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Draugen review4/1/2023 It’s a real shame, given how well the two characters are voice acted and play off each other most of the time. Her lip sync and even regular movements simply look off, to the point where they can ruin the more intimate or involved moments that she and Edward have. Where her animations are limited, strange and often times stiff, the expressive voice acting excellently transmits her playful nature through carefree and witty retorts. Then there’s Lizzie’s model, which doesn’t do her character and voice acting justice. Not only does seeing the same few assets one too many times become tiring, even with the game’s 5-hour playtime, but it also gives the entire village a rather artificial feeling. ![]() Most egregiously, perhaps, the sense of isolation wears off not long after the two arrive. The way in which events are recounted simply comes off as rather bland, leaving a lot to be desired by the time the game reaches its conclusion. Although it tries to create a brief connection between player and place, it doesn’t quite manage to do so. Draugen’s texture work is often washed out but without evoking the desired feeling of a village swept over by time. Although it has a number of beautiful vistas, it’s not always a looker. Graavik itself also quickly loses all sheen and mystery despite Edward uncovering more about it. While there certainly are a handful of connections and things to ponder, they never feed off each other enough, often feeling like two separate pieces that are just there by sheer accident. The two stories, however, fail to come together or influence each other in a consistent, palpable way. As Edward learns about the town’s past and present, he and Alice also delve deeper into his mind and history. What starts off as a straightforward story about searching for a loved one soon branches off into two separate paths. Later on, the night has a thick surreal vibe to it, Edward’s sight being unable to pierce the thick fog, giving off the feeling of chasing ghosts while being trapped in his clouded mind. The pair arrives in Graavik with a storm on their tail, preparing to encroach on the isolated village. While its environment remains mostly static, Draugen uses the weather to aid its story beats. More than just a simple ward, she often feels like a manifestation of his conscience. In more tense moments, Lizzie demands that you look at her while she speaks, should you choose to move the camera away. When investigating a house, or any location, the two exchange thoughts. When Lizzie races ahead, Edward can call out for her to see where he needs to go. ![]() This relationship is a constant throughout Draugen and the source of many of the game’s high points. As he looks for clues in an abandoned house, she bursts into dance exploring the village, she spontaneously starts doing handstands in the middle of the road. Where he’s a mature, at times pedantic, adult, her unbridled youthfulness shines both through her witty retorts and playful attitude. It’s evident right from the start that Edward and Lizzie are tight-knit, in spite of their different natures. For the most part, the title comes off as a relaxed trek through a quaint Norwegian village. While stepping in Edward’s shoes, you do get to interact with a variety of objects or choose dialogue prompts, there isn’t much in the way of puzzles or platforming. On the surface, Draugen is a “walking simulator”, an adventure game where the player takes on a more observational role. However, what starts off as a search for a family member, soon delves into darker territory as Edward begins to learn more both about himself and the village. The two come all the way from Hannover in search of Edward’s sister, Elizabeth. ![]() ![]() With its collection of small, unpretentious houses and church on the hill, the village plays host to Draugen’s protagonist Edward Harden and his ward, Alice. Forgotten by time, the remote Norwegian village of Graavik silently sits at the base of towering mountains overlooking the sea.
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