A visual novel blending escape rooms and Greek tragedy
Start Running blends visual novels, escape rooms, and Greek tragedy. This adventure game thrusts players into the shoes of Luis, a marathon runner battling not only the physical challenges of his training but also the surreal and horrifying transformations of his environment.
Start Running's narrative begins with a seemingly simple premise: Luis must complete his last training run before his first marathon. However, a psychological nightmare occurs as the world around him twists and warps, driven by unseen force. The inclusion of his loyal dog, Pistachio, adds a poignant touch to the tale, grounding Luis in a reality that is rapidly slipping away.
Solve mysteries through challenging puzzles
Start Running features a richly detailed and hauntingly beautiful visual design. The developers have created a city that feels familiar and alien, with shifting buildings and uncooperative doors that add to the sense of unease. Each scene is meticulously crafted to draw players deeper into the mystery. The gameplay mechanics are equally compelling, combining point-and-click puzzles with a movement system that encourages exploration and interaction.
In this game, players must navigate through a series of mind-bending puzzles inspired by everyday items like phone combinations and printer jams, though nothing is as straightforward as it seems. The puzzles are well-integrated into the narrative, revealing layers of the story and contributing to the overall sense of urgency and dread. Every decision in the game carries weight, leading to multiple possible endings.
However, while this game delivers a compelling and immersive experience, its mature content is not for all players. It delves into themes of death, depression, and derealization, accompanied by intense moments and potential jump scares. These elements, while adding depth to the narrative, can be distressing and overwhelming, making it a challenging experience for those sensitive to such themes. Players should be prepared for emotionally intense and potentially unsettling content.
Mature content
Start Running offers a unique and gripping experience that blends visual novel storytelling, escape room puzzles, and elements of Greek tragedy. With its beautifully detailed and unsettling world, engaging puzzles, and poignant narrative, it draws players into a psychological nightmare that is both compelling and challenging. However, due to its mature themes and intense moments, it is not suitable for all players, especially those sensitive to emotional and disturbing content.
