1000xResist Masters Purposeful and Impactful Storytelling
Struggle against oppression and generational trauma, all in one neat package
This is a game that I have so much to say about, but I’m having trouble putting my thoughts into words. However, one thing I want to say is very clear: PLAY THIS GAME.
1000xResist is an amazing sci-fi story where you assume the role of Watcher and unveil the events of the past, learning more about ALLMOTHER while trying to make sense of things in the present. As you progress through the game and learn more about the world, you find yourself in an extremely difficult situation. The only way to get out is the break the cycle.
This game is one of the best narrative experiences I’ve ever had.
The way 1000xResist uses games as a storytelling medium is nothing short of brilliant. It’s very deliberate about how it tells its story, and does so in a nearly perfect way. I cannot praise this game enough for its clever use of the medium, especially considering the budget constraints.
The limited budget is not an issue for this game, as the creators used the limited resources in the best way possible.
A warning: don’t expect too much gameplay. This is essentially a visual novel in a walking simulator costume, but it works so well. If it was merely a static visual novel, it wouldn’t work as well as it does here.
If you are into stories that revolve around generational trauma, oppression, resistance, finding yourself, betrayal and justice, this is the game for you.
The first chapter can be confusing. I’ve seen other people say this as well. The first chapter just puts you into this world without any explanation and expects you to go along with it. Don’t quit in the first chapter. The later chapters recontextualizes the first one in such a way that I was mind blown.
I know that I’m praising this game like there is no tomorrow and maybe creating high expectations, but I really did have a incredible time playing this. I’m also very into the themes I talked about above, so it resonated with me that not many other stories could.
Especially the parts about the protests in Hong Kong resonated with me. I live in Turkey, and we are no strangers to oppressive governments, violent police forces and fighting for your basic rights. I have always felt a bond born out of sympathy with Hong Kong residents, because I know how it feels.
I was just about to graduate from high school when Gezi Park protests began in 2013.
That year was when I knew the extent that the government was willing to go to get what it wants.
When the police used tear gas directly on people and hurting them intentionally, when they sprayed water cannons directly on protestors and wounding them. When we were described as ‘çapulcular’ (meaning looters/marauders, a word that the protestors reclaimed and used proudly thereafter).
When they murdered Ali İsmail Korkmaz by beating him up to death… Ali İsmail was a freshman one year older than me. Now I can see that he was just a teenager. That’s when I knew.
When they killed Berkin Elvan with a tear gas canister and then the president claimed the boy was a member of a terrorist organization. The boy was 15 years old. That’s when I knew.
And I never forgot.
And with the recent events happening in my country, after seeing the unabashed brutality that the police is capable of, some of the scenes in this game hit me like a truck.
Our struggle against oppression is universal.
1000xResist understands this feeling. Understands this struggle and weaves it into every aspect of the game. It takes into consideration how intertwined oppression is with generational trauma.
This game can seem vague with its conversations, worldbuilding, and narrative direction but it’s actually painfully clear about its messages, its themes and what it wants to convey.
Some people may relate to the more generational stuff in the game and some people like me may be drawn to its political themes more.
I always say that our experiences shape the way we enjoy media. Maybe if I had kids of my own, my experience with this game would have been different. But because of my personal experiences, I ended up being more affected by its portrayal of struggle and justice.
Do keep in mind that these themes are not in contrast to each other though. As I’ve said, they are interwoven with each other in an incredibly intricate way in the game. You can tell that they had a theme and a message, and did all they could to convey it in the best way possible.
And that’s all for 1000xResist! An incredible experience through and through, I recommend it to you without hesitation. There are many ways to tell a story, and despite its lack of gameplay, 1000xResist would not be as impactful in another medium.
Hekki grace.
Thanks for sharing this!! The game seems to have a fantastic setting, I totally love a good solid story especially with something that is so relatable to our current times & governments.
And thank you for the added personal context, I appreciate your perspective. Will definitely add this to my game list!
This is very much on my list! Waiting for the lull in games to give this a go!
And thanks for sharing. It really is something special when a game you play resonates with you!