The Aggie Awards – The Best Adventure Games of 2023 page 12
Best Non-Traditional Adventure: STASIS: BONE TOTEM
STASIS: BONE TOTEM is a revolutionary title in the adventure genre, earning it the Aggie Award for Best Non-Traditional Adventure. This game breaks the mold with its dark, atmospheric narrative that delves into grisly and unsettling motifs. Set aboard a desolate sea platform, the game combines traditional point-and-click mechanics with a deeply immersive horror-themed story, rich in environmental storytelling and character development. The inclusion of Moses, a sentient robotic teddy bear with hacking abilities, adds a singular twist to the gameplay, blending elements of science fiction and horror in a way that is both ingenious and intriguing. STASIS: BONE TOTEM confronts players not just with its puzzles but with its morally complex narrative, pushing the boundaries of what an adventure game can be.
Readers’ Choice: American Arcadia
American Arcadia, chosen by readers as the Best Non-Traditional Adventure, redefines the adventure genre with its uncommon blend of gameplay styles and narrative depth. Its unparalleled, dual gameplay mechanic not only offers a varied and engaging experience but also deeply integrates with the storyline, reflecting its themes of hyper-scrutiny and individual liberty. American Arcadia excels in delivering a compelling narrative that explores the life of an average man unknowingly trapped in a voyeuristic society, using its non-traditional gameplay to enhance the storytelling and immerse players in its provocative world. It's a fantastic example of how creative design and storytelling can expand the horizons of what an adventure game can achieve.
Runners-Up:
Next up: Best Traditional Adventure... the envelope, please!
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