It is noteworthy, however, that unlike many live-action videogames, neither the script nor the performances ever become overwrought, and unintentional comedy is avoided. The other actors do their jobs quite well, though none are as impressive as these three. Larry Rew ( Underworld: Rise of the Lycans) gives an especially subtle and enjoyable performance as Alexander, a wealthy but temperamental clinician whose family history and rumors of ghostly hauntings at his manor may have important implications for Emily’s death and Kristina’s investigation. Both are quite good, though Jackson’s performance as an “everywoman” feels just a bit more natural than O’Neill’s, whose delivery is slightly wooden on occasion. The production team deserves kudos for snagging a talented cast to portray the various characters, with Nicole O’Neill (known for her roles in Penny Dreadful and Red Sparrow) starring as Kristina, while Rachel Jackson plays Kristina’s friend Charlotte. Although not perfect by any means, the narrative, and the way it plays out, is quite compelling. Is Jack, a fellow patient who knew Emily, really interested in finding out what happened to her, or is he after something else? Why is the headmaster at the school where Emily taught so defensive when discussing her? Does Kristina know more about her friend’s death than you, the player, are privy to? These and other questions kept me pressing forward through the game’s twists and turns. There are a few spooky moments along the way, but the horror elements are quite mild, making it a more accessible title than those looking to outright scare their audience.Īs you uncover more information, issues of trust arise regarding Kristina’s friends and acquaintances, and ultimately the plot had me pondering the motives of most of the characters, including the protagonist herself. One particularly dark revelation ratchets up the tension so much that, quite frankly, I was surprised it works as well as it does. Naturally, as one might expect, not everything is as it seems. The disappearance of Emily’s friend seems to be related to the spirit of a woman named Agnes that is said to haunt the town, but the ambiguity about the exact nature of the ghost, and its connection to Emily’s suicide, kept me guessing as to the true nature of the events surrounding Emily’s death. I was most impressed by the way the paranormal and the real are woven together in unexpected ways, yet still manage to remain convincing and coherent.
The story is the most crucial aspect of any interactive film, and in this area I Saw Black Clouds succeeds quite well. From there, the protagonist slowly begins to peel back the layers of a dark mystery that Emily had uncovered about her hometown, where ghostly happenings and all-too-tangible tragedy collide. A request by Emily’s mother leads Kristina to discover her late friend’s diary, which references a girl who went missing from a local mental health clinic where Emily was seeking treatment, and suggests that Emily knew what happened to her.
I Saw Black Clouds puts players in the role of Kristina, a woman whose friend Emily committed suicide not long ago. There are no puzzles to be solved, but those looking for a cinematic choose-your-own-adventure game with a good script and fine acting will find plenty to keep themselves entertained here. Where this psychological FMV thriller most stands out is its strong plot coupled with real player agency and high replay value that will keep you coming back in order to uncover as many details as possible. Wales Interactive has made a name for itself publishing interactive films in recent years, and Ghost Dog Films’ I Saw Black Clouds is the latest addition to an increasingly impressive library.
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