Broken Reality

This week's recommendation is Broken Reality, a game made by Dynamic Media Triad. Broken Reality is a game in which you explore the deteriorating servers of NATEM, a hybrid between the old internet and a social MMO.

Though much of the game has a bright and friendly atmosphere, there are moments that capture lonely, empty and even creepy feelings well. In this way, it mirrors the experience of the old internet, with unusual and upsetting experiences waiting quietly between the welcoming hotspots.



The gameplay involves a little bit of platforming, a moderate amount puzzling and a fair amount of exploration. There are six different tools for you to use and upgrade throughout your adventure, each of which you’ll find yourself using in cool or creative ways as you progress.

It is heavily inspired by late 90s & early 2000s a e s t h e t i c s, with the design, music and art featuring a blend of memes, vaporwave and nostalgia. The soundtrack changes constantly as you traverse the world, with many memorable tracks that help to set and change the mood.

You start in the Domo Paradisso server, with your only goals seemingly being to find the get likes and find the admin. As you progress through the servers, you get glimpses into a fascinating underlying story with themes of creativity and commercialism and the tug-of-war that occurs between the two as a project grows. This all builds to a climax that you’ll have to experience for yourself, as I refuse to spoil any more.

A Sequel, Broken Reality 2000, is in production with a release seemingly scheduled for this year, so this is a great time to play the original. So, tired of reality? Why not log in to NATEM for a while?