Download.it search icon
Advertisement

Manage the news cycle and all of the negative publicity that comes with it

Manage the news cycle and all of the negative publicity that comes with it

Vote: (10 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Daniel "Via" Cuturrufo

Version: 1.0

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(10 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Daniel "Via" Cuturrufo

1.0

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • Cleverly conveys a powerful message about media influence
  • Simple yet effective graphics and gameplay
  • Accessible controls suitable for all audiences
  • Offers a thought-provoking view on the power of sensationalism

Cons

  • Limited replay value with a singular storyline
  • Lacks player freedom in narrative direction
  • Very short, which may leave players wanting more

A Poignant Look at Social Media's Ripple Effect

"We Become What We Behold" is a compact experience designed to illuminate the powerful and often toxic influence of social media. The game is browser-based and plays on the simplicity of interaction to convey its message effectively. Embark on an eye-opening journey as you assume the role of an omnipresent observer within a world of cartoony characters, capturing moments that will ripple through their society.

Unassuming Aesthetics with a Weighty Message

The game's visual presentation is deceptively modest, employing straightforward cartoon graphics that belie the complex themes at play. The graphical style is both approachable and charming, drawing players into a seemingly gentle world. Controls are similarly basic, requiring nothing more than the left-mouse button to snap photos, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels.

Interactions with Consequences

In "We Become What We Behold," players find themselves in an environment populated by characters with distinctly square or circular heads, each going about their daily routines. Within this microcosm, your task is to use the in-game camera to document various events and behaviors, which are then translated into social media-style hashtags. Every image captured, intentional or not, has the potential to instigate change within this digital population. For example, photographing a character with a peculiar hat could start a fashion trend, while a snapshot of an outraged square-headed character could sow the seeds of animosity and division.

Guided Narrative & The Illusion of Choice

Though initially it may seem that players can exert their influence freely, the game has a subtle way of steering choices toward a predetermined narrative. Random snapshots are met with prompts for something "more interesting" or are dismissed with an underwhelming cricket chirp. The underlying message is sharp and clear – sensationalism, particularly when it involves negativity and outrage, garners the most attention. The game nudges you towards capturing increasingly inflammatory scenes, underscoring how mainstream media magnifies certain narratives, oftentimes with disregard for the consequences.

It is an unsettling reminder that on social platforms, not all content is created or proliferated equally. The quick-to-consume narrative takes about five minutes to complete if you abide by the implicit storyline the game encourages.

A Brief, Yet Resounding Experience

To describe "We Become What We Behold" as a five-minute downer is to acknowledge the weight of its commentary, despite the inherent simplicity. The game challenges players in a subtle yet profound way, forcing an introspection of our roles within the social media ecosystem. It is true that the game offers limited replay value and is over quickly, but within that brief playthrough lies a reflective and valuable message about current societal dynamics.

In essence, "We Become What We Behold" is much more a playable parable than a traditional game – a narrative-driven mirroring of societal mechanics rather than an experience seeking to offer hours of escape or entertainment.

Pros

  • Cleverly conveys a powerful message about media influence
  • Simple yet effective graphics and gameplay
  • Accessible controls suitable for all audiences
  • Offers a thought-provoking view on the power of sensationalism

Cons

  • Limited replay value with a singular storyline
  • Lacks player freedom in narrative direction
  • Very short, which may leave players wanting more