Gone Home
- August 12, 2013
- The Fullbright Company
One of the best games of 2013 is finally out on consoles. If you haven’t done so already, you owe it to yourself to experience a beautiful story and some very clever, but understated, game design.
Get on Epic Games StoreJune 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM - You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company. Gone Home is an interactive exploration simulator. Interrogate every detail of a seemingly normal house to…
Mac OS
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Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Gone Home features a captivating mood and atmosphere that enhances the storytelling experience.
- The game is easy to play and offers hidden messages and story beats that encourage exploration.
- It is a significant example of interactive storytelling, handling complex themes with authenticity.
- The game lacks traditional action elements, which may not satisfy players looking for more gameplay.
- Some players may find it challenging to engage with the game due to its unconventional format.
- Despite its impact, the game is still considered to have minimal gameplay mechanics.
- story6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story in "Gone Home" is praised for its thoughtful and articulate composition, offering a captivating atmosphere and hidden messages that enhance the narrative experience. Reviewers highlight its significance in interactive storytelling, comparing it favorably to "Life is Strange," and emphasize that the emotional depth and complexity of the story linger long after gameplay. Overall, it is regarded as a beautiful and impactful narrative that challenges conventional storytelling in games.
“Both as a near-perfect exercise in interactive storytelling and an example of how to handle complex and very real ideas in a game, only Life is Strange has ever come close to matching its significance.”
“While there still isn’t much ‘game’ to be found here, the story you unravel through exploring an empty home will stay with you long after you’ve put down your Switch.”
“Thoughtful, clever, and articulately composed, Gone Home is the sweet sort of story that games typically tend to shun.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its captivating mood and engaging narrative, which includes hidden messages and story elements that enhance the overall experience. Players find it easy to immerse themselves in the world, making the exploration of its rich storytelling particularly enjoyable.
“Captivating mood and atmosphere, easy to play, hidden messages and story beats to discover, wonderful narrative.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by Katie's homecoming, which is described as deeply impactful, well-structured, and strikingly genuine, resonating with players on a personal level.
“Katie's homecoming is emotionally charged, expertly plotted, and impressively authentic.”
Critic Reviews
Gone Home Review
Thoughtful, clever, and articulately composed, Gone Home is the sweet sort of story that games typically tend to shun. Katie's homecoming is emotionally charged, expertly plotted, and impressively authentic. And while it may not quench the thirst of those anxious for action, it tells a tale that practically everyone will be able to identify with – as long as you give it the chance.
90%Gone Home (Switch) Review
Home is where the heart is.
90%Gone Home Review
While it is a five-year-old game, there’s no denying the cultural and developmental impact Gone Home has had on the game industry. Both as a near-perfect exercise in interactive storytelling and an example of how to handle complex and very real ideas in a game, only Life is Strange has ever come close to matching its significance. While there still isn’t much ‘game’ to be found here, the story you unravel through exploring an empty home will stay with you long after you’ve put down your Switch. Essential.
90%
