Virtue and a Sledgehammer
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Critic Reviews for Virtue and a Sledgehammer
Virtue and a Sledgehammer is an experience that makes you question what it is to human, and at what stage that stops. That message and the way it is conveyed through the robots actions is well executed, though the sledgehammering gameplay can come across as a bit too simplistic.
Virtue and a Sledgehammer has things to say and does so in a beautiful way.
Virtue and a Sledgehammer might be a game that many bounce off of, so I’d encourage anyone who’s intrigued to check out the demo first.
Deconstructeam has managed to create another brilliantly emotional piece that says so much about the human condition with so little. Pratelle is a character with many conflicting layers that line up perfectly to create a flawed, but incredibly interesting protagonist. Walking through the town that used to be her home takes on such a weight once the game asks you to consider how it must have felt for Pratelle to grow up here and how it feels for her to come back.
Virtue and a Sledgehammer is a short and sharp experience that gives players things to destroy and ideas to explore.
But for the more reflective type, and anyone who has had reason to be angry at technology “innovation” of late, Deconstructeam and Selkie Harbour have produced something truly poignant, and given voice to concerns that, I think, a lot of us share with an increasing sense of alarm.
Virtue and a Sledgehammer isn't quite as poignant as others in its broad genre, but it is no less important or provocative. In fact, it might edge out most others because of how provocative it is, but don't mistake some of its edginess for carelessness. I felt attracted to its vibe and presentation. I empathized with what Nina and Pratelle were going through with their mother as a caretaker, and its overall message should ring true for years to come... unfortunately. If you feel frustrated by any of the above, this game can be your rage room for now. Maybe things will get better, maybe they'll get worse.
