Horror Gaming – Anna: Extended Edition (originally published 2013/12/19)

Are you bravely fighting off paranormal forces in the search for the truth? Or are you picking the scabs off your own disquieted mind, gradually descending into insanity? Those are the two possible perceptions of the unfolding events in Anna – Extended Edition, and the game’s exploration is finely balanced between them, until the impeccably placed threads draw together in a conclusion which transcends both. The conclusion I refer to here results in an Achievement called ‘The Truth’ (with ‘The Whole Truth’ available if all events and books are located), although several other endings are available, all of which make sense in the context of the well-written and rich mythology of this strange world (even if one has a joke achievement wrapped around the concluding narrative – yes, Good Manners achievement, I’m looking at you).

I’ve commented before that while exploring who the protagonist actually is can be a solid basis for a game’s narrative, there is a risk in asking the player to start without knowing who their character is supposed to be. The opening of Anna should be required study for any developer even thinking about such an approach – it shows how to do it well, but also how much work is required to do so. Starting Anna brings you to the exterior of a mountain chalet, and the thoughts of the protagonist as simple text on the screen – how did I get here? This is the place from my dreams. A few simple lines and I already have a great deal of context. You’re then free to explore, such freedom including the ability to open and read the already well-populated journal, which gives more specific detail as to the history of the protagonist, and also hints at some darker but still hidden truths. I know enough to know who my character is, and finding out the rest is the purpose of the game.

It’s an excellent set-up, and the game then does a fine job of expanding the story of this world through books of lore which can be read, the whispering voices (memories?) which accompany certain events, and the ongoing additions the protagonist makes to his journal the deeper he digs. The history of this place informs your view of what is happening to the protagonist now – but also what has happened to him before, which is the ultimate mystery underlying the game.

In that sense, Anna does not set out to be a horror game as such – it is a mystery. However, the fact we are not in standard haunted house territory makes for a more distinct location, and as the protagonist digs deeper and things start to change, it is actually a more scary experience for having built up a credible world. The opening chapter is actually quite beautiful – the chalet is old but far from decrepit or menacing, and the mountain scenery is lush, green and peaceful. The initial puzzle solving is how to get inside – once inside, the world is darker, but this is still just an old chalet interior – that is, until you notice the door with the occult symbol and hear the sound of a woman weeping coming from the other side….

Controls are simple and work well – WASD to move, I for inventory, J for Journal (and F1 for the options menu. Go on. Press it). Left mouse does things, right mouse examines things. We’re now in adventure game territory, combining things, using objects on each other, or on the environment. Puzzles never feel forced or a barrier to simply fill in some time; quite the contrary, they have been woven into the narrative itself. The game looks fantastic, but it’s the audio design which really impresses. The music is haunting in the right way with a mournful female vocal, music is not used for artificial scares, and the occasional whisperings and events add to the atmosphere and tension.

I’ve seen complaints that the game requires a Kalypso account to start. A number of users have pointed out this is a needless step annoying legitimate players, unnecessary when purchased through Steam. And these users are right – publishers, stop with your own DRM! Stop it, now! However, the Kalypso log-in is not as intrusive as, say, EA’s unhelpful Steam-a-like homebrew Origin, and it would be a shame if this quite legitimate complaint and feedback to publishers stopped anyone from getting this game. Yes, it’s annoying, and we should tell publishers its annoying, and then get on with the games if they are worth hopping over that annoyance for. Anna is most definitely worth it (as the protagonist of the game would likely agree….).

On October 21st 2013, the Hollywood Reporter ran an article indicating the average price of a movie ticket was USD 8.38. If a game wants 10 bucks from me, I’m going to consider if it was worth it against that potential ‘experience’ (plus a hotdog). This is not an excuse for developers and publishers to charge us for little content. But if a game has a story to tell, and tells it well, then the right length is ‘as long as it needs to be for the story.’ Anna is a well-written and thoughtful supernatural mystery. As the core mechanics are essentially those of an adventure game, this likely lacks broad appeal, but for adventure mystery fans, you are going to love this game.

Anna: Extended Edition
Story	An excellent setup, which an engaging mystery to explore through well-written lore.
Gameplay	Easy to explore and thus engage with the world. Looks great and sounds fantastic.
Frustration	Very low. This is an adventure game, so we are puzzle solving with inventory items, but if you can read, you can get through….
				A powerful and original story. For supernatural adventure gamers, it’s a wonderful experience. Recommended for genre fans.

This review was originally published on Fextralife.com. Used with permission