Venturing into the realm of adventure gaming, Interplay, a notable player in the gaming industry, introduced Normality in 1996.
While Interplay may not have been synonymous with adventure games, this title stands as a quirky and intriguing addition to their repertoire. Exploring a dystopian world with a dose of humor and puzzles, Normality offered a unique gaming experience that deserves a closer look.
Stepping into Neutropolis
Normality plunges players into the shoes of Kent, a laid-back slacker residing in Neutropolis—a city shrouded in perpetual darkness and ruled by a strict code of behavior. The citizens are bound by societal norms that prohibit any form of creativity or individuality.
Kent, however, is a free spirit in this conformity-driven world. The game tasks players with helping Kent uncover the sinister plots of the city’s dictator and liberating Neutropolis from his oppressive grip, all while ushering in light and anarchy.
Tongue-in-Cheek Adventure
The narrative of Normality unfolds in a tongue-in-cheek manner, presenting Kent as a somewhat unconventional hero who defies societal norms.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of “Harrison Bergeron,” the game weaves a humorous tale that is at times reminiscent of a sitcom. While the humor may not be particularly sophisticated, it contributes to the game’s unique charm.
Challenging Puzzles and Gameplay
The heart of Normality lies in its puzzles, which are primarily inventory-based. While not overly challenging, they require players to think creatively and employ logic to progress. The solutions are often intuitive, enhancing the accessibility of the game.
The game’s puzzles are a testament to the adventure genre’s knack for engaging problem-solving.
A Familiar Engine
Developed by Gremlin Interactive, the same studio behind “Realms of the Haunting,” Normality shares the graphics engine of its predecessor. This allows players to explore a fully-navigable 3D environment in a first-person perspective. While the graphics may not rival modern titles, they hold up well considering the game’s age and are presented in SVGA (800×600) resolution.
Interface and Navigation
The game’s interface revolves around a right-click menu, providing access to various adventure game actions such as talking, using objects, and examining surroundings. A keyboard shortcut alternative complements this interface.
Navigation, whether through mouse or keyboard controls, facilitates movement within the game’s 3D world.
Though the controls may pose a learning curve, they eventually become manageable.
A Notable Downside
However, Normality does have a notable drawback—an element involving Corey Feldman. His voice work for the game has garnered mixed reactions, with his portrayal of Kent’s voice in a slow, exaggerated surfer accent causing both amusement and, for some, discomfort.
While players can disable the voiceovers, it’s a notable aspect that has left a lasting impression on the game’s reception.
Normality takes players on a journey through a quirky dystopian world, blending humor, puzzles, and a unique narrative to create an engaging adventure gaming experience.
Concluding Thoughts
In retrospect, Normality fits comfortably into the category of games that offer light entertainment.
It may not leave an indelible mark on the adventure genre, but it provides several hours of enjoyable gameplay. While not a heavyweight like a robust porter or ale, it falls under the “light beer” classification—simple, refreshing, and just right for a casual gaming session.
Ultimately, Normality proves to be a worthwhile and amusing adventure, making its mark in the annals of adventure gaming.
With its unique storyline, humorous undertones, and engaging puzzles, Normality continues to carve out a place in the hearts of adventure game enthusiasts, both old and new.
So, whether you choose to play the original version or explore its online incarnation, Neutropolis awaits your exploration in all its bizarre glory.
Play Normality online
For those intrigued by the offbeat charm of “Normality,” the journey doesn’t end with its original release. Today, you have the opportunity to experience this adventure in a whole new way—right in your web browser.
Thanks to advancements in technology, you can dive into the quirky world of Neutropolis without the need for any downloads or installations. Simply click on the play button and let the adventure unfold seamlessly.