Erica

I rated this a while ago, but just now read the reviews after getting (I think!) every ending. First, I'm not sure which platforms this is available on, but I played on PS4 and you do not have to use your phone to control the game - you can just use the touch pad on a normal PS4 (dualshock) controller. My wifi can be really spotty in the bedroom and I can't get my phone to connect to the same connection that I have the PS4 on so this made me very happy. (Plus I'm not really a fan of games that force you to use your phone as a controller unless they're like.. Jackbox games.)

Next - the story is genuinely mysterious. As the game says on the first load screen, it's impossible to get all the answers with one playthrough. After playing multiple times, I can say with sincerity that you can have a COMPLETELY different experience from one playthrough to the next.

Oh and before I forget - if you're a trophy hunter, this is an easy grab. It'll take a couple playthroughs and certain parts can get a bit repetitive, but you'll go into certain choices armed with the knowledge of the last run, so it's necessary. Also, you don't get any trophies until you complete each playthrough as to not spoil certain plot points - so you must complete it in order to get them. It's easy to lose track of time when playing a video game, but I THINK an average playthrough is about an hour & 45 minutes. Sometimes longer, sometimes shorter.

And finally, it really feels like A LOT of work went into this. Not only is the story incredibly complex, but the gameplay, mechanics, pathways, and yes - even the controls feel like they were crafted with great care and detail. I'm not sure of the budget for this game - but it LOOKS like it was at least 7 figures. If not- then even more kudos to the devs.

I'm a fan. I really need to look into the streaming rights for this one.

Erica is absolutely a passing project on the PS4. An interactive film in which there is no strong main plot, weak acting and a minimal amount of interactivity as such. There are 5 endings in the game, only the first 3 are of interest. The main 2 is "player torture" to receive a platinum trophy. Why did I not understand such terrible control, playing from a smartphone is uncomfortable. There are of course pleasant things in Erica - a great picture, good camera work, but there is nothing else here. Erica is positioned as a thriller, but in 2 hours of the film there is not one tense moment.

I thought it was great apart from the phone part, also I think it's funny people are saying how good the graphics are when they filmed it with real people

Once upon a time I tried to play (watch) the game "Late Shift". It was terrible, I really didn't like it.

When I started playing Erica, I was counting on the worst. But the game turned out to be not so bad. Nice actors, little interest in the story.

'Erica (2019)' is an interactive live-action game, essentially a movie in which you control the narrative (or, at least, aspects of it). Using a mobile app, the piece allows you to interact with key story moments and make decisions on behalf of the protagonist, as well as perform smaller actions such as clearing mist off a window or flipping open a lighter. The choices are integrated in a relatively seamless way and the control scheme works surprisingly well, seeming intuitive in all but a handful of scenes. The plot revolves around a young woman who receives a gruesome package in the mail and is sent to her father's old place-of-work as a form of protective custody. Of course, strange things soon start happening and it's up to you to decide how you want to interpret them. The game is ambiguous throughout, with its choices mainly being based around who you trust and what you want to believe. There are no 'right' answers. This is rather refreshing, even if it makes for an intermittently confusing experience. The writing isn't phenomenal but it isn't weak, either. Once you buy into the central situation, it's easy to get caught up in it. The game will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes to finish, about the length of a regular movie. If you're so inclined, you can replay it as many times as needed to see every ending (I believe there are seven in total). You can't turn it off mid-game, though, so each playthrough must be done in a single sitting. To be honest, this is somewhat off-putting. It does seem like there are a variety of diverging paths that may be worth exploring, but I personally didn't replay the piece once I'd finished it. It's one that I might come back to in the future, however. In the end, the thing does a good job at being a movie/game hybrid and is intuitive to play. Perhaps this is a genre that will soon pick up steam. 7/10