Passage
Storytelling Reinvention:
conveys its narrative through metaphorical game mechanics that represent the act of living one’s life and the process of aging
Game Information
Release Date: November 1st, 2007
Developer: Jason Rohrer
Publisher: Jason Rohrer
Rating: Everyone
Genre(s): Exploratory, Metaphorical, Role-Playing
Price: Free
Website: http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage/
Passage is the abstract representation of the human condition and the finality that death always happens. It begins with the player being represented as a young man. Through using the controls, the player has the choice to fall in love and continue the experience with a young woman. The world is a two dimensional maze that the player navigates. Through the passage of time, the characters collect items and weave through the changing environment, slowly growing older and older in the process.
Passage conveys its narrative through these game mechanics, representing the seemingly slow yet rapid process of aging. As the player progresses, the controls get more cumbersome, and the characters move slower until eventually both pass away. Playing the game as a couple is notably more difficult since obstacles and puzzles are harder to navigate and solve, but also far more rewarding.
References:
1. Rohrer, Jason. "Passage." Jason Rohrer. Sourceforge. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. <http://hcsoftware.sourceforge.net/passage>
2. "Passage." MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art. n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. <http://www.moma.org/collection/works/145533>
Researcher: Eli Campbell
