NORCO review - A surreal-yet-real dystopia

sportskeeda.com:

At first glance, NORCO is one of those games that might look like any other retro-inspired offerings that crowd the indie gaming scene these days. But make no mistake - this is something much more than that.

Developer Geography of Robots has fashioned an experience that's peculiar yet immersive. It's admittedly a journey that's not for everyone, considering that point-and-click games are a dying breed.

However, those who manage to devote themselves to this "Southern Gothic" adventure will find themselves hooked on some of the most well-written and presented gaming content this year. Here's why it's worth a pickup, even if you're not a fan of dialogue or puzzles.

NORCO's story occurs in a dystopian semi-futuristic rendition of well, Norco, Louisiana. Players take on the role of Kay, a young girl arriving home from a trip across the states only to find tragedy has struck. Her mother Catherine passed away, leaving behind her son (and Kay's brother) Blake and their housekeeper Android Million to keep things running.

Although the brother is missing too, Kay had to track him down. Additionally, players will also control Catherine throughout sections from the past when she was still alive - she too plays a crucial role in the overarching narrative.

What follows is not just an adventurous tale - but a thoughtful, solemn trip down the harsh reality of life. Most residents of this quaint city are just people living their lives.

Or at least trying to, in the face of adversity like poverty, discrimination, substance abuse, etc. Unfortunately, something more sinister is brewing behind the walls of this oil-refinery smoke-laden place that's also home to a megacorporation called SHIELD.

Gameplay is traditional: players can move between