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 effectively creates a dark and thought-provoking atmosphere, making players reflect on heavy themes like suicide.
- It's a free and short experience, making it accessible for those interested in exploring its unique narrative.
- The haunting music and simple graphics contribute to the overall mood, enhancing the unsettling experience.
- The gameplay is very limited and linear, which may leave players wanting more depth and interactivity.
- Character development is lacking, making it difficult for players to empathize with the protagonist's struggles.
- The game's disturbing themes may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those dealing with mental health issues.
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for its lack of depth and abrupt ending, leaving players feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. Reviewers suggest that a more gradual, stage-based narrative development would enhance the experience, allowing for deeper exploration of characters and events. Overall, the storytelling fails to engage, making it difficult to recommend the game.
“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, enriching the overall experience.”
“The ending left me wanting more, as I felt there were additional layers to the story that could have been explored.”
“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 wanted to 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.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is straightforward and minimal, primarily involving walking around a house using WASD controls and interacting with objects by pressing 'E'. While the mechanics are simple and the environment limited, players find the experience enjoyable, 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 ambient in the game) with WASD, move your view with the mouse, and interact with some objects using E.”
“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 predetermined 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.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as haunting and gloomy, effectively complementing the simple gameplay that involves exploring the environment and facing a predetermined fate. Overall, it enhances the atmospheric experience, despite the gameplay's brevity and simplicity.
“The music is haunting and gloomy, perfectly setting the atmosphere of the game.”
“The music is haunting and gloomy, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the game.”
“The gameplay consists of walking around your house and pressing 'E' to perform a handful of actions before facing your predetermined fate, accompanied by the end credits music.”
“The music is very simple and short, which doesn't leave a lasting impression.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simple, yet decent, complementing its straightforward gameplay. While some users find the visuals lacking in complexity, they still consider the overall experience worth the free price point.
“This game, with simple gameplay and decent graphics, is definitely worth the price of admission... free.”
“For the graphics, I can tell you it's pretty simple, and as for the sounds, the music is haunting and gloomy.”
“The only flaw is the simple graphics.”
“For the graphics, I can tell you it's pretty simple.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development is notably weak, 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.”
“The characters feel one-dimensional and their growth throughout the story is minimal, leaving me disconnected from their struggles.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, which diminished my overall investment in the narrative.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with many users noting that it aligns seamlessly with the overall experience, enhancing immersion and engagement.
“It fits perfectly with the atmosphere of the game.”
