This is one of the best DE analysis videos I've seen, and my personal favourite. Can't believe it's so slept on. I like how in-depth it is, you haven't missed a thing. It was so nice to learn new meanings and connections, from a different perspective. And I agree that video games could've used more Existentialism, and not just games but other media too.
Thank you so much! I've gotten used to this little 'quiet' channel of mine. I work really hard on my scripts which takes weeks of writing. I don't really release videos enough get into into the good graces of TH-cam's algorithm. Good to hear my crazy ideas about video games are shared by others too. Next video will be either Wasteland 3 or Pillars of Eternity 1. I stream when I can too. :)
@@GriffinMuffin It definitely shows how much effort you put in and it's really sad that algorithms on platforms like yt or ig are all about activity, not the quality necessarily. I just wish content makers like you would be more appreciated ._. But thank you for what you're doing, we need that.
It was the best game of the decade in TIME magazine, how is it slept on? Its been the number one game in numerous big publications. I actually think it is crazy overrated and most of these media members must not have actually played it.
You all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow lost my password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
The music in disco elysium feels like the contrast between your childhood home in your memory, versus reality. It's sentimental and gentle about its emotional letdown
Hahahaha what a great comment! Read this as soon as I woke up. Thank you for the kind words. Glad to know people appreciate my work. Next video is on Pillars of Eternity but I've been slowed down cos of isolation (three old toddler at home). I also stream Saturdays 9pm Aussie time.
@@GriffinMuffin how can i not appreciate this,this is probably some of my favorite video essays i have seen in a while please keep them coming and if they are about incredible Crpgs especially like POE and Divinity its even a bigger plus in my book!
I think another great amnesia MC is Star wars knights of the old republic I feel like a good twist is where the twist changes how you have viewed the events of the story up to that point After the twist about your real identity you ask yourself not just what YOU want to do but also what would Revan would do with this knew info about who he is/was
I keep hearing how good Star Wars: KOTOR is and it's definitely on my list. Interesting to read some input on the 'amnesiac protoganist' in other games. Thank you!
Like others have said, this is a massively underrated analysis. So thankful I stumbled upon this, the way you conveyed the themes explored in this game was incredible. Awesome work mate.
Thank you for such kind words! We'll see, we'll see. But until then, hope you enjoy the content. This sort of narrative breakdown is going to be main stuff along with Witcher stuff.
Excellent breakdown! Just finished Disco Elysium for the first time, and it is now one of my favorite storylines of any medium. Now I’m just consuming everything about the game before I begin a new playthrough. Again, great work on this video!
Incredible work!! I don't have a whole lot of words to elaborate on that, but I just wanted to show appreciation for what you've done. I also think this video needs more attention and I'd wager that the creators of the game would be proud knowing how much meaning you derived out of their video game.
This game made me feel a mix emotions, and i cant pretend to understand every political theme or every ideology presented but... this world and characters are so fucking intriguing that it doesn't even matter if you don't get some of the politics in this game. All these characters are interesting to learn about and man some of their stories are sad. Also the pale is still one of the most craziest concepts that is so unique to that world, but i feel like the pale concept also nods to our environmental and societal landscape as well. i could be completely wrong about that but it's still fucking cool.
I don't usually comment, but god damm this is far too high a quality to only have 3000 views, utterly insane. I may as well drop some opinions on the game itself: Amazing writing, a good artistic style and music score, and an overall impressive conception and implementation. If I was to posit a few flaws: the story ending feels a little abrupt, and the fact that there is an unavoidable unresolvable and mostly unvarying 'scene' later on in the game. That and the fact that the game leaves me with questions and possible plots left unexplored.
Moralism is definitely not a stand in for neoliberalism, only that they happen to both be the most dominating political ideology. Ultraliberalism is a stand in for neoliberalism. Great video, but really hate when people use ''neoliberalism'' as a stand in for ''centrism''.
I'll admit it, only since March 2020 have I kinda discovered that neoliberlism is more 'ultra liberialism'. From the context I heard it originally before writing the video and superficial research I thought I understood the word/idelogy. I've read a lot of theory/books since then and have to slap my forehead a bit. I think I might mention this in the doobly doo. Thanks for the comment!
@@GriffinMuffin No problem man, great video nonetheless. I have to say, in the video, you said you did an intellect and a phyisque run, so if you're thinking of coming back for a third playthrough due to the Final Cut update, then I highly recommend a psyche playthrough, it's fantastic and can change key parts of the game quite radically edit: Actually Im not sure if you said physique but I think you said strong so I assumed you meant a physique run
I actually did a Superstar run, so it was High Motorics and Physique. With Final Cut I'm doing VERY high Physique medium Intellect fascist run. I feel gross doing it but it's definitely a different experience.
There's a few. Granted they're hard to find. I'm currently working on a video for Pillars of Eternity. And also, some video game stories I like that have a good story don't have a lot to "break down". You know they're pretty run of the mill I just like what the content of the story but the *narrative* is well, nothing different.
Great video! The game is a favourite of mine aswell. Thoroughly enjoyed your analysis and masterful editing. I wish you luck in making videos and hope more people can see this!
Your channel is incredibly underrated considering how much work you put into it. I have never played Disco Elysium (though I will now) but liked your POE vids. Are you going to play and/or make a video on Wasteland 3 once it is out? Probably depends on how the story turns out huh.
Thank you mate! I have heard of the Wasteland series and know of the third instalment coming out. It depends on what I play from now until Cyberpunk 2077. But yes, depends on if the story is worth talking about.
I actually started playing Tides a few months ago, but I just couldn't get into it. Dunno what it was, the system was intriguing, the story was interesting but I think it just fell flat with characters? I liked the concept and aesthetic though. Such a shame.
You find it if you walk through the door that Evrart tells you to open (if you decide to help him in an effort to get your gun back). I hope this was helpful, feel free to ask for more info.
Idk I don’t feel René is a fascist, but an old school monarchist/traditionalist. I think there is a difference. Unless we also believe everyone in the medieval times to also be fascist, which was a very modern concept. I like him, he’s a war hero, and very brave.
The game does use the term traditionalist and fascist interchangeably to suggest they're sort of the same. Many philosophers such as Karl Popper (iirc) have come to the conclusion that fascism is the modern reemergence of "closed societies" aka ones ruled by a central all-powerful and 'unifying' authority.
I'm not sure the game or the main character reeks existentialist philosophy. You might feel it or play that way - It's a rpg after all. But all Revachol reminds me more of what Gunther Anders wrote in "Being Without Time" about Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" than anything Sartres & co related. As Anders wrote : « the fabulae personae whom Beckett selects as representative of today's mankind can only be clochards, creatures excluded from the scheme of the world who have nothing to do any longer, because they do not have anything to do with it.[...] What Beckett presents is not nihilism, but the inability of man to be a nihilist even in a situation of utter hopelessness. [...] For although continuing, such a life doesn't go on, it becomes a "life without time." By this I mean that what we call "time" springs from man's needs and from his attempts to satisfy them, that life is temporal only because needs are either not yet satisfied, or goals have already been reached, or objectives reached are still at one's disposal. Now we have seen that in Estragon's and Vladimir's lives, objectives no longer exist.» Estragon and Vladimir are extreme abstractions from Beckett, but Revachol - itself and its inhabitants - is full of them. Also many essays link Revachol to baltic countries - probably misled by the studio's nationality - but its "vibe", the lingering destructions, is much more reminiscent of some balkanic towns after the Yugoslav wars. Great video and channel anyway :)
I'm a big fan of Waiting for Godot! I haven't had the chance to read Sartre yet. What you present is something that I can definitely see also. From what you said, it makes me more convinced I should read Satre. Thanks for the comment!
@@GriffinMuffin Thanks, actually the quote about Beckett was from Gunther Anders in "The Outdatedness of Human Beings". I've modified my original comment to make it clearer. Sartre is also interesting to read too :)
If you're interested, I have a Discord where you can talk about this stuff more (if you wish, no pressure). discord.gg/DmZQayBz Hope to see you in this video! I also stream on Twitch.
In case anyone reads this. Dont Buy DE. pirate it, the original creatives got the company and IP stolen from them by a businesmen, the people make games "documentary" really dropped the ball by producing it while legal procedings are still underway, and essentially let the dude use it for PR for his side of the story. If you want more of DEs world and characters, give sacred and terrible air a shot, its set in the same world, but in an alternate timeline separate from the game, one where there is no Harry, with no hope
I feel like these text titles are getting over done lol It just makes it harder to take the video seriously Good video tho i might give the game a shot
I don't really agree with many people's (probably even the authors') interpretation that the whole political theme (it's not what the game is ultimately about) is showing the various ideologies and that they're all flawed and what devotion to them does to people; it shows a bunch of ideologies and one, ultimately, turns out to be objectively right; the Ultraliberal one where change outside of capitalism is impossible because the system is all-encompassing and people can't even think outside of its terms, that we're at the end of history and the only people whose Class Consciousness both exists and is adaptive are those at the top blatantly exploiting this system. And that, itself, is an ideology, and one where it's kind of hard to tell where the artist's intention in depicting *their* world ends and what they mean that to say about the real one begins. You could easily say that the core message this game sends out is "Live your life, regardless of what that actually means, without thinking about the implications, because it's the life you have, and it doesn't actually matter who's in charge or how or who they're killing so long as your life is generally on track." Which strikes me as a very Eastern European form of 'dead inside', which is broadly centrist at best.
Hey mate, thanks for the comment! I really appreciate this sort of comment because (I don't know if you know this) what you're talking about is 'capitalist realism'. And yes, the game does portray this 'reactive impotence' to neoliberalism/ultra-liberalism. The game, does sort of write the other ideologies other than ultra-liberalism as a 'waste of time'. It's funny you mention 'end of history', because that too is embroiled with capitalist realism. That is an interesting way of viewing the game's message and in a way - it's valid. As I mention in the video (paraphrased), Revachol is haunted by the violence of the revolution and the woes of capitalism, so people are left to feel powerless and say to themselves: "well, as long as I'm living I guess that's what I'm gonna do." But I see at as a way for the writers/producers of the game to provide art as a tool for reflection. While the message of reactive impotence can be taken quite literally (the Eastern European version of 'dead inside' as you call it), my reaction to the text of the game is to find ways to break free from it. It can also be seen as a piece of art that displays a repetition of the historical determinism (but that might be a stretch to prove). Anyway, I can recommend reading 'Capitalist Realism' by Mark Fisher if you're interested - it's very short too.
I think this might be because technically if you *contribute* to British film and media (now considered to be video games, like how Screen Victoria here in Melbourne gives grants to indie developers) that qualifies you. I can only assume because of British Sea Power, the guys who composed the soundtrack were British that roped in the whole game as a qualifier. Just a guess though.
I think my favorite aspect that allowed me to learn about the world was Shivers. I loved getting the small details about the world, and it felt like you really were in tune with the city, that it was speaking to you. It made the city itself feel like a character, whispering it's secrets into your ear.
To be honest. I listened to the boat ride song on repeat while writing the script. It has this haunting effect which which was awesome to be immersed in. Thanks for the comment!
Great video and loved the game BUT this game definitely tries to tell you what the "right" political views are and how you should conduct yourself... disagree with you on that point.
Not exactly, you have to account for the world the characters are living in. After the revolution communism died out (literally, as there were too many people shot in the head), it's only seen as wrong by people who have adopted other more lenient ideologies based on communism itself, like how Evrart is a faux social democrat while based on his goals he might as well be another ultraliberal. It's only wrong because the setting demands it to be. You can choose to be a raging red toting communist as much as you want, just don't expect people to see you as completely sane.
One of the things I really enjoyed about the game was the metaphysical side to it. At a certain point in the game, you learn about the Pale, and the fact that it is expanding and eventually will eat up everything else. Now this leads to an interesting dilemma, if everything we do is ultimately irrelevant, should we not just give up ? That is one option, and maybe helps to explain the obvious sense of nihilism which seems to infiltrate every aspect of society; the irony being of course that the most nihilistic characters are the ones most likely to be ignorant of the reason why. Another option is to decide that - even if one day all will disappear - what matters is the here and now, and the changes we can make in the present; again the irony being that the characters most likely to be aware of the situation seem to be the ones who are struggling the most to make things better, in their own particular ways of course. I think this is partly reflected in the dream sequence, Harry knows the moment with his love is an illusion and doomed to fail, yet he just wants to hold on to that moment regardless of the future. It's also a theme which is echoed in various ways throughout the game - as was rightly pointed out in the video, for many the disaster has already happened, but the question is the same - do we give up, or try to make things better ? And it has a parallel with church, where the struggle to make things better are overshadowed by the knowledge that at some point the place will be demolished Whether it's a lost past (like Harry's memories), or impending doom, the theme occurs over and over, but each time expressed differently, so it never becomes forced or repetitive.
This is the most rewarding click I've had in awhile. Tbh I rarely ever watch a video by an youtuber with very few subs, but I am more than impressed with your work. I hope you will have a successful career as an youtuber, and I'm looking forward to your future reviews of my favorite games
Thank you very much for the kind words! I treat my channel as a hobby and I'll be using my narrative breakdowns for my portfolio. If I get big on TH-cam, so be it. But for now, it's just for fun. Check out my streams I if you're interested.
i just finished this game finally... vampire the masquerade isometric rpg should be like this.. where all encounters are meaningful... but who am i kidding...
Someone with a background in a new place would still make this possible. It would be enough for someone to just move countries or even cities to feel a little lost. To not count that as, somewhat, amnesiac it would almost certainly mean you as a player need to have some say in what the background of the character was, but it'd be possible I imagine.
not a content creator but an avid writer, I really enjoy your style and how you inject your kind of thesis/assertions within this video with the on-screen text to make more of an impact (which is effective), but a lot of the time they are way too wordy to actually stick. just work on concision, even though they are sizable ideas, or break them up further so that they don't feel overwhelming. great video though!
I misunderstood what neoliberalism was back when I wrote the script. I've done more research since then however. It's something I'll mention on my follow up video.
@@GriffinMuffin that seems like a fair compromise, but only if we also introduce "ludonarrative disharmony" to complete the symmetry (also omg youtube man noticed my comment)
Eh, I got the free time haha. You bring up a good point about particular usage of terms and need for symmetry/ comparison. By the way, if you liked the video, I'm currently working on a follow up to this one called: the Ideological Dissection.
Kim is one of the best companions I have seen in a video game. It always made anxious to make decisions that may disappoint him. During the tribunal, when I saw that he REALLY thrusted me, i was so touched and so happy! But as in real live, shit can always happen. I failed the roll despite the high chances I had of succeeding. It broke my heart! However, as the game wants to teach us, we learn about our failures so better things can come. Having Cuno as a companion was so fun, and for me, one of the most touching parts of the game, was confronting my squat with my friend Cuno by my side, seeing how he finds the company that he desperately needs by him side. If you didn't have it in your playthrough, let the poor Kim to be shot so you can explore the island with Kuno. But don't worry, we are told that Kim doesn't die, he is in the hospital recovering.
"You can wake up one morning and forget the regrets". Author is clearly still has something to discover about people :) Remembered the meme "If you're a homeless - just buy a house". Still very good review. Enjoed a lot.
Thanks for the comment. There's a lot of philosophy that is actually centered around the idea of letting go of the past and your regrets. Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts discussed this and many prominent stoic philosophers. I myself have gone though spiritual experiences where I can confidently say I don't *regret* mistakes as much as I used to. I acknowledge them and realize what I can learn from them and move forward. It's possible. If you're referring to people *in general*, yeah maybe, there's not many people I meet (except the awesome people I've met through TH-cam comments and other creators) that are philosophically inclined. The reference to "homeless? just buy a house" comparison is not relatable. Your regrets, are purely, within your control. Your material and financial circumstances? Not so much. Yeah, true, might be able to overcome your regrets overnight - but it's possible.
@@GriffinMuffin So to be honest, I think whatever works is great. If such phylosophy helped you or someone else to get over some burden - that's fantastic. Comments on youtube is not the best place for such discussions, so I can just reply in general that my vision comes from psychology and psychoanalysis. You probably know the main authoors. I was studdying all this for many years. And my current understanting is that there are no panacea, no solutiuon that helps everyone (in long run). Psyche has infinite complexity that cannot ever be solved. Today you tell youself you regret nothing, tomorrow you get one way ticket to some random war. No solution, every problem is unique and have to be addressed personally. And still whatever you do, all your past will remain with you and the best you can achieve is to turn tragedy to a regular human drama and live with it. And very often people just cannot do it no matter how they try. That's, of course, only what I've learned and experienced. Good luck in your way.
I can see where you're coming from and can agree in a lot of ways. It is an intensive subject to cover in a TH-cam comment section. Thank you for the honest and earnest reply.
Fascism freezes people's personality - makes them eternal children. It's why they can be 'charismatic': we tend to give toddlers a pass, even when they are violent.
0:18 Considering The Last Of Us titles are both mature rated AND actually contain emotionally mature subject, the future is promising. Previously "mature" rated only referenced violence, substance abuse, "foul" language and/or sexual imagery (all qualities children consider to be the basis of being an adult). However much the immature gamers out there try to derail progression, the fact is the average gamer is no longer a child (on paper at least). After over four decades gaming, I want more games like this, more studios need to push the industry forward. Too many gamers are happy to let shysters like Bethesda continue to regurgitate the same decade old formulaic trash.
I think Sovietwave is for the ones still enchanted by Soviet ideals and propaganda. Doomerwave is for the ones disolutioned by these ideals and much closer to the tone of this game.
Hmm I get where your coming from there. And I did come across that in my search. I think I mainly refered to sovietwave because of the whole "ideas of the past" shtick in my video. Thank you for the comment!
This is one of the best DE analysis videos I've seen, and my personal favourite. Can't believe it's so slept on.
I like how in-depth it is, you haven't missed a thing. It was so nice to learn new meanings and connections, from a different perspective.
And I agree that video games could've used more Existentialism, and not just games but other media too.
Thank you so much! I've gotten used to this little 'quiet' channel of mine. I work really hard on my scripts which takes weeks of writing. I don't really release videos enough get into into the good graces of TH-cam's algorithm. Good to hear my crazy ideas about video games are shared by others too. Next video will be either Wasteland 3 or Pillars of Eternity 1. I stream when I can too. :)
@@GriffinMuffin It definitely shows how much effort you put in and it's really sad that algorithms on platforms like yt or ig are all about activity, not the quality necessarily. I just wish content makers like you would be more appreciated ._.
But thank you for what you're doing, we need that.
It was the best game of the decade in TIME magazine, how is it slept on? Its been the number one game in numerous big publications. I actually think it is crazy overrated and most of these media members must not have actually played it.
@@synchronicityrain8856 This game gets way too much credit. It is number one in PCgamer and Time mag but it is a hacky, un optimized mess.
You all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a method to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow lost my password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
I just finished the game two times in three days. I'm not ready to leave Dubois yet :(
Great video, but just as a small critique, the noise when you cut between different clips gets a little grating after a while.
Thanks mate, duly noted :)
The music in disco elysium feels like the contrast between your childhood home in your memory, versus reality. It's sentimental and gentle about its emotional letdown
came here to feed my hype for the fully voice acted version coming march...I CAN'T WAIT
Pretty sure I'll be covering the game again with the new political vision quests. Maybe a Disco Elysium Complete Narrative Breakdown Redux
This video is so underrated that it pisses me off,seriously this is top tier content
Hahahaha what a great comment! Read this as soon as I woke up. Thank you for the kind words. Glad to know people appreciate my work. Next video is on Pillars of Eternity but I've been slowed down cos of isolation (three old toddler at home). I also stream Saturdays 9pm Aussie time.
@@GriffinMuffin how can i not appreciate this,this is probably some of my favorite video essays i have seen in a while please keep them coming and if they are about incredible Crpgs especially like POE and Divinity its even a bigger plus in my book!
Working hard as we speak! Thank you for your support. :)
DE, to me, is all about hope. It's the only thing that made me understand it. It's the only thing left when nothing else is.
I think another great amnesia MC is Star wars knights of the old republic
I feel like a good twist is where the twist changes how you have viewed the events of the story up to that point
After the twist about your real identity you ask yourself not just what YOU want to do but also what would Revan would do with this knew info about who he is/was
I keep hearing how good Star Wars: KOTOR is and it's definitely on my list. Interesting to read some input on the 'amnesiac protoganist' in other games. Thank you!
Like others have said, this is a massively underrated analysis. So thankful I stumbled upon this, the way you conveyed the themes explored in this game was incredible. Awesome work mate.
I cannot believe this video doesn't have like 40 million views. You're going to be a big youtube one day.
Thank you for such kind words! We'll see, we'll see. But until then, hope you enjoy the content. This sort of narrative breakdown is going to be main stuff along with Witcher stuff.
I don’t think disco elysium even has 40 million players
Excellent breakdown! Just finished Disco Elysium for the first time, and it is now one of my favorite storylines of any medium. Now I’m just consuming everything about the game before I begin a new playthrough. Again, great work on this video!
Great work! You put words on many of the feelings I couldn't describe while playing it myself. Really well made!!!
Always good to hear that!
Incredible work!! I don't have a whole lot of words to elaborate on that, but I just wanted to show appreciation for what you've done. I also think this video needs more attention and I'd wager that the creators of the game would be proud knowing how much meaning you derived out of their video game.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
This game made me feel a mix emotions, and i cant pretend to understand every political theme or every ideology presented but... this world and characters are so fucking intriguing that it doesn't even matter if you don't get some of the politics in this game. All these characters are interesting to learn about and man some of their stories are sad. Also the pale is still one of the most craziest concepts that is so unique to that world, but i feel like the pale concept also nods to our environmental and societal landscape as well. i could be completely wrong about that but it's still fucking cool.
This video only has 8k views, man this content is golden. Hope you will become big in the future :)
Thanks for watching the video mate! And we'll see how it goes.
I don't usually comment, but god damm this is far too high a quality to only have 3000 views, utterly insane. I may as well drop some opinions on the game itself: Amazing writing, a good artistic style and music score, and an overall impressive conception and implementation. If I was to posit a few flaws: the story ending feels a little abrupt, and the fact that there is an unavoidable unresolvable and mostly unvarying 'scene' later on in the game. That and the fact that the game leaves me with questions and possible plots left unexplored.
Moralism is definitely not a stand in for neoliberalism, only that they happen to both be the most dominating political ideology. Ultraliberalism is a stand in for neoliberalism. Great video, but really hate when people use ''neoliberalism'' as a stand in for ''centrism''.
I'll admit it, only since March 2020 have I kinda discovered that neoliberlism is more 'ultra liberialism'. From the context I heard it originally before writing the video and superficial research I thought I understood the word/idelogy. I've read a lot of theory/books since then and have to slap my forehead a bit. I think I might mention this in the doobly doo. Thanks for the comment!
@@GriffinMuffin No problem man, great video nonetheless. I have to say, in the video, you said you did an intellect and a phyisque run, so if you're thinking of coming back for a third playthrough due to the Final Cut update, then I highly recommend a psyche playthrough, it's fantastic and can change key parts of the game quite radically
edit: Actually Im not sure if you said physique but I think you said strong so I assumed you meant a physique run
I actually did a Superstar run, so it was High Motorics and Physique. With Final Cut I'm doing VERY high Physique medium Intellect fascist run. I feel gross doing it but it's definitely a different experience.
@@GriffinMuffin looking forvard to do the same. im already feel gross and sorry for my best-friend-Kim lol
most informative and beautiful video game breakdown ever
This is definitely one of the most insightful analysis of Disco Elysium I ve watched :)
Thank you for the kind words!
This was a really cool take on the game. I wish there were more games that were well-suited to analysis of this depth.
There's a few. Granted they're hard to find. I'm currently working on a video for Pillars of Eternity. And also, some video game stories I like that have a good story don't have a lot to "break down". You know they're pretty run of the mill I just like what the content of the story but the *narrative* is well, nothing different.
After its creeping death, vaporwave is going to be america's sovietwave
Great video! The game is a favourite of mine aswell. Thoroughly enjoyed your analysis and masterful editing. I wish you luck in making videos and hope more people can see this!
Thank you for the kind words!
Well done man this is amazing
Great analysis dude keep uploading and you'll be big soon❤️
One of the best videos about the game I've seen. You've earned a new subscriber :)
This deserves more views!
Thank u for not spoiling
Yeah I wanted this one to be spoiler free to get people interested. Buuuut my follow up video is chocker full of spoilers.
Your channel is incredibly underrated considering how much work you put into it.
I have never played Disco Elysium (though I will now) but liked your POE vids. Are you going to play and/or make a video on Wasteland 3 once it is out? Probably depends on how the story turns out huh.
Thank you mate!
I have heard of the Wasteland series and know of the third instalment coming out. It depends on what I play from now until Cyberpunk 2077. But yes, depends on if the story is worth talking about.
great job - very thoughtful in deep review
Disco Elysium is what Planescape: Tides of Numenera wanted to be but didn't/couldn't achieve.
I actually started playing Tides a few months ago, but I just couldn't get into it. Dunno what it was, the system was intriguing, the story was interesting but I think it just fell flat with characters? I liked the concept and aesthetic though. Such a shame.
Excellent video!
Thanks mate!
Damn bro this is really good
Thank you very much!
Wait, where is the room showing at 13:43? Why I don’t see it in the main game?
You find it if you walk through the door that Evrart tells you to open (if you decide to help him in an effort to get your gun back). I hope this was helpful, feel free to ask for more info.
@@GriffinMuffin Oh god, that is one more door I choose not to open! Well... to the final cut we go. Thank you for the reply!
Idk I don’t feel René is a fascist, but an old school monarchist/traditionalist. I think there is a difference. Unless we also believe everyone in the medieval times to also be fascist, which was a very modern concept. I like him, he’s a war hero, and very brave.
The game does use the term traditionalist and fascist interchangeably to suggest they're sort of the same. Many philosophers such as Karl Popper (iirc) have come to the conclusion that fascism is the modern reemergence of "closed societies" aka ones ruled by a central all-powerful and 'unifying' authority.
Is "Sovietwave" distinct from "Vaporwave"?
This just specks to me man
I'm glad it specks to you. :)
Thank you
I'm not sure the game or the main character reeks existentialist philosophy. You might feel it or play that way - It's a rpg after all. But all Revachol reminds me more of what Gunther Anders wrote in "Being Without Time" about Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" than anything Sartres & co related. As Anders wrote : « the fabulae personae whom Beckett selects as representative of today's mankind can only be clochards, creatures excluded from the scheme of the world who have nothing to do any longer, because they do not have anything to do with it.[...] What Beckett presents is not nihilism, but the inability of man to be a nihilist even in a situation of utter hopelessness. [...] For although continuing, such a life doesn't go on, it becomes a "life without time." By this I mean that what we call "time" springs from man's needs and from his attempts to satisfy them, that life is temporal only because needs are either not yet satisfied, or goals have already been reached, or objectives reached are still at one's disposal. Now we have seen that in Estragon's and Vladimir's lives, objectives no longer exist.» Estragon and Vladimir are extreme abstractions from Beckett, but Revachol - itself and its inhabitants - is full of them. Also many essays link Revachol to baltic countries - probably misled by the studio's nationality - but its "vibe", the lingering destructions, is much more reminiscent of some balkanic towns after the Yugoslav wars. Great video and channel anyway :)
I'm a big fan of Waiting for Godot! I haven't had the chance to read Sartre yet. What you present is something that I can definitely see also. From what you said, it makes me more convinced I should read Satre. Thanks for the comment!
@@GriffinMuffin Thanks, actually the quote about Beckett was from Gunther Anders in "The Outdatedness of Human Beings". I've modified my original comment to make it clearer. Sartre is also interesting to read too :)
If you're interested, I have a Discord where you can talk about this stuff more (if you wish, no pressure). discord.gg/DmZQayBz
Hope to see you in this video! I also stream on Twitch.
Video starts at 2:55
In case anyone reads this.
Dont Buy DE. pirate it, the original creatives got the company and IP stolen from them by a businesmen, the people make games "documentary" really dropped the ball by producing it while legal procedings are still underway, and essentially let the dude use it for PR for his side of the story.
If you want more of DEs world and characters, give sacred and terrible air a shot, its set in the same world, but in an alternate timeline separate from the game, one where there is no Harry, with no hope
Rave a shawl or rev a shawl? That is the question.
I feel like these text titles are getting over done lol
It just makes it harder to take the video seriously
Good video tho i might give the game a shot
Thanks for the feedback I'll keep that in mind for next time.
I'm glad you're considering playing it!
I don't really agree with many people's (probably even the authors') interpretation that the whole political theme (it's not what the game is ultimately about) is showing the various ideologies and that they're all flawed and what devotion to them does to people; it shows a bunch of ideologies and one, ultimately, turns out to be objectively right; the Ultraliberal one where change outside of capitalism is impossible because the system is all-encompassing and people can't even think outside of its terms, that we're at the end of history and the only people whose Class Consciousness both exists and is adaptive are those at the top blatantly exploiting this system.
And that, itself, is an ideology, and one where it's kind of hard to tell where the artist's intention in depicting *their* world ends and what they mean that to say about the real one begins. You could easily say that the core message this game sends out is "Live your life, regardless of what that actually means, without thinking about the implications, because it's the life you have, and it doesn't actually matter who's in charge or how or who they're killing so long as your life is generally on track." Which strikes me as a very Eastern European form of 'dead inside', which is broadly centrist at best.
Hey mate, thanks for the comment! I really appreciate this sort of comment because (I don't know if you know this) what you're talking about is 'capitalist realism'. And yes, the game does portray this 'reactive impotence' to neoliberalism/ultra-liberalism.
The game, does sort of write the other ideologies other than ultra-liberalism as a 'waste of time'. It's funny you mention 'end of history', because that too is embroiled with capitalist realism.
That is an interesting way of viewing the game's message and in a way - it's valid. As I mention in the video (paraphrased), Revachol is haunted by the violence of the revolution and the woes of capitalism, so people are left to feel powerless and say to themselves: "well, as long as I'm living I guess that's what I'm gonna do."
But I see at as a way for the writers/producers of the game to provide art as a tool for reflection. While the message of reactive impotence can be taken quite literally (the Eastern European version of 'dead inside' as you call it), my reaction to the text of the game is to find ways to break free from it. It can also be seen as a piece of art that displays a repetition of the historical determinism (but that might be a stretch to prove).
Anyway, I can recommend reading 'Capitalist Realism' by Mark Fisher if you're interested - it's very short too.
What does an Estonian video game have to do with British TV and Film? I truly do not understand awards.
I think this might be because technically if you *contribute* to British film and media (now considered to be video games, like how Screen Victoria here in Melbourne gives grants to indie developers) that qualifies you. I can only assume because of British Sea Power, the guys who composed the soundtrack were British that roped in the whole game as a qualifier. Just a guess though.
so boring. can't finish the video
That says more about you that the video
I think my favorite aspect that allowed me to learn about the world was Shivers. I loved getting the small details about the world, and it felt like you really were in tune with the city, that it was speaking to you. It made the city itself feel like a character, whispering it's secrets into your ear.
Man your voice is amazing! And the video.. Good job.
Thank you very much!
This is by far one of the best narrative breakdowns of any game I've seen. Great work!
Thank you so much!
The music that hit me the hardest was the song that plays during the boat ride.... like wow.... the rendition of "Want to be free" just hits so hard.
To be honest. I listened to the boat ride song on repeat while writing the script. It has this haunting effect which which was awesome to be immersed in. Thanks for the comment!
Great video and loved the game BUT this game definitely tries to tell you what the "right" political views are and how you should conduct yourself... disagree with you on that point.
Thanks for the comment! That's interesting. If you wish, I'd love to hear your reasoning for that.
Not exactly, you have to account for the world the characters are living in. After the revolution communism died out (literally, as there were too many people shot in the head), it's only seen as wrong by people who have adopted other more lenient ideologies based on communism itself, like how Evrart is a faux social democrat while based on his goals he might as well be another ultraliberal.
It's only wrong because the setting demands it to be. You can choose to be a raging red toting communist as much as you want, just don't expect people to see you as completely sane.
Very talented writing. Both in the game and the video.
One of the things I really enjoyed about the game was the metaphysical side to it. At a certain point in the game, you learn about the Pale, and the fact that it is expanding and eventually will eat up everything else. Now this leads to an interesting dilemma, if everything we do is ultimately irrelevant, should we not just give up ? That is one option, and maybe helps to explain the obvious sense of nihilism which seems to infiltrate every aspect of society; the irony being of course that the most nihilistic characters are the ones most likely to be ignorant of the reason why.
Another option is to decide that - even if one day all will disappear - what matters is the here and now, and the changes we can make in the present; again the irony being that the characters most likely to be aware of the situation seem to be the ones who are struggling the most to make things better, in their own particular ways of course.
I think this is partly reflected in the dream sequence, Harry knows the moment with his love is an illusion and doomed to fail, yet he just wants to hold on to that moment regardless of the future.
It's also a theme which is echoed in various ways throughout the game - as was rightly pointed out in the video, for many the disaster has already happened, but the question is the same - do we give up, or try to make things better ? And it has a parallel with church, where the struggle to make things better are overshadowed by the knowledge that at some point the place will be demolished
Whether it's a lost past (like Harry's memories), or impending doom, the theme occurs over and over, but each time expressed differently, so it never becomes forced or repetitive.
While I was playing DE, Harry sang the smallest church in saint-saëns, and it had me crying like a kid, man that moment was amazing.
Диско вечно
Great man. Thanks
You really covered a lot of details, a really good Breakdown and I watched many videos about this game. well done!
This is the most rewarding click I've had in awhile. Tbh I rarely ever watch a video by an youtuber with very few subs, but I am more than impressed with your work. I hope you will have a successful career as an youtuber, and I'm looking forward to your future reviews of my favorite games
Thank you very much for the kind words! I treat my channel as a hobby and I'll be using my narrative breakdowns for my portfolio. If I get big on TH-cam, so be it. But for now, it's just for fun. Check out my streams I if you're interested.
Great content! Keep it up
i just finished this game finally... vampire the masquerade isometric rpg should be like this.. where all encounters are meaningful... but who am i kidding...
I really wonder how this skill system and the thought cabinet could be used to accompany a character, that isn't an amnesiac of some kind.
Hmm could be used from someone who was sheltered or didn't leave their home town. But I see where you're coming from. Thanks for the comment!
Someone with a background in a new place would still make this possible. It would be enough for someone to just move countries or even cities to feel a little lost. To not count that as, somewhat, amnesiac it would almost certainly mean you as a player need to have some say in what the background of the character was, but it'd be possible I imagine.
amazing breakdown. i know im 2 years late but DE is one of my favorite experiences in recent memory. best book i’ve ever played.
Good video about a great game.
not a content creator but an avid writer, I really enjoy your style and how you inject your kind of thesis/assertions within this video with the on-screen text to make more of an impact (which is effective), but a lot of the time they are way too wordy to actually stick. just work on concision, even though they are sizable ideas, or break them up further so that they don't feel overwhelming. great video though!
Thanks for the feedback. Sometimes I did get they were very 'wordy'. It's a style I'm working on. Glad you enjoyed the video!
have i known that you showed in this video whene i played it i think i would have liked the game more. still a sold one
Warning: Spoilers for planescape torment (i think)
I just wanted a plot summary, not this.
Moralism = Neoliberalism? How so? You should explain this better, because it makes no kind of sense.
I misunderstood what neoliberalism was back when I wrote the script. I've done more research since then however. It's something I'll mention on my follow up video.
the pedant in me will not accept "ludonarrative harmony" as long as "ludonarrative resonance" exists
Haha, fair enough. Do you think the terms could be used interchangeably?
@@GriffinMuffin that seems like a fair compromise, but only if we also introduce "ludonarrative disharmony" to complete the symmetry (also omg youtube man noticed my comment)
Eh, I got the free time haha. You bring up a good point about particular usage of terms and need for symmetry/ comparison. By the way, if you liked the video, I'm currently working on a follow up to this one called: the Ideological Dissection.
@@GriffinMuffin looking forward to it! :)
Kim is one of the best companions I have seen in a video game. It always made anxious to make decisions that may disappoint him.
During the tribunal, when I saw that he REALLY thrusted me, i was so touched and so happy! But as in real live, shit can always happen. I failed the roll despite the high chances I had of succeeding. It broke my heart!
However, as the game wants to teach us, we learn about our failures so better things can come. Having Cuno as a companion was so fun, and for me, one of the most touching parts of the game, was confronting my squat with my friend Cuno by my side, seeing how he finds the company that he desperately needs by him side.
If you didn't have it in your playthrough, let the poor Kim to be shot so you can explore the island with Kuno. But don't worry, we are told that Kim doesn't die, he is in the hospital recovering.
"You can wake up one morning and forget the regrets". Author is clearly still has something to discover about people :) Remembered the meme "If you're a homeless - just buy a house". Still very good review. Enjoed a lot.
Thanks for the comment. There's a lot of philosophy that is actually centered around the idea of letting go of the past and your regrets. Zen Buddhism, Alan Watts discussed this and many prominent stoic philosophers. I myself have gone though spiritual experiences where I can confidently say I don't *regret* mistakes as much as I used to. I acknowledge them and realize what I can learn from them and move forward. It's possible. If you're referring to people *in general*, yeah maybe, there's not many people I meet (except the awesome people I've met through TH-cam comments and other creators) that are philosophically inclined. The reference to "homeless? just buy a house" comparison is not relatable. Your regrets, are purely, within your control. Your material and financial circumstances? Not so much. Yeah, true, might be able to overcome your regrets overnight - but it's possible.
@@GriffinMuffin So to be honest, I think whatever works is great. If such phylosophy helped you or someone else to get over some burden - that's fantastic. Comments on youtube is not the best place for such discussions, so I can just reply in general that my vision comes from psychology and psychoanalysis. You probably know the main authoors. I was studdying all this for many years. And my current understanting is that there are no panacea, no solutiuon that helps everyone (in long run). Psyche has infinite complexity that cannot ever be solved. Today you tell youself you regret nothing, tomorrow you get one way ticket to some random war. No solution, every problem is unique and have to be addressed personally. And still whatever you do, all your past will remain with you and the best you can achieve is to turn tragedy to a regular human drama and live with it. And very often people just cannot do it no matter how they try. That's, of course, only what I've learned and experienced. Good luck in your way.
I can see where you're coming from and can agree in a lot of ways. It is an intensive subject to cover in a TH-cam comment section. Thank you for the honest and earnest reply.
@@GriffinMuffin Thank you also for the conversation. The video is great anyway, keep up the good work.
Regarding the politics, you can combine them as well. Socialist moralist facist? Is possible!
Fascism freezes people's personality - makes them eternal children. It's why they can be 'charismatic': we tend to give toddlers a pass, even when they are violent.
Very poignant. And I agree with you. Thanks for the comment!
0:18 Considering The Last Of Us titles are both mature rated AND actually contain emotionally mature subject, the future is promising. Previously "mature" rated only referenced violence, substance abuse, "foul" language and/or sexual imagery (all qualities children consider to be the basis of being an adult). However much the immature gamers out there try to derail progression, the fact is the average gamer is no longer a child (on paper at least).
After over four decades gaming, I want more games like this, more studios need to push the industry forward. Too many gamers are happy to let shysters like Bethesda continue to regurgitate the same decade old formulaic trash.
31:15 34:15 nice video mate. enjoyed the philosophical & post ussr music/culture part especially
I think Sovietwave is for the ones still enchanted by Soviet ideals and propaganda. Doomerwave is for the ones disolutioned by these ideals and much closer to the tone of this game.
Hmm I get where your coming from there. And I did come across that in my search. I think I mainly refered to sovietwave because of the whole "ideas of the past" shtick in my video. Thank you for the comment!