I Saw Black Clouds review

I Saw Black Clouds tells the story of Kristina who returns to her hometown after hearing about her friend’s passing. Given that this death seemingly came out of nowhere, our protagonist goes on the hunt for answers in order to understand why her friend would take her own life. This will lead her down a path of dark secrets and the truth might be too harrowing than she ever imagined.

I Saw Black Clouds is an interactive movie where its core gameplay is focused on decision-making throughout the game. As with other Wales Interactive projects, this is basically an interactive movie. As you enjoy the cinematic experience, you’ll be prompted sometimes to select a response between two and sometimes three choices. As with other “games” in the genre, each decision will lead down a different path.

Every choice and conversational decision made will impact the game as a whole and also other characters. Not only will the story be impacted, but it will also determine what clues and information you discover along with, obviously, the end game. And this type of mechanic will ensure replay value up the wazoo; different decisions will lead you down a different path.

One of the slight differences from other interactive movies, as the protagonist, Kristina, you’ll sometimes go briefly through a first-person perspective to make a decision as the character walks down a path. It’s a nice touch, however much like real movies, I always felt that a first-person perspective doesn’t really bring anything.

Obviously, I Saw Black Clouds looks great; I mean it’s a movie; not much to tell in terms of visuals. People look like people. The game is set in a beautiful European backdrop where you’ll be taken through different areas; a castle-like building, forest, homes, etc… The “problem” with the visuals is definitely the editing job; sometimes it’s clear where it was cut and there are sometimes near uncomfortable silences as the game tries to fetch the appropriate reaction. And as far as the audio goes, most performances and lines are properly delivered with enough “gusto”; just the weird editing will sometimes take you out of it.

I Saw Black Clouds is one of the most gripping live-action, cinematic interactive psychological thriller I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy. The story is really fun and interesting; it’s the type of “game” where you’ll want to view in one sitting because you want to see what’s next. Sure, the montage could’ve been a bit better, but once the awkward part is done, you’ll be back in. I definitely recommend I Saw Black Clouds.