Immortality was extremely well received when it launched on Xbox and PC back in 2022. Now, the mysterious world of Immortality has come to PlayStation 5, letting a new audience explore this excellent game by Sam Barlow, the creative mind behind games like Her Story and Telling Lies. With a complex narrative that leans into cinematic history though an interactive trilogy, it invites players to unravel the enigma surrounding Marissa Marcel, a once-rising star whose three unreleased films form the backbone of this edge of the seat experience.
The premise of Immortality unfolds like an extremely engaging detective story, drawing players into the allure of the unknown. Marissa Marcel’s trajectory from an optimistic debutante in 1968 to a mysterious disappearance and subsequent return in 1999 forms the backbone of the narrative. The game employs a unique cinematic ability, allowing players to teleport seamlessly through decades of movie history, exploring the lost films and discovering the untold stories behind them. And even though none of the content is reality-based, it’s supremely engaging from start to finish.
One of the game’s undeniable strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of the film industry across different eras. The footage of the three Marissa Marcel films has all been crafted with great attention to detail, and immerses players in the atmosphere of each production and filmmaking era. From the harsh conditions on the set of Ambrosio in 1968 to the 1999 vibe behind Two of Everything, the quality of the FMV and the attention to detail both add a sense of authenticity. Manon Gage’s performance as Marissa Marcel is fantastic, making the roughly eight to ten hour story a mesmerizing journey that goes by very quickly.
The gameplay mechanics in Immortality include a sophisticated system that blends the mechanics of an old-fashioned movie editing machine with modern AI-based image matching. Navigating through the ever-expanding catalogue of clips becomes a challenging endeavor as you attempt to connect the dots and find out the truths hidden beneath the surface, getting to know the various characters and the relationships between them. While playing, you’ll also gradually piece together the plots of the three lost films.
However, Immortality is not without its flaws. The image-based search function, while controller-friendly and streamlined, occasionally leads to results that don’t feel intuitive or logical. The investigative side of the game can also feel oversimplified at this, with discoveries often appearing as a result of chance or a random trigger rather than a deduction on your side. The process of unraveling the mystery sometimes relies on approximation rather than a deliberate search, which may frustrate players seeking a more methodical approach – but on the other hand it is also a system allows players to eventually progress by just trying out stuff, thus rarely getting truly stuck and frustrated.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the major story revelations in Immortality consistently deliver memorable moments. The narrative has been well crafted by Sam Barlow and unfolds with twists and turns, building suspense and recontextualizing earlier events as you progress. The presence of the mysterious character called The One, portrayed by Charlotta Mohlin, introduces chilling revelations and disturbing imagery.
Immortality stands as a great mystery game, thanks to the quality of the film productions, the stellar performances, and often mind-bending discoveries. In the FMV subgenre, this is certainly a benchmark title and one that raises the bar for others. While playing, you’ll explore a tangled web of interconnected story threads – feeling lost in a maze and constantly on the verge of discovery at the same time.
In conclusion, Sam Barlow’s Immortality is a thrilling FMV masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Its intricate puzzles, immersive narrative, and exceptional performances set a new standard for the genre. While the game may not be without its challenges, its ability to keep players guessing and how well it’s all put together make it a standout experience in the world of interactive fiction, and a must-play for those who love both video games and films.
Score: 8.8/10
Press Play Media 