Disco Elysium: Revealing East Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union
Author: Eric Wang
Date: Sep 25, 2023
Introduction
Disco Elysium constructs a vibrant world populated by dynamic characters. Where players assume the role of an amnesiac detective navigating the unique city of "Revachol." The video game featured various ideologies, from communism, fascism, moralism, and ultra-liberalism.
Characters
Two main characters that fans love the most are: Detective Harry Du Bois is a complex and amnesiac police officer who serves as the story's protagonist. Through the journey, this character unfolds as emotionally resonant, humorous, and unique. Kim Kitsuragi, the partner of Detective Harry helping to solve the murder cases, is often calm and conscious, creating a contrast with Harry.
Historical Background
The game developer “ZA/UM” is a group of young people from Estonia, an East European country. East Europe has been struggling since WWII and is well-known for its paradoxical relationship with Russia. East European countries once were in the shadow of German Nazis in World War II, East European countries once again in the shadow of the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and now in the shadow of Russia after the Russia-Ukraine War.
For many Asian people, East Europe may be a region that's both familiar and yet relatively unknown. They have a rich cultural history expressed through various art forms, such as post-punk music, artistic films, and internet memes like the "doomer." Despite these cultural exports, we still remain unfamiliar with the people and environment of East Europe. Through the gameplay of Disco Elysium, I can say it catches the soul of East Europe, “broken and confused.”
The Gameplay
Disco Elysium is a classic CRPG game, the gameplay is basically walking around Revachol finding out the murderer of the dead corps. Dialogue is a main part of the game, there is a skill tree featuring 24 different skills, some add your strength some make you smarter, while others might increase the chance of success negotiating. All these gameplays relate to Dice Rolling, a mechanic to triggers the plot to process. The massive amount of dialogue and description, make you feel like literally reading “Ulysses” and Fyodor Dostoyevsky novels. The most fascinating part is through the medium of Video Games, this time you are not only the reader, but the character itself, the story is up to your decisions. You can strongly embrace Communist ideals, express strong anti-government sentiments, or even adopt simply repeatedly claiming to be a "Superstar."
The Artistic Elements
Disco Elysium employs a rich tapestry of artistic elements to craft a distinctive and immersive gaming experience.
Firstly, it features a distinctive hand-painted art style that strongly relates to its theme and core concept Drawing inspiration from Impressionism, the art employs vibrant color splashes to create imagery that doesn’t chase a realistic look. Furthermore, elements of Fauvism infuse the game with bold and vivid colors over the representational or realistic values retained by Impressionism. The character’s portrait is a standout element of the art, each of whom has a unique visual identity serving the plot and their characteristic. Therefore, due to the unique and excellent use of Art, the games stand out among many indie games, winning hundreds of awards during The Game Awards.
In addition to its striking art style and portraits, Disco Elysium offers a captivating musical experience that greatly enhances the overall narrative. The game's soundtrack, composed by the British Indie band "British Sea Power," features a blend of jazz, electronic, and ambient music that strongly mobilizes the player’s emotion. One of My favorite songs in Disco Elysium is “Whirling Rags in 8am”, this song accompanies your arrival.
To Whirling-in-Rags Hotel in the morning. Embodies a sense of calmness and serenity, helping players to clear their minds on the clues of the murderer. It makes me feel relaxed and clears my mind, just like a cup of coffee after a hard day's work or completing a demanding exam.
Conclusion
It's a game that may not appeal to everyone initially, and it might seem challenging or uninteresting to many. However, once you dive into it and start exploring the seaside of Revachol, engaging in conversations with the entomologist, and dancing in the old church you'll find it to be a truly a lifetime experience. Be dancing in the disco and living in the Elysium.
Reference:
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“Disco Elysium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Oct. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco_Elysium.
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Cardy, Simon. “Disco Elysium - The Final Cut Review.” IGN, IGN, 31 Mar. 2021, www.ign.com/games/disco-elysium-the-final-cut.
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Russell, Laurence. “The Incredible, Absurd World of ‘Disco Elysium: The Final Cut.’” Wired, Wired, 7 June 2021, www.wired.com/story/disco-elysium-the-final-cut/.
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Kulik, Rebecca M. “Eastern Bloc.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-bloc. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.