Lying in the corners of the dimly lit Garage, the discarded, the unwanted, and the waste wait quietly blanketed in dust underneath workmen’s tools hanging in the darkness, shining like stars. This place of refuse, of oil stains and grime and filth is the sanctuary and prison for all things that shuffle and crawl in the night - rodents, insects, parasites and worse. Yan awakes in his own Garage, being saved from drowning in sewage, yet set on a mystery to answer two questions: who am I, and who have I been?
The crusted and horrific world of Garage exists on the foundation of this ontological collapse, and it strives to strip its inhabitants of any humanity or other sense of being that may exist within. Grotesque biomechanical bodies shuffle along tracks surrounded by a sea of literal sewage and filth from which they find their food as well as currency for Fuel, one of the key components to survival in Garage. While sewage and mutated creatures may prompt disgust in the real world, the game makes them essential, and though Yan’s primary goal is to discover his identity, he will have to spend much time upgrading himself and playing a fishing mini-game in order to stay alive. This can be a little frustrating, as it does inhibit the exploration of this surreal world and is not particularly fun. The gameplay itself can be slightly monotonous at times, and extends the runtime a little longer than perhaps necessary. However, after a while things do become second nature and fishing becomes an almost soothing experience while in Garage.
The hideous nature of the world and characters follow this pattern as well. The first few hours will most likely be spent in awe and morbid curiosity of the scenery, however this sensation fades as the layout of the town becomes more natural and understood, and what was once a nightmare becomes somewhat cozy and relaxing. This mirrors the themes of abuse and violence woven throughout the game - something once horrific and traumatizing becomes natural and just a part of life after continued exposure. Numbness overcomes shock, and survival instincts overcome pain. Many moments throughout the game break through this fog due to their shocking and disturbing nature, however, to remind Yan of the truly grotesque nature of Garage.
While Fuel biologically energizes Yan, its counterpart, Ego, is also a necessary commodity for staying alive in the game, which is interesting considering Ego exists as part of a person’s identity, while Yan has no identity outside of the player controlling him. Ego restricts impulse - the same impulses that lead to igniting and fanning the flames of anger, abuse, and control - and replaces it with rationality. This seems to run contrary to the almost animalistic nature of Garage, but it keeps Yan sane enough to continue his journey, and separates him from the rest of Garage’s inhabitants. Ego, rationality, and understanding unlock the door to identity and release from Garage, yet it is impossible to achieve this rationality without first being a part of Garage. Focusing on the horrific environment of sewage, trash, and discarded inhabitants, it is easy to forget that the primary focus of a Garage is for repair. Although the trash and filth do crowd the dark confines of the Garage, tools do still shine in the darkness, and what is a mind but a biological machine? It will be alright. Please, trust Garage. You are certain to find whatever it is you desire.
The crusted and horrific world of Garage exists on the foundation of this ontological collapse, and it strives to strip its inhabitants of any humanity or other sense of being that may exist within. Grotesque biomechanical bodies shuffle along tracks surrounded by a sea of literal sewage and filth from which they find their food as well as currency for Fuel, one of the key components to survival in Garage. While sewage and mutated creatures may prompt disgust in the real world, the game makes them essential, and though Yan’s primary goal is to discover his identity, he will have to spend much time upgrading himself and playing a fishing mini-game in order to stay alive. This can be a little frustrating, as it does inhibit the exploration of this surreal world and is not particularly fun. The gameplay itself can be slightly monotonous at times, and extends the runtime a little longer than perhaps necessary. However, after a while things do become second nature and fishing becomes an almost soothing experience while in Garage.
The hideous nature of the world and characters follow this pattern as well. The first few hours will most likely be spent in awe and morbid curiosity of the scenery, however this sensation fades as the layout of the town becomes more natural and understood, and what was once a nightmare becomes somewhat cozy and relaxing. This mirrors the themes of abuse and violence woven throughout the game - something once horrific and traumatizing becomes natural and just a part of life after continued exposure. Numbness overcomes shock, and survival instincts overcome pain. Many moments throughout the game break through this fog due to their shocking and disturbing nature, however, to remind Yan of the truly grotesque nature of Garage.
While Fuel biologically energizes Yan, its counterpart, Ego, is also a necessary commodity for staying alive in the game, which is interesting considering Ego exists as part of a person’s identity, while Yan has no identity outside of the player controlling him. Ego restricts impulse - the same impulses that lead to igniting and fanning the flames of anger, abuse, and control - and replaces it with rationality. This seems to run contrary to the almost animalistic nature of Garage, but it keeps Yan sane enough to continue his journey, and separates him from the rest of Garage’s inhabitants. Ego, rationality, and understanding unlock the door to identity and release from Garage, yet it is impossible to achieve this rationality without first being a part of Garage. Focusing on the horrific environment of sewage, trash, and discarded inhabitants, it is easy to forget that the primary focus of a Garage is for repair. Although the trash and filth do crowd the dark confines of the Garage, tools do still shine in the darkness, and what is a mind but a biological machine? It will be alright. Please, trust Garage. You are certain to find whatever it is you desire.