1000xRESIST: The Best Game I Almost Never Played

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1000xRESIST, a game I hadn’t anticipated playing but instantly grew fond of, caught my attention due to glowing recommendations from several of my preferred content creators on platform X (previously known as Twitter), who commended its captivating narrative style.

Even my favorite YouTuber, Jacob Geller, ranked it as his second favorite game of 2024.

2024 saw an abundance of fantastic games to indulge in, with the highly-anticipated titles “Path of Exile 2” and “Marvel Rivals” absorbing most of my remaining hours from the end of the year.

After eight months of its publication, I eventually managed to delve into “1000xRESIST”. I’m so grateful that I did! Right from the opening chapter, I was captivated.

“There Is A Fundamental Reordering”

1000xRESIST resists easy classification. Fundamentally, it’s a coded roadmap of human nature enclosed within its narrative – a narrative that exposes our remaining hopes, aspirations, apprehensions, and longings in the aftermath of an unforeseen alien invasion.

One could describe it as a game offering an immersive storytelling experience, a thought-provoking interactive tale, or simply a distinctive journey through a compelling narrative. Regardless of its classification, it effectively conveys a poignant message about moving on from the past to embrace what lies ahead.

In this game, the science fiction aspects are quite prominent. An enigmatic alien race referred to simply as “The Controllers” have conquered Earth, disseminating an aerial illness that makes humans weep unstoppably until they’ve lost all bodily fluids.

It’s a truly morbid thing to imagine, yet within 1000xRESIST, it is not the core of the story.

“There Is Comfort In A New Camouflage”

So, let us dive into the narrative of this game. Envision a situation where the destiny of mankind rests on the shoulders of one individual – someone imperfect, emotionally complex, and carrying the weight of countless ancestors’ subconscious.

The heavy burden of being the game’s main character and the lone surviving human rests upon Iris. Since she’s immune to the disease, she can’t carry this load by herself. So, she seeks help from sophisticated cloning methods.

As a devoted follower of the ALLMOTHER, I weave my own locks to birth numerous copies of myself. Each one, devoid of a name, fulfills a unique role in executing her will. They view me as a divine entity, cultivating their society within the last stronghold of humanity, a secret realm known as the Orchard.

Despite all shells bearing similar physical traits to ALLMOTHER, each one exhibits its unique character. Speaking with them brought me great pleasure, especially Knower and Bang Bang Fire, whose names you correctly identified.

Engaging with the diverse characters in your final year class is akin to the experience: some are peculiar, some shy, while others display remarkable wisdom. Exploring the Orchard and connecting with these non-player characters (NPCs) was undoubtedly one of the highlights for me.

The game features plenty of conversation, which is fine. I didn’t anticipate it to be another title like ‘1000xRESIST‘, reminiscent of ‘NieR: Automata‘ with its sleek combat sequences and android characters in revealing attire. This narrative is most enjoyed when approached with an open perspective and a readiness to both listen and read.

Thankfully, the game features full voice acting, ensuring that every spoken word carries weight.

“There Is a You and a You That Remains”

Although the story 1000xRESIST is located far into the future, it frequently jumps back to Iris’s past and her parents’ hardships in their native land. These brief, scattered insights are crucial for understanding the plot.

Fundamentally, this narrative doesn’t just focus on an alien invasion; rather, it delves into the heart of a historical context, reaching its peak with Iris experiencing intense emotional upheaval as the central character.

One significant element woven throughout the tale is the account of Iris’s parents, who hail from Hong Kong and emigrated to avoid the hardships sparked by the contentious 2019 Hong Kong Extradition Law.

In this game’s futuristic setting, the numerous demonstrations by Hong Kong residents striving for a brighter tomorrow can be seen as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing a similar struggle or movement.

The many protests in Hong Kong and the resulting migration of its citizens aiming for a better life can be understood as an intriguing parallel within the game’s sci-fi narrative, representing a comparable struggle or trend.

“Resonance”

At the end of the movie “1000xRESIST”, I was utterly astonished by the depth of its narrative. It left me deeply pondering, and my feelings were intensely raw due to the tears I couldn’t help but shed in its climactic scenes.

The game presents various conclusions, and I selected what seemed most fitting, which is known as the Blue Conclusion. This ending offered resolution, enabling humanity to progress while taking into account the mistakes of yesteryears.

Even after deciding, I was still caught up in contemplation. The outcomes of these games don’t align with typical video game endings that usually depict the hero saving the world or rescuing a princess from another kingdom.

1000xRESIST offers a compelling decision that invites not only me as a player, but also Iris, Blue, Watcher, and the Shells, to ponder deeply about the essence of our values.

I knew what was coming, and I was prepared for it. And I loved every moment of it.

Though I could chat for quite some time yet, it’s nearly impossible to reveal any more without spilling all the beans. I’m truly thankful that I had the opportunity to try out 1000xRESIST.

Among my top favorite games is one that has earned a place close to Outer Wilds by Mobius Digital. It skillfully blends elements of social injustice, revolution, yearning, and science fiction to deliver an extraordinary gaming experience.

Instead of playing a simple video game, this experience took me on an intensely personal voyage through the heights and depths of human nature. A sense of optimism hovered nearby, ready to be seized.

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2025-02-01 00:12