Superliminal vs This War of Mine
Superliminal
Superliminal is designed to challenge even the most avid of puzzle solvers, providing them with mind-boggling puzzles, the unique ability to change the size of objects based on depth in perception, and a story filled with heart.The game starts off with you dozing off at the couch in front of a TV showing a weird commercial about some dream therapy program that promptly landed you in a weird dream-like state in which you find yourself the subject of an odd scientific experiment. Thankfully, unlike the more surgical kind of experimentation which would definitely turn the game into a horror show, the scientist behind this experiment is more concerned about testing your mind and its ability to perceive, pushing it to its very limits.
Superliminal offers a nice variety of perspective-based puzzles for you to solve as you move from room to room in what seems to be a vast yet empty scientific complex. The puzzles here start off easy enough since the game does have to do its job of introducing the mechanics to you. The mechanics here mostly involve finding objects that you can manipulate (a.k.a. resize and reposition) and then use in the puzzle’s solution in order to move on to the next “level” or room.
Once you got a hold of the basics, the difficulty of the puzzles starts to ramp up and at times, you might find yourself completely at loss as to what you should do, as I did… and I’m ashamed to say pretty early on in the game. When the game says that “what you see isn’t always what you get”, it’s not kidding.
Superliminal is one of those rare, trippy puzzle games that either you get it or you don’t. Puzzle enthusiasts might find the game more than intriguing to take a crack at due to its unique perspective-based puzzles. The game may be short but the experience it leaves you is unforgettable!
This War of Mine
This War of Mine is an indie, 2D survival management game that, unlike most games in its genre, is set not in a post-apocalyptic world but in a war-torn country. Despite being war-themed, the game doesn't cast you into the role of the brave soldier but of the average citizen trying to make the best of the situation and to survive long enough until the war breaks (if it ever).Due to this twist of perspective, along with the fact that every decision and action you make has consequences, both mentally and physically, on the character who did the deed as well as the team, the game ended up having a very tragic undertone and atmosphere throughout its gameplay. After all, you do have to make some difficult decisions in an effort to keep your people alive. From time to time, special events may also pop up and you will need to make a decision to be involved or to stay out of it.
Survival is also another important aspect of the game, and as such, you will need to scavenge for supplies and ensure that your people are well-fed and watered. Materials, tools, and items you gathered over your trips outdoors can be used to craft something else or be sold for some extra cash. During wartime, people are naturally more cautious and for some, more aggressive. It's wise to be careful whenever you encounter other "people" (they are NPCs), especially armed ones, lest your character get slain and your team stumbles straight into depression.
This War of Mine made headlights and game history with its challenging gameplay and of course, its brutally-honest look at the true victims of war. If you think your heart is ready to go through a rollercoaster of emotions, most of which are of the "sad" sort, then, you simply must give this game a try.