The novella Metamorphosis (Förvandlingen in Swedish) was completed on the night of December 7-8, 1915, by the Czech author Franz Kafka. Dissatisfied with his creation, its widespread recognition was delayed for many years. Most of Kafka’s works were published posthumously, and his comparatively short life has profoundly influenced subsequent generations of readers. Therefore, the adaptation of Metamorphosis into a video game immediately sparked my interest in how the developers would translate Kafka’s inherently absurd narrative into an interactive experience.
Gregor awakens in a friend’s home following an eventful night. He needs to get to work but quickly realizes he is unable to reach the door handle. As he shrinks further, he comprehends that he has transformed into a large beetle. Players must navigate this altered world to uncover the cause of his metamorphosis.
Metamorphosis centers around solving puzzles from the perspective of a beetle. Players remain at insect-level, gaining a broader understanding of the task at hand. Determining how to leverage your newfound insect abilities to progress can be challenging. One minor drawback is the occasional difficulty in discerning your destination due to the diminutive scale, and the inability to zoom out for a clearer overview. Another aspect of the game mechanics that felt somewhat artificial is the requirement to step in sticky substances to climb walls. While most insects can traverse smooth surfaces with ease, this particular element felt slightly forced.
Metamorphosis boasts a strikingly unsettling atmosphere. The sound effects, voice acting, and music combine to create an exceptionally immersive gaming experience. The game effectively draws the player into its unique world. The narrative is detailed and engaging. The developers have successfully extracted the core elements of the source material, expanding upon them where necessary for gameplay purposes. The game flows naturally, and while the graphics may appear somewhat simplistic in certain areas, the overall experience is cohesive and well-integrated. Furthermore, Metamorphosis offers several hours of compelling, eerie entertainment at a reasonable price point.
In conclusion, I was pleasantly surprised by the successful fusion of video game mechanics with Kafka’s literary work. Metamorphosis is a title that merits a strong recommendation.
