EDENGATE: The Edge of Life

Released on November 15, 2022, *EDENGATE: The Edge of Life* is an interactive adventure game developed and published by 505 Pulse. The game presents a narrative-driven experience that emerged from the global COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting themes of isolation, uncertainty, and hope. The central character is Mia Lorenson, a gifted young scientist who awakens in a deserted hospital with amnesia. She has no memory of how she arrived there or what has transpired in the world. This sets the stage for a journey of discovery through the desolate city of Edengate as Mia seeks to unravel the mysteries of her past and the fate of the city's inhabitants. Gameplay in *EDENGATE: The Edge of Life* is primarily that of a walking simulator. Players guide Mia through a linear and predetermined path, with limited opportunity for exploration. The core gameplay loop involves walking through environments and interacting with highlighted objects to trigger flashbacks and uncover narrative snippets. While there are puzzles integrated into the experience, they are often criticized for being overly simplistic and offering little challenge. Some puzzles are rendered redundant as the game provides explicit instructions on how to solve them. The overall gameplay experience is short, with a runtime of approximately two to three hours. The narrative is a key focus, intended to be an emotional and allegorical reflection on the feelings experienced during the pandemic. However, many found the story to be disjointed, confusing, and ultimately unfulfilling. The connection to the pandemic is not made explicit until the end credits, which can leave players bewildered for much of the game. The plot introduces mysterious elements, such as a spectral child that guides Mia, but fails to provide clear explanations for these occurrences. Visually, the game presents detailed and atmospheric 3D environments. Despite the reuse of assets, the world-building is noted for its creative design in some areas. The sound design and music are often highlighted as a strong point, effectively creating a tense and immersive atmosphere. The voice acting for the protagonist, Mia, has also received praise for its emotional and believable delivery. Critical reception for *EDENGATE: The Edge of Life* has been mixed to negative. While the game's atmospheric sound and commendable voice acting are recognized, the weak and confusing narrative, overly simple puzzles, and lack of meaningful gameplay are significant points of criticism. Some have described the experience as dull and forgettable, with a story that fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The game's potential is acknowledged, but many feel it was ultimately unrealized.