Based off of discussion in class today, it’s clear that several people did not enjoy Curtain because of its headache-inducing graphics. I can definitely see where they’re coming from; the game is certainly unique both in its graphics and its ability to make your head hurt because of them. My eyes really didn’t suffer all that much, but I do think that this graphical dissatisfaction with the game brings up some interesting discussion. I argue that Curtain‘s graphics make it stand out when compared to almost any other game I’ve ever played, and its intrinsically hard-to-look-at nature is what makes it compelling.
Today in class, the Kendrick Lamar song “We Cry Together” was mentioned. I remember hearing this song back in May when it came out, and it was honestly my favorite off of the album. I find the song to be so compelling because it’s so different from so much of what I’ve heard. It’s almost too hard to listen to, but I appreciate its inherently challenging nature. This song and Curtain also remind me of the Safdie brothers and their films such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. Those films are unlike any I’ve ever seen because of how acutely distressing and anxiety-inducing they are. The acting, pacing, script, editing, and dialogue all contribute to how stressful those films can be. I know someone who hates Uncut Gems for that very reason, but I appreciate these films along with Curtain because of how different they are.
In class today, Professor Jagoda explained it well: it’s as if you can’t look away. So much of media and posts on feeds is just like that. Look no further than programs such as Dr. Pimple Popper. And whether you like Curtain‘s bold graphical style or not, I still think that it deserves credit for being so unique and challenging graphically when compared to the majority of other games, despite the headaches it may induce.
Nathan, I agree with you that games should be praised for being graphically unique. However, should we still praise a game’s unique graphics even if it causes discomfort to the player? It is certainly possible to create a unique looking game without causing the player discomfort. A great example is Return of the Obra Dinn (2018). The game’s developer, Lucas Pope, actually had to make significant modifications to his 1-bit art style as it was initially causing motion sickness among players. Nonetheless, he was still able to deliver a game with a unique graphical identity that remains in line with his original creative vision. Should we accept Curtain’s unique, albeit dizzying, graphics as an intended part of the gameplay experience or should we demand more — a unique and comfortable visual experience?
It is true that Curtain’s graphics make it stand out and it is intentional that the player experience a level of discomfort while playing. I just wonder if they could not have achieved this some other way. The graphics became the forefront item in the player’s experience, despite the narrative being rich, and I believe that some other form of obstruction to frustrate or discomfort the player (through graphics or otherwise) would have let the story of the game hit harder, as opposed to the player just waiting for the headache to end.