The rusty lake games are a collection of simple point and click puzzles set up like escape rooms following a detective investigating an interconnected plot explored throughout the different games, they often involve supernatural elements and are biased on horror, however are expecting the player to recognise the deeper meaning exploring themes of murder and resurrections. The series appeals to people excited about the extensive backstory and interested in the storyline, this is uncommon since its a mobile game and what I think makes it different. The storyline is also difficult to follow as there is limited speech. However, I think this could make the game more accessible to a wider audience since there would be no language barriers.
MISE-EN-SCENE
The colour pallet used in the rusty lake game series reflects the atmosphere of the game, using dark greys and reds, then also utilising shadows in certain characters to further the mystery throughout the plot. It utilises a hand drawn style, and I think the game really benefits from this since the content is never too graphic, I think the game would appeal to a much smaller niche audience if the art style emphasised the gore and supernatural elements of the game.
SOUND
The sound effects in the games are limited since there is no dialogue, however the sound effects are very important for the mood of the game since they can catch you off guard and be confusing an sometimes hard to listen to . for example in cube escape when you collect the pieces of the picture towards the end of the level the sound effects become more intrusive, making the game scarier.
CHARACTERS
There are a lot of characters represented in the rusty lake games as intelligent or mysterious and this is chosen to be show with them having faces like animals such as crows or owls.
There is also a heavy focus on mental health throughout the game, such as the main character slowly dissenting into madness. Laura also is the main character in linking the game makers beliefs on environmentalism and mental health as she seeks the lake to sooth her depression, the power of nature being so regenerative that she is finally able to make peace with her trauma.
REPRESENTATION
The games are not constructed in order, so you can play which ever one you like , or just the free ones. each game also doesn’t stick to one timeline so the storyline in each game can run along side each other
NARRATIVE
In summary, the rusty lake games are an interconnected series of puzzle games following themes of the supernatural, reincarnation, memory and the human corruption of nature.
PORTFOLIO 