December 19th 2024.
As the year comes to a close, we at GameCentral make sure to catch up on any interesting games we may have missed throughout the year. This usually includes indie titles that did not receive much attention at launch but have since gained critical acclaim. One such game is 1000xResist, an indie gem that may just have the best script and voice-acting of 2024.
While we may have to conclude our catch-up in January this year due to Christmas creeping up on us, we couldn't wait to cover 1000xResist. Not only is it a fantastic game that we only discovered a few weeks ago, but it's also highly likely to make it into our Top 20 games of the year. Despite its obscurity, with only 154 players at its all-time peak on Steam, it stands out as one of the best storytelling games of the past 12 months.
Developed by Sunset Visitor, 1000xResist is their first game, and it's impossible not to draw comparisons to Vanillaware's 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Not in terms of gameplay, as this is not a strategy game, but in its sci-fi setting and storytelling tone, which bears similarities to NieR:Automata as well.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been decimated by aliens through a global pandemic. The nods to the current Covid situation are apparent from the start, but instead of a virus, this story follows the aftermath of an artificial virus that has left the human race nearly extinct. The remaining humans are all clones of the Allmother, a rare individual immune to the virus, and you play as one of six clones with a specific leadership role.
As the Watcher, your task is to record the Allmother's life and actions by accessing her memories through a process called communion. You must interpret and record her experiences before the alien invasion. However, you also have to keep an eye on your fellow clones, which creates tension within the group, even though you are technically all 'sisters.'
In terms of gameplay, 1000xResist is essentially a visual novel, with most of your time spent walking around and talking to people. However, this can prove to be the game's weakest aspect, as there is no proper map, making it easy to get lost. There is minimal action, with elements similar to Gravity Rush, where you jump between locations, and the occasional puzzle. These aspects are not meant to provide a challenge but rather to enhance the storytelling experience.
Visually, 1000xResist may not be high-tech, but that doesn't mean it's just pages of endless text. All dialogue is voice-acted and performed exceptionally well, surpassing many triple-A games in this regard. The communion scenes are also visually inventive, with various camera angles and time periods to explore.
Despite the game's focus on the pandemic, both real and fictional, the story is far from one-dimensional. It covers various topics, from negative parental influences to governmental abuse of power. As the developer is based in Canada and primarily made up of Asian immigrants, the game also explores their experiences.
Like all good sci-fi, 1000xResist is more about our current reality than the distant future, with human stories intertwined with themes of authoritarianism, discrimination, and radicalization. If there is one message the game conveys, it's the consequences of not acknowledging and addressing our past mistakes.
Despite its heavy subject matter, 1000xResist manages to infuse moments of humor, with well-developed characters and their flaws and quirks. Each clone may physically be identical, but they each have their own personalities, concerns, and hang-ups.
It's not uncommon for indie games to have better storytelling than big-budget games, but it's rare to come across one as ambitious and well-executed as 1000xResist. The story alone spans over 12 hours, making it a must-play for fans of visual novels. Don't let its off-putting name deter you; this game is excellently written and compelling.
In summary, 1000xResist stands out as a superior example of a visual novel, with some of the most engaging storytelling of its generation, even if it lacks traditional gameplay. With its graceful handling of various subjects and surprisingly good voice-acting, this game is not one to miss. It may not have a map, but navigating through its world is well worth the experience.
If you have any thoughts on 1000xResist or would like to share your own gaming experiences with us, feel free to email us, leave a comment, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter. You can also easily submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features through our Submit Stuff page.
Thank you for reading our review of 1000xResist, a game that may have a terrible name, but everything else about it is exceptionally well-crafted. We hope you enjoyed our take on this indie gem and consider giving it a try on PC or Nintendo Switch. Developed by sunset visitor 斜陽過客 and published by Fellow Traveller, 1000xResist was released on May 9th, 2024, with an age rating of 16 and a price of £16.75. Happy gaming!
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
