its story entirely without words, which I admire.”
“This game variation has taken the Civil War story and kept the main theme yet shown it in an artistic way by using no words, only visuals in the form of pixelated graphics and sound.”
“The pixel art does a fine job of telling the story, and the music manages to evoke a sense of urgency while staying true to the overall simple design aesthetic.”
“In a disgraceful insult to a great work of literary majesty, the game was made with obsolete retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“The lazy, phoned-in graphics, practically zero gameplay... with the butchered skin of a brilliant, emotional story plastered over it like a psycho cannibal wearing someone else's skin... this is not art.”
“Pixel graphics are fine (not great) and the music is also fine (also not great in my opinion).”
- music8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it excellent and well-suited to the game's atmosphere, while others consider it merely adequate. It effectively evokes a sense of urgency and complements the pixel art style, although some feel it doesn't quite elevate the overall experience. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, despite varying opinions on its quality.
“The alternative ending is totally unexpected, and the music is outstanding.”
“However, the music is excellently done.”
“Sadly, this short game kinda overstayed its welcome for me, as the pacing is severely truncated in order to extend the meager length of the experience or to accommodate the song that's in it.”
“Pixel graphics are fine (not great) and the music is also fine (also not great in my opinion).”
“The pixel art does a fine job of telling the story, and the music manages to evoke a sense of urgency while staying true to the overall simple design aesthetic.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is minimal and largely consists of holding a button until the end, with a difficulty rating of 1/10 due to its lack of interactivity and reliance on visual storytelling. Players should not expect traditional gameplay mechanics, as the experience is more of a narrative walkthrough rather than an engaging game. Overall, it is criticized for its janky execution and perceived lack of artistic merit.
“Besides the title screen, there are no words (spoken or written) within the game allowing the art and mechanics to tell the story.”
“You shouldn't go in expecting a ton of gameplay; it's more of a short walkthrough of the story.”
“Gameplay is hold right until the end, and even that is a little janky.”
“I would rate its difficulty at 1/10, given the minimal gameplay and clear instructions throughout (simply follow the soldier's story).”
“There's no actual gameplay, and that was not the intent... this was designed from scratch to be an affront to all that is good in literature.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for its dark undertones, encapsulating a sense of existentialism with the phrase "life sucks," yet it still manages to be immersive and impactful. Additionally, a reference to Ambrose Bierce's "Devil's Dictionary" highlights the appreciation for unique and clever wordplay, suggesting that the game's humor may resonate with those who enjoy similar literary styles.
“All that buildup to say 'life sucks.' :lunar2019laughingpig: Even with that anomaly, I still found the game immersive and appreciated how it said a lot with a little.”
“Side note: anyone who has never heard of Ambrose Bierce should find online his 'Devil's Dictionary.' It is a hilarious and unique collection of his own interpretation of words in dictionary format.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its effective orchestration of visual experiences through progression triggers, complemented by great music that enhances the overall ambiance, culminating in a satisfying ending.
“It relies on progression triggers to orchestrate and control a visual experience that is effective and atmospheric.”
“Great music and atmosphere; nice ending too.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is criticized for being overshadowed by poor graphics and minimal gameplay, leading to a perception that the story feels superficial and poorly executed, akin to a disjointed and inauthentic experience.
