As it is one of the most artistically profound and immaculately written games of our time, Disco Elysium can be dissected and broken down for hours upon hours, and still there can never be enough said about the unbelievable experience it provides. In this article I have tried to break down a single aspect of the game, and one of its most significant: the skill system.
As almost any other RPG, Disco Elysium utilizes a skill system for your character. While in the majority of games you see generic attributes such as strength, intelligence, speed, etc. make up your character, Disco Elysium approaches this mechanic in a much more ambitious manner. By having a number of 24 skills, the game effectively examines what the human mind and body goes through in any possible situation.
Here I’ll be talking about some of the most interesting of these skills, and the incredible way Disco Elysium tackles storytelling and character development by attributing a sort of personality to each of these skills.
The Skills in Gameplay
As said before, skills are an essential part in most RPGs. With Disco Elysium being a heavily narrative driver game, these skills are mainly used to determine how our protagonist, Harry, functions in the world when interacting with others (and of course, when internalizing his own thoughts). The skills are split into the four major areas ofIntellect,Psyche,PhysiqueandMotorics.
The dialogue in the game greatly relies on what skills the player chooses to specialize in. For instance, having enough points inConceptualizationmight make Harry notice a deeper and more subtle detail in a conversation, allowing a new dialogue branch to be opened. Alternatively, certain skills can make conversations go in completely different directions, or even be bypassed, such as thePhysical Instrumentskill allowing Harry to brute force his way into a solution.
This feature, along with the freedom of player choice, is what makes each playthrough of Disco Elysium a completely unique experience for each individual, one which can never be replicated (additionally, certain luck-based skill checks add greatly to this variety). This means that based on what skills the player decides to improve and add points to, drastically different outcomes are created, therefore causing the game to be infinitely re-playable, and hours and hours of experimentation to be possible.
The Skills in Narrative
Whether you’re trying to solve the murder case, learn about the history of Revachol, or pursue the tasks around the dozens of side characters in the game, everything in Disco Elysium always comes down to one essential matter: Harry’s struggle with figuring out his past, and dealing with everything that goes on in his head.
Each of the 24 skills is virtually a voice in Harry’s head, with every single one of them displaying a unique personality trait that is evident by the different tone and mannerisms of speech exhibited in the writing. During many thoughts and internalizations, Harry’s addictive tendencies and attraction towards drugs and alcohol becomes apparent by theElectrochemistryskill, which tempts him to feed into these unhealthy impulses. Similarly, if the player has invested enough points intoVolition, it will chime in a as a separate voice and attempt to convince Harry to back away from his temptations. This is just one example of how accurately Disco Elysium portrays the inner conflicts of the human mind, and the back-and-forth that we constantly go through between several ideas and impulses that effect our decision-making.
an example of these conflicting thoughts in the character’s head. The player’s choice and number of skill points available for each of these affects the outcome of this situation
Furthermore, the great thing about these conversations that Harry has with himself, is just how relatable and palpable they can be for us players. The complex and dense skill system of Disco Elysium can in many ways be applied to every individual in real life. For instance, some people might be more intellectually knowledgeable and have good debating abilities, meaning they probably have high amounts ofLogicandRhetoric. Others might be more emotionally intelligent and excel in things likeEmpathyandSuggestion. In the game, the prose of these 24 voices is written in such a superb manner that it produces some of the most memorable and significant lines of dialogue in the game.
Some Specific Skills
1.Logic
Wield raw intellectual power. Deduce the world.
Logic is pretty self-explanatory by its name, and is among my favorites in the game. As someone who enjoys puzzles and piecing things together, Logic is that exact part of the mind. While playing the game I felt satisfied in certain moments when loose ends where tied up and the game’s world was being put together piece by piece. Interestingly, at those exact moments, the Logic voice chimed in and portrayed these exact feelings I had.
2. Inland Empire
Hunches and gut feelings. Dreams in waking life.
Inland Empire is one of the more odd skills in the game, having a sort of paranormal quality to it. It mainly relates to visions and dreamlike scenarios that Harry experiences, and in that way it becomes one of the most interesting skills. It also contributes to Harry’s gut feelings and vibes, with seemingly no rational explanation behind them (some of these hint at Harry’s unknown past, while some subtly foreshadow later events in the game).
3. Composure
Straighten your back. Keep your poker face.
As part of the motorics attribute, Composure is a relatively straightforward skill, and it affects how Harry handles himself in dire situations, and how well he can persist a calm manner in front of others. However, what’s interesting to note about this skill is that it also helps Harry detect how well other people are composed. Meaning it’s an important factor in reading others based on their appearance and the way they present themselves.
4. Shivers
Raise the hair on your neck. Tune in to the city.
Another strange addition to the skillset, Shivers, to put is simply, is named after the “shivers down your spine” phrase. Effectively the voice of the city, and the wind, displayed as poetic descriptions of what being in the city of Revachol truly feels like. Shivers does a lot in terms of world building and creating the bleak and distinctly depressing atmosphere of Disco Elysium. Its writing consists of describing certain places and simultaneously occurring events that Harry is not present for, but can *feel* in his spine, making it, similarly to Inland Empire, a quite supernatural part of the game. This makes Shivers the source of some of the most memorable and poetic lines of dialogue in the game.
5. Volition
Hold yourself together. Keep your morale up.
Despite all his hangovers, amnesia, and self-destructive tendencies, there is one voice within Harry that always looks out for him and wants what’s best for him. Volition. It is the most objectively *sane* sounding skill, and within Harry’s generally devastated personality, Volition can occasionally act as an uplifting glimmer of hope in the somber world of the game. Its purpose is to remind Harry that there is always a chance to grow and move on from his morbid past, and that even a tiny shred of optimism can be powerful to move him towards a better mental state. This makes it one of the most beloved and helpful skills from a narrative perspective.
The articles on this site are primarily about movies, television, and music, all of which are ways of communicating certain thoughts or feelings; however, video games can also be an art form, and they can be just as impactful as telling a story through any other medium. In this article I’ve gathered the 10 games that have had the biggest impact on me.
10. Geometry Dash
Release Year: 2013
Developer: RobTop Games
Composer: Various Artists
Genre: Rhythm Based Platformer
Platforms: PC, Mobile
A rhythm-based platforming game that looks simple at first glance, but has the potential of being one of the most difficult games ever made. The games has a number of default levels that range from easy to demon difficulty(the highest difficulty rank). These levels are made by RobTop and they each showcase the multiple mechanics of the game. The player can jump, fly as a ship, change gravity, etc. to avoid obstacles, and all of this is done by simply clicking.
However, these main levels are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Geometry Dash levels. The game utilizes a system where users can create and submit their own levels for other players to try out. This community of creators and players is what has kept Geometry Dash alive since its release in 2013. The user created levels range from simple, fun, visually stylistic levels to extremely difficult demons that only a small number of dedicated players can complete. There are unlimited ways to approach Geometry Dash. You can decide to casually play featured user levels, or spend hours trying to complete demons, or even create your own level.
Level: Black Blizzard by KrmaL – Extreme Demon
Although I don’t play GD often anymore, I used to spend hours and hours on it, trying to beat certain levels, and while it was certainly frustrating, it was also one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I’ve had playing video games.
9. West of Loathing
Release Year: 2017
Developer: Asymmetric Publications
Composer: Ryan Ike
Genre: RPG
Platforms: PC, Console (Nintendo Switch)
A western with stickman drawings, West of Loathing is a charming, simple and extremely funny RPG. You start off by choosing a profession. You can either be a Cow Puncher, Beanslinger, or Snake Oiler (the ridiculousness of these titles can give you an idea of this game’s sense of humor), with each of them giving your character different abilities throughout the game. The game is built around completing side quests and helping people you encounter throughout your adventure across the wild west. The basic turn-based combat is enhanced by creative uses of stereotypical RPG mechanics. Having the player obtain abilities such as Dickerin’, Hornswagglin’, and so on, is not only humorous but also makes this game feel fresh and different.
There’s not a single moment in the game that doesn’t involve some kind of humor. The dialogue is cleverly written and anything you interact with has some kind of unique joke written about it. Since there is a lot of reading involved in this game, at times playing it feels like reading a book, which might not be every player’s cup of tea, though it’s important to point out that reading absolutely everything isn’t necessary at all for having an enjoyable experience.
West of Loathing contains many hidden details and secrets that adds a lot of replay value, and makes the player want to keep searching around and looking for fun Easter eggs.
“It’s a spittoon. People spit into it. You know without even looking in it that it’s absolutely disgusting.”
– The Narrator
8. The Neverhood
Release Year: 1996
Developer: The Neverhood, Inc.
Composer: Terry Scott Taylor
Genre: Adventure, Point-and-Click
Platforms: PC
This 1996 point-and-click game was made in a style known as Claymation, where the sets are entirely made of clay. The painstaking care and effort the creators put into making this game is indescribable. The Neverhood is undoubtedly one of the most stylistically unique games out there, that unfortunately wasn’t met with the recognition it deserved, and still remains relatively obscure in the indie game world.
The story follows Klaymen. A quiet, funny and likeable protagonist that goes around the Neverhood, solving puzzles and gradually learning about his purpose. The game is full of weird, absurd comedy and excellently animated cutscenes. The game’s soundtrack by Terry Scott Taylor is perhaps the most memorable thing about it. Its songs range from coughing sounds and weird mumbling to musical pieces heavily inspired by blues and jazz, and it’s among the best video game soundtracks ever created.
Patience is a fitting theme when thinking about the gameplay of the Neverhood. There are puzzles which require taking notes and going from room to room, and some are notoriously difficult and unforgiving. However, the visual atmosphere and overall vibes that the game gives off make it entirely worth it, and provide a unique experience that won’t be disappointing if you’re a fan of adventure games.
7. Subnautica
Release Year: 2018
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Composer: Simon Chylinski
Genre: Adventure, Survival, Open-World
Platforms: PC, Console
Some time in the future, a spaceship called the Aurora, crashes on a remote ocean planet. The lone survivor of this crash is the player, and they must find a way to survive in this alien world and eventually escape the planet.
Subnautica starts off like any other open-world, survival game. Gathering materials, building tools, equipment, and so on.
The major and obvious difference from other games is that it takes place almost entirely underwater.
In terms of graphics, Subnautica is a pleasure to look at. With uniquely designed creatures and landscapes, Subnautica has some of the best visual aesthetics in any survival game. Additionally, the game has phenomenal audio and sound design, which help a great deal to improve the game’s atmosphere, and make the player truly feel part of the environment.
Although Subnautica is an open-world game, it also has a story that is gradually unfolded as the player finds new areas and structures.
While Subnautica is at first seemingly a relatively relaxing and peaceful experience, there are moments in the game where it almost moves into the horror genre. It brilliantly creates tension and fear, and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you’re trying desperately to escape from the Reaper Leviathan.
Quote:
“Detecting multiple leviathan class lifeforms in this region. Are you certain whatever you’re doing is worth it?”
– The PDA
6. The Rusty Lake Series
Release Year: 2015 – Present
Developer: Rusty Lake
Composer: Victor Butzelaar
Genre: Point-and-Click, Puzzle
Platforms: PC, Mobile
A series of point-and-click puzzle games, with occasional elements of horror, the Rusty Lake and Cube Escape games are made by a small but passionate Dutch team. Most of the games in the series are not directly connected, but they each tell a story that serves as part of a larger, more complex lore that the series has been building towards to this day. The games revolve around memories, souls, sacrifices and so on.
The gameplay primarily consists of solving puzzles and figuring out how to progress through each section. They are memorable for their visual imagery, unique character designs and their creepy, unsettling atmosphere.
Nowadays, there are numerous indie horror game franchises out there that try to be compelling by having a non-linear and complex lore, most of which eventually end up being dull and unsatisfying experiences. However, the Rusty Lakes franchise is among the few exceptions in this genre that succeeds.
Some of my personal favorite games in the series are Rusty Lake Roots, Cube Escape Paradox, and Rusty Lake Paradise. Although the games are non-linear, it is best for a first playthrough to play them in the order they were released. Starting from Cube Escape Seasons up to the upcoming “The Past Within”, expected to release in the second quarter of 2022.
Originally a Half-Life 2 mod, later getting a full release in 2013, and recently getting an Ultra Deluxe version in 2022, The Stanley Parable remains one of the most unique and inventive video games in recent years, and one that truly showcases video games as an art form.
Throughout the game you are confronted with multiple choices and paths to follow, each leading to a different ending.
The narrator comes along with you, and you can decide whether to obey him or make your own choices, as he comments on each decision you make. With many jokes and constant fourth wall breaks, The Stanley Parable never fails to be hilarious; although the darker themes of the game present themselves depending on which path you take. Meta-commentary about narrative structures in video games, the nature of choice, free will and much more are brought up in this game, making it a great blend of comedy and tragedy.
To truly grasp what The Stanley Parable is trying to say, be patient and take your time with it, and you’ll have an unforgettable gaming experience.
Quote: “As he wandered through this fantasy world, he began to fill it with many possible paths and destinations. Down one path lay an enormous round room with monitors and mind controls, and down another was a yellow line that weaved in many directions, and down another was a game with a baby. And he called it: The Stanley Parable.”
-The Narrator
4. Return of the Obra Dinn
Release Year: 2018
Developer: Lucas Pope
Composer: Lucas Pope
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Platforms: PC, Console
Return of the Obra Dinn is by indie game designer Lucas Pope, mostly known for 2013’s Papers Please, and it is undoubtedly his best work yet. A ship has returned to England after being lost at sea for over five years, and it is the player’s job to discover the fate of each of the 60 people who were on board. The player investigates different memories and scenes for the death of each person. The name and fate of each person must be deciphered by listening to dialogue, paying attention to visual details, process of elimination, and so on, which involves going back and forth between multiple memories. Return of the Obra Dinn is a true detective game that requires lots of thinking and attention, and one that doesn’t treat the player like a fool.
The atmosphere of the game is unmatched. The beautiful black and white visuals, along with the epic orchestral pieces composed by Lucas Pope himself create a uniquely grim environment, that is unlike any game you see these days.
Return of the Obra Dinn is a game that is meant to be experienced blindly, since even the slightest spoilers can ruin a substantial part of the gameplay.
Quote:
“A beast like that, does not lift for nothing…”
– Alfred Klestil
3. Cuphead
Release Year: 2017
Developer: Studio MDHR
Composer: Kristofer Maddigan
Genre: Run and Gun, Platformer
Platforms: PC, Console
Cuphead has become one of the most critically acclaimed indie games of its time since its release in 2017, and it’s because of the beautifully animated 1930s style graphics, fantastic jazz and orchestral music compositions, and its challenging yet incredibly fun gameplay.
Two brothers, Cuphead and Mugman, stumble upon a casino owned by the Devil. Due to recklessness and greed, they eventually lose a game to the Devil himself, thus causing him to demand the brothers’ souls. They make a deal with him, which forces them to collect contracts from his debtors, one by one, so that they can save their souls from the Devil’s claws.
The debtors are in the form of boss fights, which are the main type of levels you encounter in the game. They require lots of skill and determination to get through, but the more difficult a boss is, the more satisfying and rewarding it feels to finally beat it, and this feeling of satisfaction is present every time you hear the victory music play in Cuphead.
There is so much personality and character to each aspect of the game, and it’s clear that the developers gave it their all when designing these characters and trying to make the game feel as authentic as possible. The pure excitement and thrill present in Cuphead is something that few video games can offer.
Quote:
“Yer skills be like me buried treasure… just a myth!”
– Captain Brineybeard
2. Undertale
Release Year: 2015
Developer: Toby Fox
Composer: Toby Fox
Genre: RPG
Platforms: PC, Console
Another notable indie game of the last decade, Undertale is an RPG made by Toby Fox released in 2015. After the war between humans and monsters, the monsters have been sealed underground, locked away from the outside world. One day a human (the player) falls in the underground, and that’s where your adventures start. Where Undertale differs from other RPGs is having the option to be a pacifist, and win battles by means other than fighting. Whether you decide to do this, or go on a killing spree, or just something in between, heavily affects the storyline and ending of the game.
As I mentioned when I talked about West of Loathing, attention to hidden details is something few video game developers care about, however Toby Fox has put so much love and care into making Undertale that every time you play it you’re bound to discover something new.
Perhaps one aspect of Undertale that has made it so popular among game fans, is the characters. All of the characters have so much personality in their design and dialogue that by the end of the game the emotional attachment you have for these characters makes you feel like you really know them. What makes Undertale stand out for me is that it has one of the most well-written, most well-executed stories in perhaps any form of media I’ve experienced. It is a perfect balance between comedy and more melancholy, emotional moments. The soundtrack is perhaps one of the best video game soundtracks of all time, with each character, location or theme having a certain leitmotif (a melody that repeats and represents a particular idea).
Undertale is a game that can pull anyone’s heartstrings, and I highly advise everyone to play it.
Quote:
Honorable Mentions:
Machinarium
World of Goo
Plants Vs. Zombies
Stories Untold
Papers Please
Outlast
Five Nights at Freddy’s
1. Minecraft
Release Year: 2011
Developer: Mojang
Composer: C418
Genre: Sandbox, Survival, Open-World
Platforms: PC, Mobile, Console
Perhaps the most popular game on this list (and one of the most popular games in general), Minecraft needs no introduction. A game with no story and no end goal. You have the freedom to do whatever you want in your world. Build monuments, fight monsters, explore. Minecraft gives you the opportunity to express your creativity in any way you like. It can be a relaxing and peaceful as you’re building up your world, or it can be a terrifying, stressful environment as you’re running away from monsters trying to find your base.
The blocky graphics are certainly the most iconic thing about the game. They add a lot of charm and uniqueness to Minecraft that separates it from the rest of the video game world. The music by C418 (and more recently, Lena Raine) is one of the most calming and beautifully composed video game soundtracks to date.
Minecraft has been around since 2009, and it still has an active and thriving community today, not only because the developing team at Mojang are constantly updating the game, but also because of the limitless possibilities it offers. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, Minecraft never gets boring. There is always more to do, and more fun to be had when playing Minecraft.
