The Hat Man Reviews: "The Fall" - Video Game About Robots! · 11:50pm Aug 12th, 2016
So, a good long while ago, an awesome reader named Ianon very graciously gifted me a video game called "The Fall," via Humble Bundle. (Which was super nice. Ianon, you're awesome. 
) He stated that it was right up my alley because it was about robots (and, spoiler alert he was right!). Check out the trailer and then head below the break to find out what I thought about it!
"The Fall" is a puzzle/adventure game in the same vein as other classic adventure games, like the "King's Quest" series except that you can't make the game unwinnable because of some BS minuscule thing you overlooked. It's much less frustrating, though not without its moments.
First, the story: you play as ARID, an AI suit who starts the game by falling from the upper stratosphere and crash landing through the ground and into a decrepit, abandoned facility. She determines that her pilot is injured and needs medical care at once, so she must navigate her way to a medical facility up on the surface.
The beginning of the game, after the eponymous "fall."
She quickly encounters two other AIs who are the only other characters of note in the game: the Caretaker, an android who treats ARID with hostility and is obsessed with keeping the facility working "efficiently" (despite its obvious state of decay and ruin); and the Administrator, the main AI who oversees the processes and procedures of the facility, who retains his original programming but also has developed a more whimsical and kind-hearted personality and wants to help ARID.
ARID encounters the Caretaker for the first time.
A major theme of the story is the relationship the AIs have with their programming, especially the restrictions placed upon them. ARID cannot utilize all her abilities unless certain criteria are met (think "Metroid: Other M" but with an actual reason for the protagonist not having all her skills at the start), but she begins to innovate ways to force those situations.
ARID's abilities.
The Administrator wants to help ARID, but can't allow her to proceed to the surface until she gains clearance. And the only way to do that is for her to pass a series of tests as a Domesticon Service Android. In other words, she has to act not as a war machine, but as a maid.
The only problem is that the facility is so run down that the ostensibly simple tests are broken, which means ARID has to innovate to find ways to "solve" them. This infuriates the Caretaker, who accuses ARID of cheating, but he too is bound to acknowledge that she is technically passing the tests. Just the same, he sends more obstacles her way.
ARID facing an enemy robot.
The theme of an AI character struggling against other AIs bound by their own programming while also trying to assert their own free will is really engrossing. By far, the character- and story-based elements are the best part of the game.
A close second would be the atmosphere and general feel of the game. It is dark, unsettling, and creepy without being overtly horrifying. Though there are dangers and hazards, this is a game that will most likely make you feel more unsettled and tense than outright terrified.
The puzzles, unfortunately, can vary a bit: some of them are really clever and can be solved with a little patience and brain power, but trial and error is a pretty significant factor in this. And sometimes, if you miss even one element, those puzzles are going to get a lot tougher, and you'll find yourself trying to use every item in your inventory until you find something that works. Now, I think I'm a pretty smart guy: I managed to beat "Myst" and "Riven" without guides back in the day, and I am loathe to use a guide, but I will admit that there were two times that I just could NOT figure out what to do and had to look up the answers. That was a little less fun, though the feeling you get when you pass a test and get more progress is immensely satisfying, and sometimes darkly hilarious. (Two of my favorites are the "crying baby" and "merry-go-round" puzzles, should you encounter them.)
Combat is simple, but mostly enjoyable. You can blast your enemies in shoot-outs, which is just so-so, but you can also sneak up on your enemies and kill them instantly, if you're stealthy enough, which is way more satisfying to me. None of the battles are terribly hard, though, so the combat is merely one element of what is mostly a puzzle-adventure game.
Ultimately, my verdict is this: it's a good game with a story and character that would make Isaac Asimov proud, but with a few flaws that will turn off some people. If you like some of the themes of personhood, protocol, and the like in "The Iron Horse," then you'll probably like that aspect of "The Fall." If you're not found of puzzles and are too impatient, then that'll hurt your enjoyment somewhat. Still, it is an excellent game, especially when you consider its low price, and, best of all, there's a sequel coming out in early 2017! 
Recommended?: Yes.
"The Fall" is available on XBone, PS4, and Steam. I played it on Steam, where it retails for $9.99 (USD).
Nice review, would love to see more! Need to get back to this one, I also want to see if I could find an rpg with an AI protognist.
Ooooh, this sounds like an interesting game.
Kinda getting the vibe that her "human" is already dead though.
...But of course, that depends on your definition of "dead".
Yeah, I remember "crying baby" - hilariously dark.
On the theme of robots and AI, i can also recommend:
"The Talos Principle" - solve 3D puzzles, read lots of scattered lore, troll and be trolled in philosophical debates by one AI and be commanded by another god-complex AI.
SOMA - atmospheric horror with some overused tropes, but still good.
4147469 I actually own "The Talos Principle" but I haven't had time to sit down and play it. I swear, I have less and less time for video games. Of course, that happens when you put out a 5-10k word chapter every two weeks.
Still, that does make me want to set aside time for it. Who knows, perhaps I'll review it as well!
Glad you enjoyed it! I have to admit I also had several moments (one near the start of the game
) where I just went "alright what the hell" and went crawling to GameFAQs
I'd like to add that this title frequently goes on sale for around $2 on nearly every digital store imaginable (usually providing steam keys), and occasionally pops up in bundles (humble bundle, bundlestars, etc) which I believe is where my spare key for The Hat Man came from.
If you're willing to wait a bit and add it to your wishlist on your digital store of choice, it won't be long before you have a message in your inbox telling you that The Fall is 75-80% off.
4148724 It was a super nice gift and a great experience. I'll definitely be playing the sequel, and thanks for the tip for anyone who wants the extra discount.
Bookmarked!