Sink into a one-bit revival
Many games have tried to capture the charm and quaint interactions of older online forums, from AIM to webrings and message boards.Videoversetakes the same nostalgic approach, mixing aspects of the Miiverse and other gaming console networks.
The latest fromOne Night Standdeveloper Kinmoku (thanks for the spot,NintendoLife),Videoverseis a trip back to earlier days of the internet where fan forums and online social networks, embedded within consoles, were all the rage.
Games likeHypnospace OutlawandEmily Is Awayhave tapped into older forms of online communication for storytelling before, and often to good results.Videoversetakes aim squarely at the Miiverse-like message boards, with some MSN messenger and classic message boards mixed in for good measure.
The whole affair takes place in a one-bit, pixellated tone that reminds me a bit ofWorld of Horror. It also has some tunes fromSlay the SpireandKind Words‘ Clark Aboud.
Status update
Videoverseplans to be a decision-based narrative adventure, running about six hours. There are also multiple side stories, and other things to mess with like your avatar and personal quote. Hopefully I’ll be able to set ambiguous song lyrics as my profile quote. Y’know, for authenticity’s sake.
Accessibility options are also on board, with closed captions, self-voicing, colorblind-friendly themes, and clear fonts.
I’m pretty into this pitch, both on its face and the more I read into it. Up front, it’s nostalgic and fun, with a gorgeous art style and great concept. The more I dig though, the more I enjoy the fun little notes you can see in the interface, and the variety of drawings shown off on the game’s store page.Videoversecould resurface a lot of nostalgia for this era of internet interaction, and I’m interested to see what story Kinmoku tells with it.
Videoversedoesn’t have a date set yet, but is “coming soon.” You can wishlist it onSteam here.
