Analysis of Shines Over the Damned

In many cases, video games tend to be artistic endeavors and leave aside the more casual or mainstream entertainment to achieve what the artist wants to express. Today we bring you the analysis (so to speak) of Shine on the damned for Xbox Series a very short article due to how little it can offer in terms of gameplay. Keep reading to see what awaits you if you play it.

Let it be known that I am a strong advocate for indie. There have been many times when I've had much more fun with a game developed by a small team than with the typical triple-A popcorn or open world game. But we understand that sometimes everything doesn't work out and that a game must offer a minimum playable aspect and, above all, a longer duration than what it gives us. Shine on the damned.

A really short experience

We are talking about a game that, even die on occasion (not because of my lack of expertise but rather because of the game design), It lasted 34 minutes. Throughout the 5 chapters and an epilogue you will experience some playable challenges. Yes, I have played other walking simulators. But these games make up for what they lack in gameplay with other types of features, whether it's a deep story, a mystery, or even overwhelming graphics. Is this the case of Shine on the damned? Well, the balance is leaning towards no.

Although in the game we will have quick time events and platform momentsthese won't be brilliant moments at all and will be more about covering the record and wanting to offer something more than just a walk on stage. We appreciate that a certain variety is introduced, but I don't know to what extent to opt for the cigar walking simulator and telling a good story would have been better.

Can you decipher its story?

And I've been saying that ever since the story of Shine on the damned it's difficult to understand. In fact, I don't think I understand at all… I think I'm sure that in the end we are faced with a story that involves wells, memories, tears and I understand that it is is a kind of journey of redemption and reunion with your loved ones. But I wouldn't bet anything if I had to. And I think that's a mistake, because not understanding the message works against you. It is true that there are games that leave the ending open or leave room for interpretation. But in this case, right from the start, you feel like you don't know where you are or why.

But everything is not so weak in Shine on the damned. I prefer its graphic part and its sound aspect. I understand that the main reason the creator released this game was to experiment with the graphics engine and try to get the most out of it. And the result is good. We cannot compare with graphic marvels like the recent Infernal Blade 2but knowing that it is an independent work of a single developer, the result is satisfactory. Of course, textures sometimes took a while to load and I understand that this is more due to an issue porting to Xbox. And it's very strange that the game hasn't been released on PC yet, when I think it could reach even higher graphical levels on powerful computers.

Shine on the damned analysis: conclusions

In short, and without being able to go much further, I must end by warning, once again, that If you are hesitant to purchase the game, please be aware that the playable experience is very short and limited. But if you are one of those players who wants to try all kinds of experiences, dare. The game offers good graphics and good sound section this will give you an immersive experience, even if you don't feel like you fit in with the story.