All the Delicate Duplicates

Story

John, a computer engineer and single father, inherits a collection of arcane objects from Mo, his mysterious relative. Over time, John and his daughter Charlotte begin to realise that these objects have unusual physical properties – and that the more they are exposed to them, the more their reality and memories appear to change.

Main Mechanics

All the Delicate Duplicates is a narrative game – containing a non-linear “Back [+Forth] Story” – that uses familiar FPS game mechanics to allow free roam around [often surreal] interactive environments. Using a mouse and keyboard and/or gamepad, players explore objects, diaries, journals, newspaper cuttings, mobile phones, laptops and other items left behind by the work’s characters, helping to piece together an elastically fragmented storyline.

Features

• Haunting freeform environments with open exploration
• Non-linear narrative that pieces together through interactive discoveries in the gameworld and a text based backstory
• Music by acclaimed audio creator Chris Joseph
• Commissioned by The Space [the BBC + Arts Council England]
• Supported by Tumblr through their International Digital Media and Arts Prize
• David-Lynch-like intrigue (if we do say so ourselves) via a variable storyline
• Written and developed by Mez Breeze and Andy Campbell.​

Inspirations/Themes

Quantum physics, Multiverse theories, time travel, mental illness, the difficulties of everyday domestic relationships and the games we play within them, gender disparities, the relativity of perceptions and their role in reality-shaping.

Warnings

All The Delicate Duplicates contains minimal strobe-like effects, minimal to moderate profanity, potentially creepy psychological concepts and themes, and not an ounce of gore. All the Delicate Duplicates stretches storytelling beyond the “real” as you [think you] know it.

Reviews

“A compelling example of a literary game… Precisely what emerging authors/artists in this space should be seeking to duplicate.”
– James O’Sullivan, Los Angeles Review of Books

“This is incredibly effective storytelling that will stick with you. All the Delicate Duplicates is a must-play….It’s a standout game.”
Rated “A” – DefunctGames

“I rarely ever play a game twice, especially campaigns or story-driven games. Once they’re done, they’re done in my eyes. However All the Delicate Duplicates wants to smash that…And while your first time might be quick, second time around you’ll likely take your time and soak in what the game has to offer. All the Delicate Duplicates has certainly left a mark. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with a game that I could see kick start a new form of storytelling.”
9.3 out of 10 – N3rdabl3

“The more short games that I play, the more I’m really coming to appreciate little interactive fictions and experiences that can be completed in one sitting. Luminaries of such form might include Journey and Limbo and Firewatch, and it’s safe to count All the Delicate Duplicates amongst such company…All The Delicate Duplicates is refreshing simply because it works the brain in ways that few other games even bother to try. It’s certainly a game that sticks with you.”
8.2 out of 10 – Fuzzy Pixels