Well, we did it. First media to make me tear up with those bitter salty tears in 2024. Only took 18 days.

What an important game. I'm not sure the last time I've been so personally struck by the heartbreak in a story.

The Wreck recounts the trauma of a car wreck, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. This is a story about wounds. This is a story about hurt. This is a story about forgiveness. This is a story about hope.

I'm reminded of That Dragon, Cancer and the memoir nature of tragedy. While this story is a bit more storytelling that autobiographical, it's nonetheless powerfully poignant.

I was somewhat amazed at how fleshed out the cast was in only 3 hours of total gameplay. And, even with a bizarre choice of 3D modeling, I found the designs compelling enough to take me through the journey like a kids storybook.

I fell in love with Junon as I heard her thoughts, her doubts, and her [spoiler]. I believed her words and was proud of the Junon that we made together through the choices we made in the game. However, this game only has one choice. And it's sort of after the ending. It's all the decisions that we made along the way that make that ending what it is.

All in all, this is a vitally important game that barely anyone will play and that's a real shame.

Pastoral Perspective: I'm not sure there's a better game out there that explores guilt and trauma quite like this. It feels like I've come out of a therapy session after rolling credits. I've been broken and restored. There's even a very compelling Jesus trauma in the final act. This is another instance of video game developers offering better examples of pastoral care than the Church ever has.

I can save you the time of reading this review by saying one thing: there is only one thing truly "wrong" with Lacuna -- it's only a few hours long. While I love the #shortgame culture, this game made me want to spend hundreds of hours in it's realized world.

Now the real review:

Lacuna is a pixel noir detective game that was made by a humble team of developers that have created something that rivals most of the AAA titles in the genre.

The pixel art is absolutely stunning. I found myself marveling at the attention to detail. I wanted more areas to explore, more backgrounds to interact with, more chairs to just sit in and witness the world the team created.

The story is exactly what a noir game deserves - just enough intrigue and twists to keep you hooked while the character drama gives the world substance and detail. The world-building that this title does in a few short hours should make any writer blush. Each character feels multi-faceted and full of secrets of a life we will never get to see. There's also plenty of world-building hidden into the UI, with news articles and emails that are totally optional.

Speaking of the UI, it's equally exceptional and pleasing to work with. Everything about this experience is polished and comfortable.

If you enjoy the detective genre, then this is one for you. If you appreciate indie titles, then this is one you shouldn't sleep on. If you enjoy pixel art, then you could just look at this one and savor the artwork.

Oh wait - I thought of another thing that's wrong with Lacuna... nowhere near enough people have played it. Do yourself the favor and enjoy this pulp noir gem.