"Ad Infinitum: Navigating the Depths of War and Madness"

 

"Ad Infinitum: Navigating the Depths of War and Madness"

Ad Infinitum is a unique gaming experience that delves deep into the harrowing trenches of the First World War, presenting a narrative that is far from linear. But what sets Ad Infinitum apart is its hidden duality - it's actually two games intertwined into one seamless, if not unsettling, experience.

Before we delve into the game, it's crucial to issue a disclaimer: Ad Infinitum tackles profoundly sensitive subject matter, and it's not for everyone. While the game draws inspiration from trench warfare, we must emphasize that it should not be seen as an attempt to make indecent comparisons with the very real and ongoing conflicts like those in Ukraine. It aims to depict the grim realities of war and the enduring trauma faced by survivors. If you find these topics distressing, we advise against playing Ad Infinitum, as it paints a hauntingly realistic picture despite its supernatural elements.

The game thrusts players into the trenches of war right from the start, which can be visually disconcerting. It may leave you wondering why the game commences with something seemingly inferior to what follows. However, this initial scene serves to create a stark contrast with the events that unfold later on.

What follows is a bewildering narrative: you awaken in a bed, inhabiting the persona of a survivor from an aristocratic family during the First World War - or are you actually deceased? The storyline takes an intriguingly confusing turn from hereon.

Ad Infinitum isn't simply one game; it's actually a two-part experience that seamlessly alternates to push you closer to the brink of madness with each transition.

The first phase introduces players to the von Schmidt mansion, offering moments of respite while adhering to the horror genre's conventions. It's a puzzle-driven experience with elements of a Walking Simulator (involving minimal gameplay aside from puzzles). However, this phase can be deceptively challenging at times, with solutions not always readily apparent. During this exploration phase, the horror is subtle, relying heavily on a "show don't tell" approach.

The second phase, in constant alternation with the first, transforms into an entirely different game - a survival game. This segment features more gameplay and linear progression, where players can face death and be resurrected conveniently nearby.

Pursuit, stealth, and quick-time events become your companions in these phases, symbolizing the horrors of war. Are these traumatic memories of the characters, or is there a supernatural aspect at play? The line between reality and the uncanny remains blurred.

This phase predominantly unfolds in the trenches, where players confront metaphorical monsters, leading to a more direct form of horror, although perhaps less terrifying. However, considering the gravity of real-world horrors, the addition of supernatural elements might seem inconsequential.

Ad Infinitum often confounds players by initiating storylines only to abruptly halt them, echoing the interrupted lives and unresolved stories of wartime.

Normally, if a game fails to provide an enjoyable experience, it's considered subpar. However, Ad Infinitum excels precisely because it induces feelings of pure despair during the survival phases. This emotional intensity is its strength.

Turning to technical aspects, Ad Infinitum boasts commendable graphics throughout, aside from the initial war scene. The soundtrack is exceptional, creating eerie and disconcerting atmospheres. It's worth noting a minor detail - the sound accompanying new journal entries is reminiscent of completed missions in Skyrim. Coupled with the first-person perspective, it occasionally evokes comparisons to Bethesda games, particularly Fallout.

As for glitches, we encountered only one minor issue - occasional image freezing, necessitating a game restart. Fortunately, this setback doesn't lead to progress loss.

Ad Infinitum is priced at €34.99, which seems reasonable considering its length and content. While it's estimated to last eight hours, expect to invest more time, as you may find yourself retracing steps occasionally.

In Conclusion

Ad Infinitum isn't a game for everyone. It's a challenging and gritty experience that eschews action for evasive tactics. In a gaming landscape where titles like Call of Duty romanticize war, Ad Infinitum offers a much-needed reality check. It delivers eight hours of non-linear storytelling, expertly navigating the complexities of psychology and trauma. While there are gameplay limitations and minor imperfections, Ad Infinitum provides a unique and thought-provoking gaming adventure that stands out from the norm.