Emily is Away Review

“Emily is Away” is an interactive visual novel developed by Kyle Seeley. It was released in 2015 and gained popularity for its unique storytelling style and nostalgic atmosphere. The game is set in the early 2000s and simulates an instant messaging conversation with a high school friend, Emily.

In “Emily is Away,” players navigate through different chat conversations with Emily, making choices that shape the course of the relationship and influence the story’s outcome. The game is divided into five chapters, each representing a different year of high school.

Emily is Away Gameplay and Mechanics

“Emily is Away” offers a chat-based interface that emulates early 2000s instant messaging platforms. Players navigate through different chapters, representing high school years, and make choices that shape the storyline. However, one common criticism revolves around the limited impact of these choices on the overall narrative, leading to a feeling of predetermined outcomes.

It can also be a bit repetitive because you are not really typing anything. You can just hit random keys and a predetermined dialogue would start appearing as if you were the one typing it in the chatbox. This has a payoff by the end that can either pull your heartstrings or make you mad at the main character that is chatting with Emily. Either way, the mechanic helps convey the themes of the game very well.

Themes and Narrative

The game explores themes of relationships, friendship, love, and the complexities of online communication. While it captures the essence of early internet culture, some players have criticized its portrayal as overly simplistic or outdated, failing to fully capture the nuances of modern digital interactions. Additionally, the focus on the relationship between the player character and Emily sometimes leaves other characters feeling underdeveloped.

The simplistic view of a romantic relationship may leave a bitter taste in a player’s mouth. Though the game would like to tackle the complexities of human interaction, the linear story may have hindered it from fulfilling its vision to show a player its themes.

“Emily is Away” also delves into themes of regret and the impact of choices. The game presents players with various dialogue options, and each choice affects the course of the story and the relationship with Emily. Players may experience a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to disappointment and regret, as they witness the consequences of their decisions.

Emotional Engagement and Nostalgia

The game’s visual and auditory elements contribute significantly to its nostalgic appeal. The retro-styled interface, reminiscent of AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) or other early chat platforms, immerses players in the early 2000s internet culture. The soundtrack features iconic songs from that era, enhancing the emotional connection and evoking a sense of nostalgia for players who experienced that time period.

Gameplay Impact and Replayability

While the game provides dialogue choices, their impact on the story’s outcome is limited. This linear progression and lack of meaningful consequences have been subject to criticism. The game’s short length and uneven pacing have left some players desiring more in-depth character development and a more cohesive narrative experience.

Conclusion

Overall, “Emily is Away” offers a poignant and introspective experience that resonates with players who have experienced the trials and tribulations of teenage friendships and the complexities of online relationships. Its unique blend of nostalgic aesthetics, interactive storytelling, and relatable themes make it a memorable and thought-provoking game.