Loretta Nintendo Switch Review
| Game: | Loretta |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | DANGEN Entertainment |
| Developer: |
Loretta is a 2D pixelated psychological narrative game that delves into the unsettling tale of a tall, blonde, and stoic housewife who commits a shocking act by murdering her husband, sending her spiralling down a rabbit hole of dark revelations from his past. Set in 1947 amidst the vast wheat fields of middle-of-nowhere America, the couple has relocated for her husband’s writing pursuits.
The game boasts a unique blend of gameplay styles, featuring mini-games infused with psychological symbolism alongside point-and-click mechanics (though Loretta navigates without explicit pointing). Cutscenes offer multiple-choice dialogues, shaping the storyline with five possible endings. However, the narrative’s flow feels erratic, with outcomes often feeling disjointed; for instance, one ending portrays Loretta alone in her desolate home, despite the initial scene suggesting legal consequences for her actions.
Navigating the “mini-games” can be perplexing, requiring you to manipulate a cursor with the analog stick and trigger specific actions with the A button, which often feels arbitrary. Some segments involve Rorschach tests, hinting at Loretta’s psychological state, but the objectives remain unclear, contributing to initial confusion, though there are audio cues indicating correct actions. Mostly, while they serve as a narrative device, these mini-games can feel disconnected and nonsensical on the first playthrough.
The controls are somewhat complicated. Instead of using just one button, like the A button to interact with everything, sometimes you have to press different buttons that are assigned to particular areas of the screen. This can be confusing, especially since there’s no cursor on the console version. You might need to press A, Y, B, or push the analog stick down for tasks like going downstairs, opening doors, or inspecting objects. Sometimes Loretta exits a room by walking to the side, but other times you have to press a button to use the door. It would have been easier if the controls were simpler, maybe even including a cursor for better navigation and not just for the mini-games.
The game is straightforward, making it unlikely for you to get stuck for long periods. Despite the confusing storytelling, there are no challenging puzzles to solve. Tasks unfold chronologically, guiding Loretta from one point to another for progression, regardless of the chosen timeline. I nearly finished the game before realising there was an inventory, but since gameplay follows a linear path, it’s possible to complete it without ever needing to access it.
Dialogue choices are what affect the game, though sometimes it can lead nowhere (usually a game over) and you’ll be put back to a specific point to start again in order to make different choices, pretty much the ones the game wants you to make in order to get to one of the endings, though this does encourage multiple playthroughs to see how different timelines play out.
Ultimately, Loretta captivates you with its enigmatic storytelling and nostalgic ambiance, compelling you to unravel its mysteries and witness its various outcomes. Coupled with mature themes and humour, the game succeeds in maintaining your engagement throughout.
