Balancing a double life is hard, just ask Anton from the new Steam game Blackwood. From the minds at AttritoM7 Productions via Steam, Blackwood is a cinematic third-person action game that, upon first glance, feels like your standard shoot-em-up title with flashy gameplay, fast cars and a noir feel. In actuality, the new title creates contrast with a double life motif that is very effective.
I've always found myself interested in the double life aspects in games that allow players the ability to live out two different roles in one title. While many studios, indie or otherwise, have opted for this motif in the past, it feels underutilized in today's releases. It's a successful tool that, when applied correctly, can make all the difference.
In Blackwood, players are introduced to Anton, your average joe working at a sleepy DVD shop in New York in 2012 trying to make ends meet. Anton is tasked with the usual things like managing inventory, stocking shelves and setting prices for the latest DVDs in stock. Scanning barcodes, chatting with regulars and feeding your pet cat are actions all akin to reality, grounding the game in real life. Players can earn cash from sales to upgrade their store and put Anton in some new clothes.
پێش ئەوەی کات تەواو بێت سیلۆیەتەکان بناسە.
The backdrop of New York is also very immersive and gritty, especially at night. Gameplay sees Anton in the maze-like subway system and even Washington Square Park. As someone who has lived in New York for years, seeing the layout on set pieces made me miss the city I have come to love. Getting through the game, players begin to realize not all is as it seems.
When night falls, Anton dons his John Wick-esque persona, sporting a crisp suit and working as a contract-killer.
As an assassin, Anton is quick on his feet, diving, sliding and rolling through fierce interactions, taking down bad guys with melee takedowns and showing off some fast-paced gunplay that you might see from your typical action move. Upon booting up Blackwood, players will be able to tell quickly that Anton is heavily inspired by John Wick and even the Max Payne series. This juxtaposition is a welcomed addition.
While on the surface, flashy combat might get someone interested in this title, they'll be staying for the contrast which gives Anton's life more interest. If he was just another cut-throat killer, the story would have no meaning. Even worse, it could mimic something that has already been done before in so many games.
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://gamerant.com/blackwood-john-wick-dvd-store-double-life-gameplay/
