THE STATIC SPEAKS MY NAME
- January 19, 2015
- thewhalehusband
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"The Static Speaks My Name" is a free, short, first-person exploration game focusing on mood and character. Players delve into the mind of a man obsessed with a painting's meaning, while navigating explicit themes of suicide. The game features 3D graphics in various colors and offers additional merchandise for purchase. Headphones and a dark room are recommended for optimal experience. Donations and Twitter following encourage supporting future games.
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Reviews
- The game is free and offers a unique, thought-provoking experience that explores dark themes.
- It effectively builds a disturbing atmosphere that makes players reflect on the main character's situation.
- Despite its simplicity, the game has a haunting soundtrack that complements its themes well.
- The gameplay is very short and lacks depth, leaving many questions unanswered.
- Character development is minimal, making it difficult for players to empathize with the protagonist's struggles.
- The linearity of the game restricts player choice, which undermines the gravity of its subject matter.
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for its lack of depth and abrupt ending, leaving players disappointed and wanting more development. Reviewers suggest that a staged storytelling approach, detailing events over time, would enhance the narrative experience. Overall, the story feels underdeveloped and fails to engage players meaningfully.
“The story develops in stages (like day 1, day 2, day 40) instead of abruptly ending without further analysis.”
“The narrative explores the perspectives of other characters, adding depth to the overall experience.”
“The story unfolds gradually, allowing players to engage with the plot over time rather than rushing to a conclusion.”
“This could be a potential indie game, but due to the lack of depth in the story, I do not recommend this game.”
“I found the ending to be a disappointment, and when I thought I saw another four grey orbs, I could move to see their side of the story.”
“The story development occurs in stages (like day 1, day 2, day 40) instead of being told and ending abruptly without further analysis.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is very simple and brief, primarily involving walking around a house using the WASD keys and interacting with objects by pressing 'E'. Players can expect a limited range of actions and a predetermined outcome, making the experience last only a few minutes. Despite its simplicity, the game is considered worth playing, especially given its free price point.
“This game with simple gameplay and decent graphics is definitely worth the price of admission... free.”
“Short (a few minutes max) and very simple: gameplay consists of walking around your house using WASD and pressing E to perform a handful of actions before you have to face your pre-determined fate and the end credits music.”
“There's not much gameplay; you'll move inside your house (the only environment in the game) with WASD, move your view with the mouse, and interact with some objects using E.”
“This game has simple gameplay, and decent graphics, but is definitely worth the price of admission... free.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as haunting and gloomy, effectively complementing the simple and short gameplay experience. Players engage in minimal actions before encountering a pre-determined fate, with the end credits music leaving a lasting impression.
“The music is haunting and gloomy, perfectly setting the tone for the game's atmosphere.”
“The end credits music leaves a lasting impression, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The sound design, particularly the music, adds depth to the simple gameplay.”
“For the graphics, I can tell you it's pretty simple, and as for the sounds, the music is haunting and gloomy.”
“Short (a few minutes max) and very simple: gameplay consists of walking around your house using WASD and pressing E to perform a handful of actions before you have to face your pre-determined fate and the end credits music.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, which some users consider a flaw. However, despite the simplicity, the visuals are deemed decent and fitting for the game's overall experience, especially given its free price point.
“This game with simple gameplay and decent graphics is definitely worth the price of admission... free.”
“The only flaw is the simple graphics.”
“For the graphics, I can tell you it's pretty simple, and as for the sounds, the music is haunting and gloomy.”
“This game has simple gameplay and decent graphics, but it's definitely worth the price of admission... free.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development is notably insufficient, making it difficult for players to empathize with the protagonist's struggles, particularly regarding the sensitive theme of suicide.
“Character development is seriously lacking, making it hard to sympathize with the situation concerning the main character's suicide.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its perfect alignment with the overall experience, enhancing immersion and engagement for players.
