Belonging is an Adventure and Simulation game for PC published by Farbspiel Interactive in 2024. A story about a cult and its victims.
Belonging PC Game 2024 review:
This is an interactive game that delves into the realm of a cult and its victims. Playing as a hacktivist infiltrating a targeted location, the player explores an abandoned estate once occupied by the cult, seeking valuable data to expose to the public.
By doing so, they aim to reveal unsettling truths about the fate of the individuals who were part of the cult. Initially appearing innocent or even commendable, the community’s darker aspects come to light when manipulative individuals seize control. What other undisclosed secrets do the leaders of Entelechism conceal? Drawing inspiration from real-life survivor accounts of cult experiences, this game effectively portrays the human susceptibility to succumb to the narratives propagated by cults.
It aims to foster empathy for those whom we might perceive as lost or even irredeemable. Through the game’s storyline, players will collect and assess data to determine what should be exposed to the public. Additionally, they will navigate through various locked areas within the cult’s estate to uncover the catalyst behind the cult’s sudden disappearance. As Jayce, the protagonist, arrives at the secret island estate shortly after the mysterious vanishing of the Entelechists, players will gradually unravel the events leading up to their disappearance.
By scouring the estate, searching for fragments of information, they will gain deeper insights into the final days preceding the enigmatic event. Utilizing video recordings as evidence and crucial details regarding dramatic incidents, the player assumes the responsibility of selecting which information should be made public and ultimately determines who should be held accountable for the events that unfolded within Entelechism.
Pros of Belonging:
- Immersive Gameplay: Belonging and Entelechism offer immersive gameplay experiences that transport players into the worlds of cults and self-optimization communities. Through engaging storytelling, interactive exploration, and decision-making, players become active participants in unraveling the mysteries and making impactful choices.
- Thought-Provoking Narrative: Both games tackle thought-provoking themes, exploring the vulnerability of human nature and the allure of persuasive ideologies. They prompt players to question their own beliefs and assumptions while shedding light on the complexities of cult dynamics and the hidden agendas of seemingly positive communities.
- Player Agency and Consequence: In these games, players have agency over their actions and decisions, directly influencing the outcomes and the story’s progression. By choosing what data to leak or which information to uncover, players shape the narrative and bear the responsibility for their choices, adding a sense of consequence and personal investment to the gameplay.
- Real-Life Inspiration: Belonging and Entelechism draw inspiration from real-life cult survivor stories, grounding the narratives in a sense of authenticity and raising awareness about the dangers and manipulative tactics employed by such groups. By incorporating elements from actual experiences, the games strive to foster empathy and understanding toward individuals who have been ensnared by cults or similar organizations.
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Basic System Requirements:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 10 or 11
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600g or comparable
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce 1070 or comparable
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 5 GB available space