Upon first encountering Quantic Dream’s Dustborn, its comic book art style led me to anticipate a superhero game. Little did I know, the dystopian setting of the “Divided States of America” hinted at a more profound and realistic narrative. As I delved into the 30-minute demo, I immersed myself in the road stops and memories of a compelling story that delved into the colorful cast of characters. This experience elevated it to one of our top games at PAX East 2024 – for good reason.
In Dustborn, the year is 2030. The police have transformed into robots, cultists are on the rise, and even Marilyn Monroe has reached the ripe old age of 100. Our protagonist, Pax, along with her “found family,” is evading the Puritan cultists and the authoritarian law enforcement named Justice. Their mission is to deliver a package to Nova Scotia, but Pax must also confront her personal challenges amidst the obstacles in their path.
My demo kicked off with an unexpected inspection and a Guitar Hero-style rhythm game where Pax and her friends strive to put on a show for patrolling robocops. Moving forward, I engaged in interactive sections where Pax could interact with her “bandmates” and uncover more about the narrative through environmental clues while en route to their next destination. The downtime inside the group’s bus felt like a retreat where I could bond with the characters, ranging from the grumpy leader to the celebrity-obsessed member. These individuals are not just a quirky band of misfits; they are determined adults with a mission, ready to see it through.
Each segment of the demo gradually reveals the overarching story without excessive exposition. I witnessed Pax’s reunion with her “sister,” where she dons a technologically advanced glove that functions like a magnet, enabling her to toss a baseball bat like a boomerang. Additionally, I had the opportunity to test Pax’s voice-based superpowers like Shout to enhance her attacks and empower allies in combat.
Dustborn is not your typical “amusement park” game; instead, it’s akin to a road trip. This narrative-driven adventure boasts vibrant comic book-style visuals, integrating various genres to maintain gameplay diversity while anchoring the experience in its compelling story. It endeavors to incorporate engaging action elements, such as rhythm games and pivotal decision-making that impacts the story’s outcome.
Normally, this genre doesn’t captivate me; I’m more accustomed to anime characters with pink hair and clichéd RPG themes turned on their heads. Dustborn provides a refreshing change of pace for me.
Dustborn is currently in development for PC and other unspecified consoles.
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