Also, you play as a ghost
The Novelist is a game about a family. You play as a ghost, observing their lives and even reading their thoughts whenever you please. You must remain unseen because “you can’t help the Kaplans if they know there’s a ghost in the house.” Duh. As a ghost, you can seemingly influence the family members to perform certain actions that you think are necessary. It looks to get pretty heavy, with the focus being on the father, Dan Kaplan, as he struggles to balance being an author, father, and husband all at the same time. Life is hard, you know.
It reminds me of the free indie game Façade, wherein the player is thrust into the middle of an argument between a couple in their own environment. It felt very uncomfortable, yet most people end up trying to patch things up between these two people that they don’t even know.
The Novelist looks to be way better executed, and it’s something that I am highly anticipating getting my hands on. However, I am not looking forward to the consequences of some of these decisions. After all, who am I to suggest what Mr. Kaplan should do with his time? Can I really help him? I’m not so sure…
And if The Novelist is tickling your fancy, be sure to give it a hearty vote on Steam Greenlight.
Published: May 14, 2013 02:00 pm