Electric Highways (2015)

Electric Highways is an immersive exploration-focused game set in a highly surreal virtual environment. The gameplay emphasizes a contemplative experience, guiding players through ten distinct levels, each with a unique theme and atmosphere. While some levels feature straightforward puzzles, the core gameplay revolves around navigating and discovering the intricacies of the virtual world. The final color-based puzzle is an optional side quest and is not necessary to complete the game. Additionally, there is no time pressure or countdown in any section, allowing players to progress at their own pace.

Setting and Story

The game is set in the year 2072, within a universe where virtual reality has become a global phenomenon. People can immerse themselves in a digital web, yet this widespread adoption of VR results in real-world isolation. The protagonist is a VR engineer who has completed an ambitious virtual reality project. Before releasing the project online, he decides to explore it one last time, diving deep into a highly abstract and surreal digital landscape that he himself has created. Each level in the game can be seen as a self-contained experience, reminiscent of an interactive conceptual music album where each segment is akin to a short track, offering both visual and auditory engagement.

Visual and Audio Design

The visual style of Electric Highways draws inspiration from the early 1980s, incorporating elements from electronic music culture and retro-futuristic aesthetics. Influences include pioneers like Gary Numan and Kraftwerk for music, and the visual mood of classic works such as LSD: Dream Emulator and the 1984 version of Metropolis. The game utilizes a 1990s-era 3D engine, giving it a distinctive, nostalgic appearance that complements the surreal and abstract design of each level. The auditory environment further enhances immersion, featuring music that evokes the electronic tones and textures of early synth-driven compositions.

Gameplay Mechanics

Controls are designed to provide intuitive navigation through the virtual world. Players move using the WASD keys, look around with the mouse, interact with objects using E, jump with Space, and access the menu through Esc. Exploration is unhurried, encouraging careful observation of the environment, with the occasional simple puzzle to engage the player without detracting from the overall experience.

Technical Information

The game is built on the EDuke 32 engine, which provides the foundation for its 3D environments and interactive elements. Despite its modern thematic setting, the use of this engine reinforces the retro aesthetic, blending early 3D graphical techniques with contemporary design concepts to create a unique visual and interactive experience.

Credits

• Lead Developer: Zykov Eddy
• Composer: Xitilon
• Special Thanks: Nerdybat, Ivan Azarov, Micky C, Artem Nevinchanyi, Esdeer, James Stanfield (water texture), Lezing, dv49, all 1980s new wave artists
• Logo Design: dv49

Important Notices

Players should be aware that the visuals in the game may not be suitable for individuals with epilepsy. The color puzzle located at the end of the game is entirely optional and does not affect the main storyline or completion. The game offers a calm and contemplative experience without time constraints, allowing for relaxed exploration of its surreal environments.

Verdict: Not Recommended

Electric Highways is a unique and experimental game, but it doesn’t have enough substance to justify playing. The game’s abstract visuals and exploration-heavy gameplay might appeal to fans of conceptual art or retro music, but it feels more like an unfinished idea rather than a fully fleshed-out experience. The lack of challenge, with puzzles being minimal and no real time pressure, means there’s little to drive you forward beyond the visual aesthetics. Unless you’re specifically into experimental games or 80's-inspired art and music, there’s not much here to make it worth your time.

If you're looking for a game that’s engaging or has clear objectives, Electric Highways won’t satisfy. It’s more of an atmospheric journey with little payoff. For most players, this will likely feel like an aimless and surreal wander through a strange virtual world, and not much else.