cartridgepink
2020
Reviewed for The Big Issue in 2020:
Newly hired by a mysterious firm, architect Carmen is sent to photograph and review a luxury home. But instead of an indulgent working holiday, Carmen’s job takes a nightmarish turn for the surreal, threatening her friendships, family and sanity. Part hidden object puzzle, part social media simulator, HoloVista tasks players with taking photographs, then posting them on Carmen’s social media feed. Each 3D scene is cluttered with gorgeous neon, glitchy visuals, and an electronic soundtrack to match. No matter how long it takes to find an object, environments never grow stale – though extensive accessibility options and a hint system means there’s little chance of actually getting stuck.
The writing is sharp, with ruthless satire of online influencer culture met by thoughtful discussion of trauma, identity and forgiveness. It’s a combination made easier through humour, particularly in messages from Carmen’s friends.
HoloVista is a brief, rewarding adventure in digital dystopia. If you feel like you’ve spent too much time on Instagram lately, HoloVista might help you kick the habit – if only for a little while.
Newly hired by a mysterious firm, architect Carmen is sent to photograph and review a luxury home. But instead of an indulgent working holiday, Carmen’s job takes a nightmarish turn for the surreal, threatening her friendships, family and sanity. Part hidden object puzzle, part social media simulator, HoloVista tasks players with taking photographs, then posting them on Carmen’s social media feed. Each 3D scene is cluttered with gorgeous neon, glitchy visuals, and an electronic soundtrack to match. No matter how long it takes to find an object, environments never grow stale – though extensive accessibility options and a hint system means there’s little chance of actually getting stuck.
The writing is sharp, with ruthless satire of online influencer culture met by thoughtful discussion of trauma, identity and forgiveness. It’s a combination made easier through humour, particularly in messages from Carmen’s friends.
HoloVista is a brief, rewarding adventure in digital dystopia. If you feel like you’ve spent too much time on Instagram lately, HoloVista might help you kick the habit – if only for a little while.
2019
It's a brutally monetised fanfic AU. Content sits behind prohibitive lvl walls and progression is dependent on cards that can only be obtained with premium currency, which is rarely gifted to free players. Bizarrely, the Android version doesn't let you take screenshots.
Side story content is cute, with stylish, well-produced videos. There's also hilarious variation in tone: most stories are like "Hoseok wants to be a vet" or "Taehyung learns farming is hard", but then RM's is "Namjoon investigates a corrupt police force and saves a small girl from a child murderer".
The Mystic Messenger-like element where the boys can text and call you is fine, though the scripts are uninspired. Even if you're ARMY you should go play that game instead.
Side story content is cute, with stylish, well-produced videos. There's also hilarious variation in tone: most stories are like "Hoseok wants to be a vet" or "Taehyung learns farming is hard", but then RM's is "Namjoon investigates a corrupt police force and saves a small girl from a child murderer".
The Mystic Messenger-like element where the boys can text and call you is fine, though the scripts are uninspired. Even if you're ARMY you should go play that game instead.
1998
Imagine thinking a child could beat the level where Hopper chases you. Good grief.
Full review at Super Chart Island: https://superchartisland.com/a-bugs-life
Full review at Super Chart Island: https://superchartisland.com/a-bugs-life
1997
Borrowed this as a kid, in the olden days when Blockbuster still existed. It's charming and I enjoyed the mix of puzzles to action sections. The shaking gimmick is funny and implemented with enough variety to feel inventive without being overly complex.
Sadly, child me couldn't beat it in the time I had before I had to return it to the video store. 100% playthrough foiled by 90s capitalism.
Sadly, child me couldn't beat it in the time I had before I had to return it to the video store. 100% playthrough foiled by 90s capitalism.