"Dustborn," the latest offering from Red Thread Games, attempts to weave a narrative so thick with political allegory and social commentary that it forgets the primary purpose of a video game: to entertain. Here's a dive into why "Dustborn" might just be the poster child for what happens when agenda overshadows gameplay.
Set in an alternate America, "Dustborn" follows Pax and her band of misfits on a journey that's supposed to be about discovery and rebellion. However, the game quickly devolves into a heavy-handed lecture on the power of words, misinformation, and identity politics. The setting, while visually distinct with its comic book style, feels like a backdrop for the developers to preach rather than a world for players to explore. The narrative, laden with allegories, feels less like a thoughtful exploration of themes and more like being cornered at a party by someone who just took their first sociology class.
"Dustborn" tries to be many things - an action game, a narrative adventure, a rhythm game - but excels at none. The combat is rudimentary at best, feeling like an afterthought, with a skill tree as deep as a puddle. The rhythm sections, while a nice touch, are marred by awkward controls that make you appreciate actual music games. Dialogue choices aim for depth but often land in the realm of the obvious, making player agency feel less impactful than the game promises.
The characters in "Dustborn" are a diverse lot, which seems to be their primary trait. Diversity in games is welcome, but "Dustborn" uses it as a crutch rather than a canvas. Each character comes with their pre-packaged set of issues and viewpoints, reducing them to walking, talking manifestos rather than complex individuals. Their interactions, meant to be the heart of the game, often come off as scripted debates rather than genuine conversations, making empathy or connection with them a chore rather than a pleasure.
Here's where "Dustborn" really drives off the road. The game is unabashedly political, which isn't inherently bad, but it's executed with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Every moment seems designed to 'educate' the player, often feeling like propaganda. The game's world is so black-and-white in its moral and political stance that it alienates anyone looking for nuance or even just a break from real-world politics in their escapism.
"Dustborn" could have been a compelling narrative adventure if it trusted its players to interpret themes without spoon-feeding them political messages. Instead, it stands as a testament to how a game can fail when it prioritizes messaging over mechanics, story over substance, and diversity over depth. For those who want their games to double as political statements, "Dustborn" might resonate. For everyone else looking for an engaging, fun, and thoughtfully designed game, this road trip might just feel like a long, preachy detour into Wokeville, with little entertainment value to show for it.