1000x Resist is the first project from developer Sunset Visitor, working out of Vancouver. It boasts a compelling sci-fi narrative in which a mysterious alien race, known as the Occupants, arrive on Earth bringing a deadly disease that threatens to wipe out the population. If not for Iris, a young girl who emigrated from South Korea with her family to escape rioting and political turmoil, who seems to have developed an immunity to the illness. What seems like a very simple story on the surface manages to weave multiple fractured story lines across generations into a remarkable narrative about inter-generational trauma and letting go.

The gameplay is certainly not a focus of the game, with only brief moments of variety that won’t blow anyone away. However, unlike other games that follow this structure, I did not feel that this dampened my enjoyment, and the narrative did more than enough to compensate for the lack of gameplay variety.

I expect anyone who picks up 1000x Resist will be blown away by the story telling prowess of Sunset Visitor as well as being impressed the unique art direction and visual design on display during its 10-hour run time.

Gameplay:

I want to preface that what Sunset Visitor have set out to create is not a gameplay driven experience. Gameplay in 1000 x Resist has a lot of shortcomings, it lacks any meaningful diversity and when it presents a change to the formula, it is minor and essentially insignificant. Outside of the expected dialogue selection, gameplay predominantly comprises of exploration of small areas as well as skipping back and forth through timelines to piece together segments of the overarching plot. On occasion you are presented with some traversal sections in which you slingshot your way between a set of distinct glowing symbols across vast abysses. But this does little to change the formula throughout at playthrough. Some may find the lack of variety difficult to look past, particularly where similar games may throw a quick time event or a minigame to break up the repetitive structure.

The map and waypoint system are very basic, by design, pointing you roughly in the direction of your next objective to prevent the player getting lost in the somewhat maze-like homestead of the sisters.

Past that, I really have no gripes, I came to 1000x Resist for the narrative.

And if there is one thing that did not disappoint, it was the narrative.

Narrative:

The way 1000x Resist conveys its story is surprisingly unique! In ways the story is deliberately abrasive and challenging to follow, particularly in the early segments of the game. You are introduced to fractured story lines with only very small threads that seem to link them together. Yet, as the deeper narrative begins to unfold you cannot help but become increasingly invested in its well written characters and its stakes.

Characterisation in 1000 x Resist is particularly interesting. Given most characters are based off only two-to-three-character models, it is easy to see how characters could potentially be seen as one dimensional. Despite the visual presentation, each of the sisters, Iris, and other side characters all manage to convey unique and compelling personas in the way they are written and expertly voice acted. Each character’s own motivations and ideals comes across in the contrasting reactions to events. Whether this be an action of extreme violence, or a more muted, passive, and self-destructive response to the unfolding events. This creates a world that feels alive and dynamic, echoing reality despite it’s more unconventional sci-fi setting.

The character-building prowess on display is epitomised during what I consider to be the highlight sequence of the game. Spoilers ahead, as this does take place towards the story’s climax.

[SPOILER ALERT]

In chapter 9, the sisters find themselves in an underground facility on the run following a recent tragic event. Ascending the escalator, you reveal a slew of bodies littering the play space. Blood splattered across the ominous back wall. It’s a dark and unsettling atmosphere. But also, an intriguing set up, more and more you start to wonder what series of events led to this harrowing scene before you. Progressing through the chapter sees you peeling back the layers of story, listening to character interactions and events unfold piece by piece until you witness how the effects of pressure, isolation and fear cause individuals to snap with catastrophic consequences.

The game is filled with shocking revelations and impactful story beats like this. Underpinning each of these is the trauma and fear passed through generations. Iris passes on her trauma associated with emigrating and her fear of isolation to generations of clones. And as the trauma is transferred from generation to generation it becomes more and more entwined in the characters personalities resulting in deep rooted insecurities and fears. From these fears characters are doomed to succumb to the same failings and mistakes made by generations gone by. Mistakes leading to resistance and revolution. All of which often result in fatal consequences.

Only at the climax of the story is the light shone on the actions of Blue’s ancestors, and an opportunity presents itself to learn from past mistakes, let go, and most importantly start anew.

Visual design:

There is something undeniably special about the visual design in 1000 x Resist. The art team has created some of the most striking visuals in gaming history. Graphical fidelity is a contentious topic when it comes to the visual design and art of games. Particularly with the more widespread use of Unreal Engine 4 which can create play spaces and vistas that were previously out of reach for developers. However, art direction will always win over graphical fidelity, and the imagery on display in this game is BREATHTAKING. Screenshots of this game would not look out of place in an art gallery. The artists manage to jump from eerie, to beautiful, and back to visually disturbing without missing a single beat, each image complimenting the emotive narrative perfectly, only enriching what is already masterclass in storytelling.

Conclusion:

If you couldn’t already tell, I loved this game. On the surface it’s a compelling post-apocalyptic sci-fi tale in the aftermath of a deadly virus. But on a deeper level is about inter-generational trauma and how it is allowed to leave future generations to live in fear and in a state of disarray. A story about reflecting on past and present mistakes, learning from them, and recognising when it is vital to let go and move forward in a more positive light.

Hekki Allmo…