Living in London and dealing with the rental market can sometimes feel like being trapped in a maze without an exit. The absurdity of the situation becomes even more apparent when you come across a game like Looking For Fael, a French creation that promises to immerse you in a labyrinth of apartments. As a London renter, you can’t help but laugh bitterly at the thought of spacious apartments in a country where two-bed flats are seemingly abundant. The reality of your cramped living situation hits hard when you find yourself struggling to move within your own living space, surrounded by laundry baskets and misplaced trousers.
Looking For Fael offers a fantastical escape from the harsh realities of London’s rental market. Developed by Swing Swing Submarine and published by ARTE, this first-person puzzle adventure draws inspiration from games like Myst, Witness, and Fez, as well as 90s fantasy films. The game follows the story of a protagonist who receives a distress call from their friend Fael, only to discover that both their flat and its surroundings have turned into a perplexing maze. Armed with a handheld console reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP, players must solve mysteries and navigate through a series of challenging puzzles to uncover the truth behind Fael’s disappearance.
Players are required to think outside the box and pay close attention to detail as they explore the intricate world of the game. Every object, from photo frames to seemingly insignificant furniture, holds clues that are essential for solving the puzzles. The game encourages experimentation and interaction with the environment, challenging players to use their wit and observation skills to progress. As players unravel the mystery of Fael’s disappearance, they are forced to question the very nature of reality, adding an extra layer of depth to the gameplay experience.
While the concept of navigating through a twisted apartment maze may seem like a welcome escape for London renters, the brutal truth is far from fantasy. The exorbitant prices and limited living spaces in the city make it nearly impossible for individuals to find affordable and comfortable accommodation. The idea of having a front door or a spacious living area becomes a luxury reserved for the privileged few, while the majority are forced to make do with cramped quarters and inflated rental costs.
In comparison to Looking For Fael, Blue Prince offers a different take on the concept of navigating through challenging environments. This board game-inspired adventure provides a unique gameplay experience without the use of retro handheld consoles. Both games offer a glimpse into the realm of fantasy and puzzle-solving, allowing players to escape the harsh realities of the world and immerse themselves in a world of mystery and intrigue.
Looking For Fael serves as a reminder of the absurdity of the London rental market and the desperate need for escapism from the harsh realities of cramped living spaces and exorbitant rental prices. As players embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind Fael’s disappearance, they are not only challenged to think outside the box but also to confront the limitations of their own reality. Despite the fantastical nature of the game, the underlying message resonates with those who have experienced the struggles of renting in a city where space comes at a premium.
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