Now that I’ve finished reviewing Burnhouse Lane, a new game from Harvester Games and indie game developer, Rem Michalski, I realize that I’ve done reviews for three of Rem’s previous games: Lorelai, Downfall, and The Cat Lady. Stylistically, the games have a raw-edged, bleeding sensibility with dots of calm serenity punctuating the brutality. Emotionally, they all touch on the open nerves of depression, terminal illness, and the sometimes lonely endeavor of human connection. Over time, I’ve witnessed the developer’s evolution in story telling techniques, art, and gameplay elements. If you have no stomach for gore and horror, than these games may not be for you, but if you can play them, I would highly recommend them as a unique way to explore the depths (and heights) of human experience.
The Cat Lady: This was the first game that I reviewed from this set of games for the Adventuregamers website. I had no idea what to expect going into the game, and I came away thinking it was one of the best games that I had played that year. The graphics seemed crude, but that crudeness puts the focus on the storylines and character relationships. They also add to the dirtiness and pain of the horrific images you encounter. There’s a surreal quality to so many of Michalski’s set pieces, one that stands out is of a black iron fence studded with the heads of dead animals. But what really stuck with me was the friendship between the depressed main character, Susan, and the would-be burglar, Mitzi. Their quiet conversations helped to anchor you amidst the whirling terror of the rest of the game.
Downfall: This is the second game I reviewed, although this is a remake of the original game (I never played the original). In this game, we explore the fragile relationship between Ivy and Joe, which has been devastated by a terrible tragedy. Again, Michalski uses horror as the backdrop for his main story, and again, he transcends that horror with the realism of the dialogue between his two main characters. In my opinion, he captured the ways that we love each other, and then hurt each other in only the ways that lovers, can so well.
Lorelai: Coming of age stories are all about transitions, which can either be awkwardly hilarious or treacherous and scary. This being a Harvester Games offering, the route chosen is of course the horror route. The developer uses gameplay elements like narrative choice to allow you to explore Lorelai’s story in the way that you would like rather than pinning you to one particular story track. I find that Michalski has a beautiful and complex game palette using color to evoke a sick miasma or a sigh of relief when you have escaped a terrifying scenario.
Burnhouse Lane: In this most recent game I reviewed, Mihalski has further developed his gameplay explorations, with added elements fully fleshed out, like being able to play with special abilities (such as animating dead bodies or forcing characters to tell the truth). The protagonist, Angie, is seeking to make meaning out of unspeakable tragedy and finds that she can’t do that on her own. Seeking connection in a world full of horrors and deadened feelings is something that anyone can relate to.
Looking at these four games all together, themes revolving around human connection and dealing with unspeakable depression circle around and around bloody landscapes. There are some weaknesses (like villains that can seem very one-note at times), but overall, it’s an impressive body of work. I’m always excited when there is a new Michalski game on offer. If you're a fan of complex narratives and scary horror stories, I highly recommend checking them out.
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