No One is Here
- November 21, 2018
- Tipsheda
"No One is Here" is a single-player game that offers a good plot and a wholesome story. In this somber experience, players explore a forgotten town as they uncover a moving narrative about loss, memory, and the passing of time. The game's atmospheric and introspective nature encourages players to reflect on their journey through the deserted settlement. With a strong emphasis on exploration and discovery, "No One is Here" provides a poignant and memorable adventure.
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Reviews
- The novel features breathtaking, poetic writing that captivates readers with its rich imagery and emotional depth.
- It presents a unique perspective on the Holocaust, exploring themes of faith, community, and the power of storytelling in the face of despair.
- The characters, particularly the protagonist Lena, are portrayed with a haunting complexity that evokes empathy and reflection on the human condition.
- The narrative can feel disjointed and dreamlike, making it difficult for some readers to engage with the plot and characters fully.
- Many characters lack depth and individuality, often blending into a collective identity that may frustrate readers seeking more nuanced development.
- The book's themes of passivity and denial in the face of impending danger may come across as unrealistic or overly simplistic, detracting from the gravity of the historical context.
- story87 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 87 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in Ramona Ausubel's "No One Is Here Except All of Us" unfolds in a dreamlike narrative, blending biblical anecdotes and folk wisdom to explore themes of rebirth, love, and the power of storytelling against the backdrop of WWII. While some readers appreciate the poetic prose and emotional depth, others find the plot's structure confusing and the character development lacking. Ultimately, the novel presents a unique perspective on survival and resilience, resonating deeply with those who embrace its surreal and metaphorical storytelling style.
“Lena's story, like a modern-day parable, is poetic and grounded in a belief larger than herself.”
“A highly original and compelling story that captures love and loss and the power of storytelling in such profound ways... surprising for such a young writer.”
“The story is told in the style of a fable or folktale.”
“The story line is jumpy and just does not make much sense.”
“I understand, from the author's note at the end, what Ausubel was attempting to write about, but the story failed to be the uplifting and hopeful story she claimed it to be.”
“A major plot twist that has Lena's husband carried off (he is a sound sleeper) as a prisoner of war-- and dragged off from the boonies of Eastern Europe to a Mediterranean island jail-- makes no sense whatsoever and is not believable even in the context of this dream-like universe.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the narrative is profoundly impactful, capturing the resilience and humanity of a community amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. Reviewers highlight the blend of heart-wrenching and heartwarming moments, with vivid characters and evocative prose that elicit deep feelings of both sorrow and hope. The storytelling resonates deeply, making the historical context feel personal and relatable, while also addressing the complexities of trauma and survival.
“The most touching aspect for me was the undying resilience of this community, who refused to become victims and lived on their own terms even in the face of unimaginable horror.”
“No one is here except all of us made me feel the crimes against humanity so often written about during the Second World War in new ways, ways that cut deeper than ever before, and yet always kept a persistent, lingering hope.”
“Ausubel takes the stories that she has heard from her grandmother since childhood and weaves them into a breathtaking and heart-wrenching novel with characters that are vivid and alive in their human desires, aches, and triumphs.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game create a murky, dreamlike aesthetic that complements the unfolding story set in the isolated Romanian village of Zalischik. The visual style effectively enhances the emotional weight of the narrative, reflecting the characters' denial of the harsh realities surrounding them, including the looming threat of World War II.
“The story slowly unwraps itself in a murky, dreamlike, and aesthetic text throughout Lena's life in the village.”
“The small Romanian village of Zalischik is isolated from the rest of the country geographically.”
“These characters decide to pretend World War II is not on their doorstep, even when a stranger washes up on their riverbanks.”
“The graphics are murky and lack detail, making it hard to immerse myself in the game's world.”
“The visual style feels outdated and doesn't do justice to the story being told.”
“The character designs are bland and uninspired, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by its quirky characters and unique local elements, creating a dreamlike quality that initially distracts from the underlying horrors. The author's skillful portrayal of both atmosphere and character enhances the overall experience.
“Due to several quirky characters (deranged Aunt Kayla, the stranger), unforgettable local color (the house full of cabbages), and a dreamlike atmosphere, the first half of the book almost leads us to forget about the horrors threatening the village.”
“The author conveys atmosphere and character very well.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While some players felt that character development was lacking and the pacing slow, the emotional depth of the story still resonated strongly, evoking powerful reactions despite the desire for more character growth.
“Some parts of it did feel a bit slow, and there was not as much character development as I would have liked.”
“There were moments of this story that brought me to tears, and while I would have liked more character development, the story still managed to pull me in.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is interwoven with emotional depth, offering a blend of heartbreaking moments and dry wit that enhances the overall narrative. Reviewers appreciate the descriptive prose, noting that it makes the experience both memorable and engaging.
“There is humor here among the pathos, but in general, it is more than readable and somehow unforgettable.”
“The prose is wonderful and descriptive - heartbreaking at times and dryly funny in some places.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users feel that the grinding aspect of the game can become tedious, suggesting that a more engaging or preemptive background could enhance the experience and reduce the monotony associated with grinding.
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as mournful and beautiful, evoking a deep sense of melancholy that resonates emotionally with players, often bringing them to tears.
“No one is here except all of us is mournful, beautiful, like a song that fills you with melancholy and brings tears to your eyes.”
