Following Freeware – January 2015 releases

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Steve’s Selections

You.Me.Hell

Tova lives in a state of almost constant rage. Her partner Tor is laid-back as a man could be. Little wonder that there is a certain amount of tension in their relationship from time to time. Now they both appear to be in hell, reliving past events in their relationship. But was the computer always so cranky, and did Tor really go to such lengths to hook up with Tova in the first place? As each experiences different parts of their history together, the real world and the infernal realm start to blur into one another. Can this really be their fate?

Biscuit Placebo’s latest offering is another slice of the decidedly surreal.  The graphics are done in the collage style of their previous game, with characters especially appearing to be made of basic cut-outs. Despite the simplicity of the look, expressive eyes and mouths help bring the characters to life. You commence your quest in the rocky caves that form the outskirts of Hell, but your quest will take you to the couple’s mundane apartment, as well as a disco party where they first met. Conversations produce slightly more detailed close-ups, though the dialogue is unvoiced. These can include some bizarre imagery, such as a man with a toadstool growing out of his head. The opening scene has a jazzy song about Hell as background. Other scenes include location-appropriate music, such as the disco.

Whilst maintaining some semblance of internal logic, this is a decidedly peculiar game. Sections alternate between you controlling Tova and Tor in different situations. For each, simple point-and-click controls allow you to move and interact. Where more than one interaction is possible at a hotspot, a list of options is presented. These include use of an inventory item when appropriate. You will face such tasks as operating a remote controlled coffee machine and driving away a collection of love rivals. There are some devious combinations to decipher, as well as some deceptively complex dialogue challenges. Some puzzles require you to fully appreciate the game’s skewed take on reality, with a twisted sense of humour running throughout your adventure.

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