The Book of Distance
- October 8, 2020
- National Film Board of Canada
Get on SteamThe Book of Distance blends techniques from mechanical sculpture, film, and stage to redefine personal storytelling in virtual reality. Family archives add a haunting layer of realism. 2D and 3D hand-crafted sets reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, evocative character design, and seamless choreography combine with surprising moments of interaction to gently whisk us across the ocean and thro…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The Book of Distance is a beautifully told and emotionally impactful story that effectively utilizes VR to enhance the narrative experience.
- The interactive elements, while limited, are well-integrated and contribute to a deeply personal and engaging storytelling experience.
- This VR experience serves as a powerful reminder of historical injustices, making it an important and touching tribute to the author's family history.
- Some users experienced technical issues, such as difficulty loading the game or getting stuck in certain scenes, which detracted from the overall experience.
- The experience is relatively short, lasting around 30 minutes, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- Limited interaction and the need for a larger play area can make it challenging for some users to fully engage with the experience.
- story77 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story is widely praised for its emotional depth and personal resonance, effectively utilizing VR to create an immersive and touching narrative experience. Many reviewers highlight its poignant themes, particularly regarding the experiences of Japanese internment during WWII, and commend the storytelling as both innovative and impactful. Overall, it is described as a beautifully crafted piece that leaves a lasting impression on players, making it a standout example of VR storytelling.
“This is a masterpiece of VR storytelling!”
“The story is very personal, and extremely well told.”
“Moving, touching, and an incredible story; all of the elements come together here to create something wholly unique and original.”
“Regardless of how well done the narrative, story, and presentation might be, this has been erroneously published on Steam in the games section instead of the software section.”
“If you are looking for an intense storyline/adventure, then this is not a game for you.”
“This is immersive theater at its finest with good looking stylized visuals, emotional story, and player interactions interwoven into the narrative.”
- emotional34 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with many players describing the story as touching, heartbreaking, and beautifully crafted. The use of VR enhances the emotional impact, leading to profound personal connections and even tears during gameplay. Overall, it is praised as a powerful and innovative storytelling experience that effectively conveys deep, personal narratives and historical injustices.
“The story it tells is very touching.”
“This is an engaging, emotional experience that asks universal questions while telling a deeply personal story.”
“The end result is a beautiful, heartfelt experience that isn't only a great show, but is one of the most important pieces of media I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics are widely praised for their beautiful, vibrant, and crisp visuals, complemented by a well-executed art style that enhances the storytelling experience. While some users note a limited interaction, the overall execution of lighting and mechanics contributes to an immersive atmosphere. The combination of stylized visuals and emotional narratives creates a compelling aesthetic that resonates with players.
“The graphics were very beautiful, vibrant, and crisp.”
“This is immersive theater at its finest with good looking stylized visuals, emotional story, and player interactions interwoven into the narrative.”
“I loved the art style chosen for this experience.”
“Always a bit undercut by the cartoony depictions of internment and 1930s Japan, the mix of audio, softened visuals, hard facts, and personal tales still work as a whole though.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating environments and emotional impact, despite some stiffness in character animations. Many players find the ambient elements particularly moving, creating a strong initial impression that resonates deeply.
“In the first 3 minutes of playing, the atmosphere captured my attention and brought me to tears because of the ambient.”
“The character animations are a little stiff, but the environments and overall atmosphere are very well done.”
“The first 3 minutes when I played this, the atmosphere just captured my attention and it made me tear up because of the ambient.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, complementing the visuals and art style effectively while enhancing the storytelling experience.
“The visuals, art style, music, and storytelling are all on point.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is beautifully composed, making every moment in the game feel immersive.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its excellent execution, with well-designed mechanics, effective pacing, and impressive lighting, all contributing to an engaging experience despite the simple graphics.
“Even with the simple graphics, everything is so well executed; from lighting, mechanics, pacing, everything.”
“The gameplay is incredibly smooth and responsive, making every action feel satisfying.”
“I love how the game balances challenge and fun, keeping me engaged without feeling frustrated.”
