Liberated Enhanced Edition | NS Review

Not many game developers dare tread on the touchy topic of a dystopian future these days, especially through a game that paints current real world trends as harmful to society. With "Liberated", and this enhanced version of it we are introduced to a secretive organization of rebels known as the "Liberated" who are trying to undo the damage one of their own has done through the creation of a social credit system. Through comic books, animated comic book panels, and 2.5D platforming focused gameplay elements you take on the role of key characters as they try to infiltrate, and take down the all oppressive system of governance. Ultimately utilizing stealth, murder, and hacking skills as a means to get what needs to be done, done. As you read through the plot, listen to the newly added voice-overs, and play through branching paths with multiple choice options you will discover the fate of the Orwellian inspired government, and the Liberated rebels. 

Done up in a monochromatic color scheme within a living comic book series the world of "Liberated" unfolds page by page, panel by panel, and choice by choice. While there is no perma-death for the protagonists involved your initial choice of player or reader difficulty will determine how easy or difficult your progression through the plot will be. Player difficulty offers up the bigger challenge whereas reader difficulty allows the player to enjoy the story with less emphasis on the gameplay elements.

In regards to the gameplay mechanics the playable characters can run, sneak, hide, jump, shoot, and stealth kill. Each ability coming into play in a situational sense. You'll find that part of the gameplay is centered around a stealth cover based approach where other parts involve more violent ends to the confrontations at hand. In the mix of it all you'll also run into quick time events where pressing buttons accurately and on time will mean the difference between moving forward or restarting in a previous instance. As you progress through story and gameplay the panel focus will switch, and the pages of the Liberated comic book eventually turn. Each comic book leaves the story with a cliffhanger ending until your reach the final issue. Beyond that there are two additional bonus issues that are available after the initial series of comic book stories are completed. Adding to the lore, and expanding upon it. 

One interesting thing about the enhanced version of 'Liberated', outside of the mentioned bonus issues, is the addition of voice-overs. The voice-overs, which weren't originally included, make their debut here and keep things lively alongside real world inspired sound effects. Along with the artistic animations it makes for an interesting display, and experience on the Nintendo Switch console. The gameplay itself, which is horizontal panel exclusive, is done in such a manner as to seem like a natural transition from story to action. As I said earlier there are branching paths within each issue that also offer up different dialogue depending on the characters' attitude during their response. Being polite or arrogant will change the supporting characters' response to your character. 

Menu access will allow you to pick up where you left off, and replay any of the issues you have completed/unlocked. There's also options in the main menu catering towards the altering of speech bubbles, and dialogue boxes. You can even toggle the sound, and change the game's brightness. 

The Verdict ...

For what it is I think "Liberated Enhanced Edition" does well to integrate both story, and gameplay elements in an interactive and engaging way. The transitions from panel to panel happen seamlessly, and make it feel like you are actually thumbing through a comic book while letting your imagination take you deeper into the adventure. The art style is good, and the animations a nice addition which enhances the living comic book feel. Plot-wise I think the story is relevant, and is in tune with the real world happenings. Perhaps even a cautionary tale of things to come. I give "Liberated Enhanced Edition" an enthusiastic recommendation. It's a good game for the bad times we are facing.

STORE LISTING: https://www.pixelheart.eu/produit/liberated-enhanced-edition-switch-eur/