Video Games and Storytelling: To the Moon


Stories come in so many forms. Books, movies, plays, video games…

Indie video games have a special place in my heart—specifically the ones with pixel art. It’s not that pixel art is required, but it seems to be part of this niche I enjoy, which can usually be classified as psychological horror story games. Sometimes they’re more like RPGs. Sometimes they’re more like a point-and-click adventure. And, sometimes, they aren’t horror at all.

A friend told me about To the Moon a while back. I bought it at her recommendation but didn’t get around to playing until recently (with my little sister, of course, since she’s my indie-games buddy).

To the Moon has those pixel-art graphics, but it isn’t a horror game. It’s definitely psychological, though. You play as a couple of doctors who can use a machine to dive into people’s memories and alter them. Like, that’s literally their job. People on their deathbeds hire them to artificially fulfill a wish. Regrets are a thing of the past.

Talk about heavy, huh? Sounds questionable too, doesn’t it? How would you like to dive into a person’s memories and see their deepest, darkest secrets? I wouldn’t like it. But, on the flip side, you could argue these doctors are giving people peace. Closure.

Have I piqued your interest? If so, you should play the game!

You should also read my book Stranded IRL. It’s the first book in Expose Me. Broadly, it’s a romantic suspense. Specifically, it’s a story about a girl with one foot in her comfort game and one foot in reality. She meets her best friend, and fellow gamer, in real life by coincidence, and he’s not who she expects. This is a story of loss, heartache, overcoming, and finding hope. It’s also a twisty, keep-you-guessing mystery full of suspense. And let’s not forget the pivotal slow-burn romance with some spice.

What do you say? Are you ready to dive in?

Stranded IRL Tropes and Vibe

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