Dustborn is a game that aims to deliver multiple messages to its players, with a strong emphasis on the power of choice. Developed by Red Thread Games and published by Spotlight by Quantic Dream, Dustborn falls into the visual novel genre but offers a unique experience with its combination of branching dialogue, combat, rhythm sections, and quicktime events. The game follows the story of Pax, the main character, as she embarks on a journey with a group of friends and strangers disguised as a punk band called the Dustborn, aiming to deliver a valuable package to a resistance movement in Canada to escape the oppressive regime in America.
One of the central themes in Dustborn is the idea that the events in our lives are not the result of a single momentous choice but rather the accumulation of many smaller decisions. Pax reflects on this throughout the game, stating, „It was never a single choice. It was every choice, adding up, every step of the way.“ This concept of the power of choice is woven into the gameplay, where players must make decisions that can impact the outcome of the story and the development of the characters.
The game introduces a unique mechanic called Vox, which grants characters like Pax the ability to influence others using their voice. This adds an extra layer of complexity to decision-making, as players must choose whether to rely on their own abilities or their Vox powers in various situations. The choices made throughout the game can lead characters down different paths, affecting their development and relationships with others in the group.
In addition to the narrative-driven gameplay, Dustborn also features combat and rhythm game elements. Players can engage in combat using a magnetic bat as their main weapon, with the option to use Vox abilities to manipulate enemies. The rhythm game sections require players to hit buttons at the right time to perform songs during in-game performances, adding a musical element to the gameplay experience.
Despite its ambitious storytelling and diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters, Dustborn can sometimes feel clunky in its execution. The game’s dialogue and messaging can come across as heavy-handed, with moments that feel forced or overly obvious. While the game tackles themes of authoritarianism, disinformation, and the power of words, it occasionally struggles to strike the right balance between subtlety and directness.
Overall, Dustborn offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players looking for a narrative-driven game with meaningful choices and diverse characters. While it may have its flaws in execution, the game’s underlying message about the importance of personal agency and the impact of our words and actions resonates throughout the gameplay experience. Dustborn is a game that strives to deliver a message, even if it occasionally falters in its delivery.