Ultimately, we agreed that we should highlight and support titles that make true strides.
On October 8th,Indivisiblewas released to both positive receptions from players and professional critics.
Note: Light story spoilers will be present throughout this article.
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First, we have excellent use of characters and theres no better example than Ajna herself.
Our protagonist bodes well from a representation standpoint; starting with her seemingly simple design and name.
Shes also a capable fighter and takes charge, as any leader would.
Her clothing indicates that she isnt Western/European influenced as many RPG protagonists tend to be.
The power of character goes further with her name.
Additional research reveals that Ajnas namesake is representative of the titles plot and themes.Ajnais the third-eyechakrain theHindutradition.
It is the subconscious mind and it helps guide someone through the world.
The ever-present importance of the Ajna permeates the game even the logo.
Afterward, she becomes a lightning rod to those who more or less work towards the greater good.
Her subconscious (inner realm) grows and flourishes with the more comrades you recruit.
This reinforces that being better in body, mind, and spirit is paramount to saving the world.
Ajna certainly isnt the first RPG lead to be influenced by religious themes and methodologies.
Perhaps her real-world influence/inspiration is that of asoutheast Asianbackground?
The same can be applied to all major characters and villains.
The most prevalent character influences lean on Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other traditions.
Every major city and area is based on real-world cities and regions.
Lets take a closer look at a few key areas.
First, we can study Tai Krung City, pictured above.
The city is quite possibly a fictionalized Chinese town.
The design and function of the housing have quite a striking resemblance.
Buildings and structures in Tai Krung reach the height of skyscrapers.
Although Im speaking of this in a general sense, it was a very serious issue.
The harm in Tai Krung was also brought about by a dangerous outside element looking to take over.
The suffering of the populace naturally, becomes a piece of the games larger plot.
I could be mistaken, but the region of Kaanul most certainly appears to take cues fromMesoamerica.
First impressions include the impressive architecture we see upon our first visit.
Players traverse what looks like it’s an inverted pyramid as they descend into the land.
The NPCs and characters themselves share designs that are reminiscent of the indigenous cultures of the time.
Cultural kudos is also given topok-ta-pok, the Mesoamerican ball game, via the characters Hunoch and Xiboch.
Their values are reinforced further via the plant-controlling heroine Nuna.
She herself serves as a reminder of the importance of agricultural life.
It sells its image with backgrounds consisting of many smokestacks, brick buildings, and high rising structures.
As her powers and duties grow she is advised to seek counsel and sage advice if and/or when necessary.
Much of this comes from the character/party memberThorani.
Also, Thorani isnt a mere human, shes quite literally a goddess.
So her words and actions carry significant weight.
The pervasive themes of spirituality can be seen again with Ajnas inner realm.
Its home to all incarnations (allies), combatant or otherwise.
Lets not forget how and where we can save progress, too.
Their cultural significance to society is certainly something most people can recognize.
Om can be understood to be a cosmic sound; affirmation to something divine.
It possesses many definitions, one of those being infinite language/infinite knowledge.
Its a part of iconography for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
So, its a powerful acknowledgment of what influences the game and its heroine.
The development team thoroughly studied a myriad of religions, cultures, and spiritual themes.
To be able to leverage these complexities with their deep and fascinating histories is nothing short of admirable.
Indivisibledoes this in an abundance of ways.
The most effective way this is accomplished is again with its characters.
Most of Ajnas allies/advisers/guides in the game are women, femmes, and non-binary people.
This is never questioned or needs to be explained.
On that same note, how many games have released this year that can claim the same?
One key theme in her important talk was that to influence dominant culture we needauthentic representation.
Naturally, this includes the full spectrum of experiences: race, gender, identity, and so forth.
Its not just these comrades, either: multiple random NPCs you speak to exhibit similarly diverse backgrounds.
For this reason, I never detected a hint of tokenism throughout the experience.
The same can also be said about howIndivisiblerecognizes body positivity.
How many games allow you to work with characters like Phoebe, Tungar, Ginseng, and Honey?
How many even feature disabled heroines like Yan?
The answer is very few.
The How
By now, everything Ive written here makesIndivisibleseem like a rarity in gaming.
How did such a progressive title emerge?
The simple answer is that developer Lab Zero Games had full creative control.
Soon thereafter they partnered with publisher 505 games.
I vaguely recall their decision to chose the route of crowdfunding.
If they were to pitch their idea to publishers, changes wouldve been made.
So what does that mean?
Well, Ajna, probably wouldnt have been brown or a young woman.
Most allies may instead have been men.
Most characters probably wouldnt be a shade of black or brown.
I could go on and on.
I want to loveIndivisibleunconditionally; it has so many great pieces, and its a special thing to feelseen.
Michael Higham Gamespot Indivisible Review
Sure, Im making bold assumptions here.
However, the point I making proves itself when you have a go at think of the obvious.
How many high profile games have released in 2019 with non-white protagonists?
How many with a large number of people who are visibly black and brown as allies?
How many that arent heavily influenced by Western aesthetics?
The problem here, however, is that Lab Zero still needed to crowdfund this game.
Crowdfunding success, unfortunately, doesnt happen for everyone that tries.
To be fair, games are getting a little better with having fully fleshed out marginalized game characters.
Given this context,Indivisiblestands out even more.
As a minority, its often frustrating to not see regular coverage of this nature.
Im fully aware this isnt important or popular for certain demographics.
However, this is/will always be a great matter of significance for those that are marginalized.
Its crucial to recognize the work Lab Zero Games has achieved here.
It might sound pretentious to say theres a bar for games in regards to being diverse and inclusive.
Whatever that proverbial bar is,Indivisiblehas set it.
