Game review - Our World War: Interactive Episode
[BBC]
Developer: BBC Productions
Publisher: BBC
Genre: Interactive episode
Original release date: August 14, 2014
Platform(s): Web video
Based on the acclaimed BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) miniseries on the same name, the interactive episode of Our World War (titled "High Wood") is an interesting experiment in making a short episode where the player gets to interact. With this added feature, it does boldly educate on war survival, but it's lack of gameplay makes it questionable if it should even be considered a game.
Set in World War I, This interactive drama takes place during the Battle of the Somme between Britain and Germany on July 14, 1916. In three acts, you assume the role of Corporal Arthur Foulkes where he and his squad are in a danger, and must make tough decisions to keep his men alive.
The experience plays out mostly as a movie with no interaction outside of the choice sections. Speaking of which, each of the three acts act consists of two choice parts. For example, you have to choose whether or not you shoot at something, or choose the best option for the tough situation. The toughness factor comes from the timer, where you are given a limited time to pick an a choice. This is to help replicate the harsh conditions of the soldiers who fought wars, since taking time will make them more vulnerable to death.
[BBC]
However, even with the multiple choices, the episode's plot remains relatively the same from beginning to end. If you choose a bad option, there is nothing that will affect the narrative too much. Sure it will be played out differently, but it's all going to be the same outcome. At the end of each act, you'll be told if your actions were the right thing to do or not, and will inform you how helpful good decisions are, and how risky the bad ones are. You'll also be ranked a percentage of the tactics, morale, and overall leadership skills based on your actions.
While the gameplay is virtually non-existent, the interactive media defiantly shines in it's production values. As it is directly based on the Our World War miniseries, the presentation authentically captures the World War I grit, presenting minimal colouring, realistic props, and believable special effects. The acting is also top-notch, with each actor giving a convincing performance of soldiers in a war zone.
Between each act, viewers can watch animated backstories of the four soldiers; James Goodall, Ernie Mayweather, and Arthur Foulkes and his brother Bill. Along with a graphic novel visual style similar to the New Zealand animated World War I documentary 25 April, they are all interesting to examine, and does give a strong emotional bond between the Foulkes brothers, since the older Arthur show determination to keep younger Bill safe.
So in conclusion, the interactive episode of Our World War is boldly presented, has good intentions, and the interactive aspect gives our some well-educated morale value on the tough decisions soldiers make. But because of the lack of gameplay, it barely qualifies as a game, and feels more like those interactive mini-games you would find on DVDs and Blu-rays. Fans of the miniseries and those on war history should find this a satisfying experience that can educate as much as emotionally grip them. But if you're expecting an actual World War I game, you're probably better off playing something like Battlefield 1.
You can watch/play the interactive episode of Our World War for free on the BBC's website here.
