Imagine living in a world where the vast majority of humans are gathered beneath giant protective domes, a decision made to secure the future of civilization. This is the central premise of the thought-provoking video game, "Encased". Released in 2019 by Dark Crystal Games, the game invites players into a dystopian universe set in an alternate 1970s reality. In this highly atmospheric experience, humanity finds itself drawn to the Dome, a mysterious and colossal structure that promises untold resources and futuristic technology, but demands isolation from the outside world as the price. "Encased" isn't just a science fiction escapade—it’s a reflection on society's tendency to seek security at the cost of freedom.
One of the game's most compelling features is its ability to create an immersive setting that feels both familiar and alien. The cold war aesthetics, combined with advanced technology, offer a unique blend that captures the tension between progress and tradition. While playing, you can't help but notice the socio-political commentary embedded within the game. It explores the implications of authority and control, not too far removed from our world, where governments have often sunk into debates about liberty versus safety. The game creatively uses this fake reality to shed light on real-world problems, asking players to make difficult choices that reflect the moral complexities of life.
This open-world, post-apocalyptic RPG isn’t just about thrilling quests and battles—it’s about navigating the grey areas of the human psyche. The Dome is a microcosm, bringing people from different backgrounds into a confined space. Within its walls, players encounter various factions vying for power and followers struggling to adapt to their new reality, a setup that mirrors historical and modern societal movements. These factions, from the New Committee, which seeks to maintain order, to the mysterious and rebellious Black Wingers, illustrate our diverse societal views, similar to today’s political landscape where individuals often face the dilemma of choosing between collective stability and individual freedom.
Yet, the game's creators do not force a particular viewpoint upon the player. Instead, they lay out scenarios transparently, allowing individuals to decide their path based on personal ethics and logic. This narrative freedom is what makes "Encased" particularly appealing to the Gen Z audience, a generation known for valuing individuality and critical thinking. Much like real life, players are tasked with making decisions that can lead to unexpected outcomes, sometimes beneficial, sometimes disastrous. It cleverly mirrors the unpredictability of real-world decision-making and the need for resilience and adaptability.
While advancing through the game, you're constantly reminded of humanity’s unyielding curiosity and persistence in the face of unpredictability. The Dome, with its alluring enigma, sucks players in just as real-world promises of technology or power often do. It showcases the ups and downs of our ever-evolving relationship with technology—a subject that strikes a chord in today's high-tech society. The game nudges you subtly to ponder over the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Are we over-relying on technology, or are we simply evolving with it? This question remains as relevant in the game as it is outside it.
Opponents of "Encased" may criticize it for painting an overly bleak future or glorifying rebellion against established norms. These critics might argue that the sanctuary of the Dome offers security and the potential for unprecedented progress, which should be celebrated rather than scrutinized. But the game tempers their optimism by continually pushing the players to question their surroundings. Should comfort and security eclipse personal agency and freedom? This introspective journey offers players a safe space to explore these uncomfortable questions.
"Encased" hooks you with its intriguing narrative, but what really makes it engaging is its complex character development and strategic gameplay. Every action you take influences the story, challenging the player to weigh their choices against potential consequences. Accompanying you along the way is a diverse cast of characters, each one more dynamic than the last, teaching us that no matter the societal framework we’re in, it's the human element that leaves a lasting impact.
In this universe, you experience settings that are visually striking and richly detailed. They spur emotional responses, evoking feelings of nostalgia mixed with futuristic wonder that appeal to Gen Z's love for retro aesthetics blended with high-tech fantasy. Each corner of the Dome holds secrets, each NPC a story or motive that unfolds with time. You're not simply playing a game but experiencing a narrative-driven adventure that could lead to endless conversations about humanity’s past, present, and future.
As you navigate the desolate yet hopeful environment of "Encased", it's impossible not to draw parallels to the world we live in. Its underlying message is simple yet profound: the path humanity chooses, whether under a dome or beneath the open sky, depends on multifaceted decisions that we each are part of crafting. Whether "Encased" represents our ultimate demise or a stepping stone to a brighter future is a question left for each player to ponder as they journey through its multifaceted reality.