Victor Frankenstein expected to ‘create life.’ But did he intend for The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature to feel?
The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature is a different take on the ‘monster’ we’re all familiar with. We are forced to see things in a very different light. And while the game may not carry the ‘horror’ tone of the book, the title evokes emotions where one may interpret certain events as ‘horrific.’ From La Belle Games and ARTE France comes a title that leads two to question. What beauty really is, and what a real monster looks like?
Many are familiar with Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, a story about a scientist and his creation. But what almost no iteration of the book’s monster tells us is what the monster is thinking. It’s easy to imagine a being made of cadaver parts as a mindless killing machine. What’s more challenging, though, is imagining that being an individual; seeing one who thinks and feels behind what looks like a zombie’s face. But perhaps that’s a lesson we all need to learn? That may be our perceptions do indeed deceive us from what true beauty is? These are hard questions that have no definitive answer. But The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature does its best to answer them.
After a short playing time, one might feel sympathy for the creature. It’s possible that, as I did, they might empathize and put themselves in the shoes of the poor monster. What’s weirder still is the hatred I developed for Victor Frankenstein. The longer I played, the more I felt for the creature. And in turn, I imagined how I’d feel and what I’d do in the creature’s stead. The scientist deserved no love, but his creation most certainly deserved answers. But even as I got closer to those answers, I didn’t want The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature to be hurt even more.
Because of the format used for the game, controls were straightforward. And most of the gameplay consisted of actually wandering around the environments I came across. What I found most interesting was the absolute lack of color from the very beginning. Part of my task as the creature was discovering the world little by little. As a being just ‘born,’ it would make sense to know nothing about the world they came into.
Exploring was fun, but at times it would be what some might call painfully slow. I understand it was part of how the story is being told. But this would often make it hard to stay fully invested in what was about to unfold. It didn’t take away from the overall experience, but even a little sprint would have been nice.
Throughout The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature, I encountered a handful of puzzles. Some were as simple as just finding what would drive the story forward. Other puzzles involved hitting buttons along with musical notes that crossed the screen. It had to be one of my favorite parts of the whole game. And I wish the developers had provided more sequences like it.
At specific points during the story, villagers would encounter Frankenstein’s Creature. And I was allowed to choose between two actions: retaliate against the murderous mob of humans or turn from them and run. I decided against violence every time. But oddly enough, the decision still weighed heavily on me. Was it right to be aggressive when aggression is the only emotion one is met with? Or does choose peace to ensure my salvation as this tortured soul? Honestly, I wasn’t sure I wanted to find out what happened to the creature if I were to choose violence. It would have probably just made me cry.
While part of me yearned for the interaction of special events, I quickly understood I was flipping through a book filled with life.
Visually, The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature is very minimalist. But this was not without reason. It allows the player to focus entirely on the story itself and not so much on the visual appeal. Developers chose to design the environment using watercolor art. The colors compliment each season it comes with. Winter brought the icy white of snow, blurring all insight. But then spring would come and the screen filled with the brightest watercolors one might see on a painting. And the Fall and Autumn leave brought brown, orange, and yellow streaks as the leaves fluttered past the pages.
I felt the music was as beautiful as the art itself. The choice of music allows players to connect to the events on-screen truly. Playing with a headset is better because the music is purposely designed to evoke specific emotions. I could close my eyes and listen to the songs play for hours.
I did enjoy my journey through the game. And it was a lovely adventure experiencing life as The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature. The minimalist aesthetic might not be for everyone, and its lack of interaction at times might turn away those interested in something intense. Even if you don’t play usually play video games, or if you want a different experience, this is a title worth looking into. And while I did enjoy the game, I don’t know if I can justify the price tag it comes with.
It’s not a bad title. And with multiple possible endings, it has a bit more replay value than others in the same category. But be sure not to expect anything in the way of traditional ‘battles.’ But this good change of pace, however, feels welcoming. It’s something we should see more of. I also wish the game were longer. It was a pleasant experience. I highly recommend it to any die-hard fan of Mary Shelly’s book. I’ve yet to have the pleasure of reading it, but I might go looking for it now.
The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature is currently available on iOS, PlayStation 4, Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
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