when it comes to psychological horror there are very few games that will delve deep into the horrors that the mind truly holds. Fran Bow, a psychological horror title released August 27, 2015, shows us the meaning of fear, and what it's like to be terrified of your own mind.
Fran Bow, a side-scrolling game released in 2015 showed us that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This game delves into the mind and does not regret showing you the horrors that truly encompass and engulf it and eat the brain whole. Now, in this article, I will be discussing the things that set this game apart from the rest. So be warned that there are themes that could be trigger-inducing. With this game, it does not hold back, it is very honest in its appetites, and unapologetically unique in that sense. for me, this game showed me that you can be disturbing, morbid and downright cruel yet still have a positive outcome. Much like life. it is cruel at points, but it shows us the beauty in circumstances that tear us apart mentally.
Fran Bow is the kind of game that takes me into hell by the hands and asks are you sure you want to enter? You won't be the same after playing this game and I know I am being a bit overdramatic when I say this but it's true. the themes in this game ARE REAL WORLD ISSUES they carry weight and strengths to them that I never saw a game before. in all its honesty Fran bow amassed a following that changed the way games were perceived as well as played. this game will take you through the horrors of separation issues, abortion, self-harm, having a split personality disorder, and addiction. there are more I could delve into but this would turn into a thesis instead of a chew-able article for consumers.
in the beginning, you think it's a cute game since you get a kitty and a loving family that surrounds you. but soon you drown in the forbidding sense of impending doom that starts clouding the game. in the first section, you are in you wake up in a mental institution where you have to find your way out of. one thing I will say is that you have to click on everything and mean EVERYTHING! I cannot tell you how many times I overlooked an item I need just because of not looking carefully enough. when you are just getting into the game you have to look for your kitty, Mr. midnight while looking for him you unravel mysteries of the past. you will be surprised as to how much there is that gets crammed into this game. There is philosophy, quantum physics and even hinting at the discussion of the multiverse theory. For those who don't know what the multiverse theory is, essentially it "is a hypothetical group of multiple universes. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. "
Now, it could be a stretch thinking that Fran Bow is is discussing a multiverse theory, but one of the characters, Itward discussed that there are multiple "yous" that are in the same place but doing different things. Different realms, and different plains of existence, or realities.
One: the first reality that of light called primitive
Two: the second reality is called Ihersta, where time is transient.
Three: this is the human world/reality
Four: the reality of death, not much was said about this realm, but it is where Itward is from. it is called Senersdee
Five: this is the realm of darkness ruled by mother mabuka and her son Remor.
so it's not (too much) to think that there is a multiverse theory-like concept being played out here. The writer of the story of this game did an amazing job making sure things were cohesive and well put together in a sense that it didn't make the player feel stupid, it fully immersed the player in the thoughts a process that makes the game a unique pice that sets it apart from the rest. Now, this game is set in 1944, this period in medical history is not a pretty one. they were still doing patient experimentation during the war, since this game took place during the time of WWII its not a stretch to think that there were possible transorbital lobotomy and mental experimentation. so the fact that there are pills to change the mental state of how she perceives the world is a great mechanic to put into the game. It rounds it out and makes the game more versatile to work with in regards to not just the story but player mechanics.
now of course I won't be discussing the nitty-gritty details of the game considering the fact that it will give too much away when i would rather you all play the game for yourselves to see how wonderfully morbid it is. So let me know if you guys have played the game and how you all like it, for me personally i would highly recommend play this game. Like i have stated certain themes can be trigger inducing, but if you don't mind heavy topics then i really believe you will love the story and the gameplay. The gameplay is rather simple, it's a point-click game that is also a side scroller. Easy mechanics, complicated plotline.