Purpose: 1951 Review

Initial release date: March 29, 2024

Developers: East Asiasoft Limited, Tonguç Bodur

Genres: Adventure game, Indie game, Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Publishers: East Asiasoft Limited, Tonguç Bodur

Engine: Unreal Engine 5

When I first started playing video games, the experience was radically different than it is now. It was all about quick reflexes, difficult conditions, and rapid action, with danger waiting around every turn.

While those characteristics remain in current gaming, there is a rising preference for relaxed experiences with low pressure and simple gameplay. Some of these games, such as the Aery series, provide relaxing flight experiences, while others are narrative-driven “walking simulators.”

Tonguç Bodur is a master of the latter genre, combining stunning scenery with engaging themes in games such as The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna. Purpose 1951 is another addition to his ever-expanding collection.

Story-heavy…

Story-heavy games with little gameplay pose a challenge because if the narrative or world-building fails to capture, there is little else to keep you interested. However, Bodur’s prolific production guarantees that, although some titles fall flat, others have a profound impact.

While I wasn’t completely captivated with the plot or protagonist in Purpose 1951, there was something captivating about it that stayed with me long after the credits had rolled.

Set in the 1950s in the United States, you play as a doctor who recounts his medical experiences, beginning with his early days and the horrors he encountered in underfunded hospitals. The story’s turning point is a failed surgery on a young guy with powerful political ties. After being publicly condemned and forced to retire, the doctor’s life spirals south, resulting in a shattered marriage. It’s not a happy story, but it does end with a glimpse of hope.

Walk your way across different landscapes.

The game mechanics are really simple. You walk through numerous locales, and the total experience lasts around an hour, including four chapters and a few interludes. Movement is mostly at a steady rate, though one chapter has you riding a bicycle, which allows you to go significantly faster. While the game is primarily linear, there are opportunities to detour from the main path to find hidden boxes, which serve as collectibles, unlocking achievements and giving a sense of exploration to the experience.

Tonguç Bodur specializes at graphic design, and Purpose 1951 is no exception. You’ll largely travel through lovely autumnal landscapes with tranquil lakes, swaying trees, and distant cityscapes. There are also scenes set in metropolitan areas and a run-down interior. While not as weird as some of Bodur’s other works, the graphics are nevertheless engaging and relaxing.

The soundtrack enhances the pictures with calm piano melodies that create a relaxing environment. The principal voice actor gives an excellent performance, telling the story in an assured and measured manner.

Engaging but not remarkable.

Is Purpose 1951 Tonguç Bodur’s best work? In my perspective, it is somewhere in the center of his portfolio. The tale is intriguing but not extraordinary, and the visuals are generally appealing, with a particularly striking picture of a sad interior in the closing segment.

However, I like Bodur’s commitment to create these brief, narrative-driven experiences and anxiously await his next endeavors.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 91%

Controls: 89%

Aesthetics: 92%

Content: 87%

Accessibility: 85%

Value: 88%

Overall: 89%

EXCELLENT!

Summary:

Purpose: 1951 is a thought-provoking and atmospheric puzzle-adventure game. Set in a dark postwar dystopia, the story-driven gameplay transports players to a spooky, well-realized universe. The balance of puzzle-solving and exploration keeps the pace tight, while some sections may feel sluggish to those who like more action. The game’s noir-inspired visuals and somber design are standouts, lending depth to the compelling story. Despite some minor control and accessibility difficulties, Purpose: 1951 is a gratifying experience for those who enjoy rich storyline and environmental immersion. A standout for fans of story-driven adventures.