We. the Revolution

The French Revolution was a dark time for the country known for its fine wine and cheese. Incredibly, despite the power struggles, the mass beheadings, Napoleon Bonaparte and the mass deaths, we still associate France with frogs legs and Disneyland. Which really is a testament to how they recovered. However, we are here to reminice about this dark time and We. The Revolution is a game that allows players to live through the drama and turmoil of this revolution, all be it in a fun and accessible way.

This game plays like strategy titles such as Papers, Please, Greyhat, Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney to name a few. However, this take on the revolution is so profound that it transcends the courtroom setting. Becoming a survival game based around cunning, planning and precise execution to avoid execution. Here is our review of We. The Revolution.

A Battle of Wits

The core gameplay of this game revolves around providing evidence and swaying a jury to believe your case. So essentially you are a lawyer within the revolution. However, you are also constantly assessing which outcome will benefit you, the country and condemn your enemies to a horrible fate. This means that players will have to study all the evidence, events and anecdotes given, using them to their benefit and pulling the wool over the judge’s eyes as you secure the result that you wanted. Sure, it’s not exactly moral but that’s politics baby.

On paper, this concept is genuinely very interesting and has the potential to provide some compelling and deep moments. However, we have to say that the whole process is very hit and miss. The information is often confusing, seems like it should fit where it doesn’t or simply contradicts information that has been deemed relevant. Representing a meticulously detailed case is always a tough. Just look at the stumbles LA Noire made during its run. We would say that this game is comparable in that when it’s great, it’s very enjoyable. However, it’s peaks and valleys and the valleys are very low indeed.

The saving grace for this game is that the design and UI is rather easy to use and accessible. Plus, visually this game is very pretty. If we were to compare the style we would make reference to Disco Elysium. This patchwork, watercolour design is very appealing and adds to the spectacle of this title.

The Verdict

Overall, We. The Revolution is a game that gets ten for effort and ten in terms of a compelling concept. However, in practice this game does fall flat quite a few times, often leaving the player feeling alienated and frustrated. As mentioned, when it flows and succeeds in what its trying to do, it’s a stunning and unique experience. Sadly though, it doesn’t achieve this feat anywhere near enough.

Pros:

• A very interesting concept that shines through in spells
• A wonderful art style that lends itself to the time period

Cons:

• Gameplay is stunted by the lack of cohesion provided within the court case evidence