Another Annapurna work! Similarly to OPEN ROADS, it takes place almost exclusively in cars which — yes, fitting for a game named HITCHHIKER.
However! This game? It’s a slow burn that becomes surreal as fuck. It’s one of the few games that feels justifiably and smartly inspired by TWIN PEAKS in that there’s a hell of a lot of symbolism, a shitton of folks talking in code, and a protagonist who has no idea what the fuck is going on and is literally just along for the ride. Most interactive TWIN PEAKS knockoffs? Not great! I’m looking at you, DEADLY PREMONITION. Not the case with HITCHHIKER.
HITCHHIKER is broken up into five chapters, five different drivers, and the bulk of the game simply consists of listening to them and looking around at items in the car and trying to piece together the life you can’t remember, as well as your meaning to exist.
I realize that sounds pretentious, but it’s engrossing enough that I had no problem running with it. Or riding shotgun, so to speak.
That’s it. That’s the game. Like OPEN ROADS, it’s primarily an interactive novel, but it’s so engrossing and weird and enthralling and I am absolutely here for it.
The voice acting is absolutely on-point. Visually, it’s fittingly stylized and off-kilter and far more colorful than you might think for the subject material. If I have one complaint it’s the extremely abrupt ending which? I’ll note? Not something I usually complain about.
It also features an abundance of crows, which I can never get enough of.
If you are into interactive narratives/novels, I can’t recommend it enough. If you aren’t? Steer clear. (No pun intended.)