Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out (2023)

Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out is the latest addition to the Six Ages series, offering a unique and immersive experience that combines interactive fiction with turn-based strategy. This standalone game presents a challenging survival story, set in a world on the brink of collapse. The game's focus is on managing your small clan's survival in the face of an impending global catastrophe. The once thriving world of Glorantha is now at its end, and the key to your survival lies in how you balance your clan's relationship with the gods and their followers. As you navigate through this deeply simulated world, your decisions will shape your clan's future, but the road to survival is never simple.

Exploration and Survival in a World of Gods and Spirits

The world of Glorantha, known for its rich lore and deep mythology, is going through a massive transformation. Set in a bronze age society, this universe is governed not only by physical laws but also by the whims of gods and spirits. The game takes place ten generations after the events of Ride Like the Wind, a previous entry in the series. Many gods have already perished, and humanity itself stands on the precipice of extinction. The chaos and destruction sweeping across the world are the result of a spiritual crisis, where even the very fabric of reality is being rewritten.

In Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, your clan’s survival hinges on how you manage a wide range of responsibilities. From exploring the wilderness to trading or raiding neighboring clans, every decision you make has lasting consequences. Your leadership will be tested as you deal with not only mundane matters such as improving livestock pastures and settling disputes, but also spiritual and political challenges. The gods may demand sacrifices, and even offering them could lead to unpredictable outcomes.

A Complex and Dynamic Clan Management System

The game offers a deep and dynamic system for managing your clan, and there are multiple paths to ensure its survival. Your advisors will play a key role in guiding your decisions, but they are not without their own personalities, biases, and agendas. This can lead to internal conflicts within your clan, making it harder to find a clear path forward. Since the game’s simulation is highly complex, there are rarely straightforward "right" or "wrong" answers. Your choices will have socio-economic impacts that may not become clear until years or even decades later. These long-term consequences make every decision crucial, as you try to navigate your clan through the dangers of a dying world.

The Deep Simulation and Replayability

One of the defining features of Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out is its replayability. With over 600 interactive scenes, the game offers a staggering number of possible outcomes. Each scenario is shaped by the player’s choices, creating a truly unique experience every time you play. These outcomes are not just limited to short-term effects; some of your decisions might take years to fully unfold, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to your survival story.

Short episodes and automatic saving mean that you can pick up the game and play even if you only have a few minutes to spare. Whether you’re handling a minor dispute or preparing for a major crisis, the game adapts to your playstyle. The saga record system also helps you keep track of your story, while your advisors provide feedback on your decisions. However, don’t expect them to always agree with your choices – their opinions can often lead to further complications in your clan’s management.

The Struggle for Survival

As your clan faces increasing challenges, you will need to make difficult decisions about how to interact with the gods and spirits that still influence the world. Miracles, which have always required sacrifice, are now more crucial than ever, but the costs have escalated. In some cases, you may have to decide whether aiding the destructive gods of Chaos is worth the price of survival. Should you support the forces of destruction to ensure your people’s continued existence, or will you fight for a different future?

Continuing the Legacy of Glorantha

For players familiar with the Glorantha universe from games such as RuneQuest or King of Dragon Pass, Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out offers an even deeper exploration of this rich world. The setting is complex and detailed, drawing upon decades of lore to create a world that feels both ancient and alive. While you can start a new story in the midst of this Great Darkness, the game also allows you to continue your adventure from Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind, giving players the chance to build on their previous choices and see the long-term effects of their actions.

Final Thoughts

Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out is a game of survival, decision-making, and sacrifice. It challenges you to think critically about your actions, as every choice can have far-reaching consequences. Whether you’re navigating political disputes, appeasing the gods, or struggling against the forces of chaos, the game offers a rich, immersive experience that will keep you coming back for more. With its deep simulation, replayability, and the haunting beauty of the world of Glorantha, this game is a must-play for fans of strategy, interactive fiction, and narrative-driven experiences.