When Being Nosey is a Superpower

It's not unusual to say that many of us like to dive into a video game experience the same way a cinephile digests sophisticated films or the way a book critic can read into literature. Video games, through the adventure genre especially, have the ability to evoke unexpected feelings from the player; I believe this is because video games have the capacity to tell stories in a way different from all other mediums.

Player agency is the clear difference, as the player is an active participant in the narrative. It's not like cinema where the viewer is passively taking in the story presented to them, nor is it like reading a novel where the reader's imagination is an island unto itself. Instead, video games from the adventure genre present a space where the player actively drives the narrative, a space where the player's imagination manifests into a lived experience.

Telltale were the early pioneers of the modern adventure genre that we've come to love, and now it's Don't Nod leading the genre. Whether it's Life is Strange or even something like Tell Me Why, Don't Nod have designed an effective formula that others have adapted. Now, granted: most of these pretenders are average at best, but every now and then a new developer comes out of nowhere with something truly novel and compelling.

"Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber." is the first major release from developer Mácula Interactive. This independent studio is dedicated to presenting unique and insightful stories from their rich heritage, and their debut titles achieves exactly this. It's a rich presentation of Mexico set to the backdrop of the 1920s. The story is a dark political thriller, complete with corrupt politicians, elaborate conspiracies, and religious cults, the works. Yet, these tropes come together to present a narrative that is not only mature and thought-provoking, but a real tour de force.

There is no better way to immerse yourself into 1920s Mexico than through this game. The production effort is stunning given the size and budget of the fledgling studio. The visuals are presented in an effective abstract manner, and of note is the voice acting, whether in its native soundtrack or English dub form.

This experience no doubt takes after the game design conventions of Life is Strange, but in the best possible way. Don't Nod adventures have always involved a "superpower" gameplay gimmick, whether it was rewinding time (Life is Strange), telekinesis (Life is Strange 2), or telepathic-foresight (Tell Me Why); these gameplay hooks added substance to these adventures. In Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber. it's all about the powers of investigative journalism, and one superpower in particular: Nosey Mode. You read that correct: nosiness is a superpower that allows you to observe important cues hidden in plain sight, and even rudely eavesdrop on conversations that aren't really any of your business, but since you're an investigative journalist...then, well, I suppose everything is your business. The game's protagonist, Juan Aguirre, is a journalist of integrity, determined to reach the truth no matter the cost. It gets him in trouble.

Mexico, 1921. A Deep Slumber. is an excellent debut from Mácula Interactive, one that presents a fascinating period brimming with style and personality. Oh, and it's an excellent adventure game in its own right.