*Note: I received a game key for the Nintendo Switch for my honest review of the game. Thank you to Fernwaves and PlayerTwoPR for the game key.
Right from the start End of Lines drew me in with the beautiful artwork with the introduction of the story. Each scene is colorfully hand painted and really well done. End of Lines is a visual novel set in the future (around 2090) showing the possibilities of what could happen if global warming and the climate crisis aren't taken seriously. The story is told from the viewpoint of three different members of a Sahara Desert tribe. The climate change has affected everything making it impossible to stay in their home due to the heat and sandstorms which means they have to travel to find somewhere safer to live. This is where the game begins and explains that the character narrative can change at any time depending on which decisions you make throughout the story. It cautions you letting you know that each choice you make matters and can affect the outcome of each chapter right to the end.
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| The three main characters of the story. |
There are also times where you have to set up camp and then you have to decide who will search for much needed resources such as water and food. You have to choose carefully because members of your group can be exhausted which means they won't be much help. The game does a great job of showing how precious each resource is with the artwork and the story. It also causes you to think carefully about every decision and think about the bigger picture trying to make sure that everyone is okay on your journey.
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| Pick who goes looking for resources. |
I was so invested in the story and the characters. I especially loved Camille and his interactions with his son Sam. Sam is a great foil to Camille as he asks about what the world was like before. For example, Sam had never seen a duck before and asks his dad about them. There's a gentleness to Camille with everyone, but especially with Sam not just because he's his dad, but because Sam is a child. There aren't a lot of children in this world and Sam represents hope for many. I loved every moment with Camille and Sam because of how well written the story is.
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| A moment with Camille and Sam. |
Each scene stands out because of the lovely artwork and I was fascinated by each setting because of it. The way the water is painted in a seaside town in Spain as Camille dives underwater searching for resources is so well done that I found myself captivated by it. The game does a great job illustrating every moment in each chapter.
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| I found the artwork for this scene really beautiful. |
The commentary about global warming is heavy and serious, but it's not heavy handed. It gently guides and tells through the storytelling how the world is in ruins and that sometimes humans are the real monsters. Vital resources are scarce and there are people who are in militia groups that enslave people, steal, and showing that many towns are filled with danger. Add that to the fact that the weather can be unpredictable because of climate change and you understand why the travelers are so cautious and wary of strangers.
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| A wild lightning storm appears. |
One of the themes was about family. Camille holds his wife Nora and their son Sam very dear. There is also the lively "Uncle" Rafik who is best friend to Camille and Nora. They are the core group and while they do have people that join them on their journey, they are clearly the main characters. I loved them so much. Each decision had to be weighed so carefully because I didn't want anything to happen to them. I got attached to them and wanted them to make that trip safely together.
I loved Rafik because of his cheerfulness and his fondness for Sam. Sam was hope for him too. I was also pleasantly surprised that depending on decisions made in the story Rafik has a chance for a queer romance and it's beautifully done. It's thoughtful, gentle, and it showed how it's okay to celebrate moments of joy where we can find them.
The one I worried for the most was Camille. Camille was not a fierce fighter like Nora and not full of jokes and laughter like Rafik. Camille worried all the time about everyone and he was an idealist. There are memories he flashes back to of what the world was like before and of when things started to get too bad to ignore. Camille even has flashes of imagining talking with his parents about the current state of the world. It's heartbreaking as Camille is honest about his feelings of despair while understanding that he feels he has to keep wearing the mask of being strong for his family.
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| Camille is honest about his feelings. |
The music throughout the game is hauntingly beautiful. Each hand painted illustration is captured perfectly with the music and definitely sets the mood for each one. There is no voice acting for the game, just the story and the music. Personally I think that works because it set the tone for each moment throughout the story. I know that for some they may not like that, but honestly not everything needs voice acting. For a visual novel like this, the artwork and music complement each other and work together to tell a compelling story.
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| Taking in the view. |
There are four different endings for End of Lines depending on choices you make. I played through just to get them all along with the achievements. The nice thing is after you play through the game once, you can start from a save point and play through to see them. I liked each one for different reasons, but the one thing I appreciated was that each ending had a bit of hope in them. That made a more meaningful impact. I genuinely appreciate what they were trying to do with this game because it is up to us to protect our world and change for the better. I enjoyed all of it and I'm glad I got the chance to experience this visual novel.
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| A touching moment with Sam. |
*End of Lines is available to play on the following platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam
*Join our community on Twitch as we play games and discuss mental health: https://www.twitch.tv/mothergamer
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