1979 Revolution: Black Friday

 PC
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Jun 7, 2016
    70
    A historical event whose consequences are felt even today is encapsulated in this Telltale-esque adventure that might not be the lengthiest nor the most polished adventure of all time, but it does intrigue and raise important questions many of us weren't fully aware of.
  2. Games.cz
    May 19, 2016
    70
    Successful interactive drama in the Telltale-games style is exotic with time and place, but not with character motives. Story of the key moment of the Iranian Islamic revolution and the young photographer Reza Schirazi is thematically closer to us than plots of the similar Telltale titles. 1979 Revolution benefits from a great mood, well-written characters and undeniable educational factor, which is not boring at all.
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jun 20, 2016
    60
    Very intriguing documentary about the Iranian revolution, which however lacks in gameplay. But if you want to be entertained and learn something, do not hesitate. [Issue#264]
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  1. Kotaku
    Oct 19, 2016
    This is a game that can broaden an individual person’s horizons and that of the entire medium, as well. It’s definitely worth your time.
  2. Wired
    Jun 17, 2016
    1979 Revolution forges something gripping and personal in the fires of a murky history...Khonsari hopes it does something even more powerful: Define a new genre of games, one his studio will lead.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PC Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 81
  3. Negative: 13 out of 81
  1. KriKri
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    I stumbled upon this game and am shocked by how much I loved it. I felt like I was living inside a Homeland Episode. Not only did I feelI stumbled upon this game and am shocked by how much I loved it. I felt like I was living inside a Homeland Episode. Not only did I feel like I was thrown into a totally new world (Iran in the late 70s) but I was making choices -- where I had to make quick decisions on things that really mattered. The fact that the whole story is set in real events just makes the whole experience that much more awesome!!! Am recommending it to all my friends. Thanks 1979!… Full Review »
  2. DelleAlpi
    Apr 9, 2016
    9
    As someone who study history professionally, I sometimes do not like some mainstream historical games that are eurocentric and politicized.As someone who study history professionally, I sometimes do not like some mainstream historical games that are eurocentric and politicized. Out of curiosity, I purchased this game the moment it came out because the topic always fancinates me. Before playing it, I thought this game is more or less going to be another game preaching you how bad Khomeini was and how he "stole" the revolution. However and fortuantely, I was completely wrong.

    The developer claims the plot is based on a real story. The protagonist, Reza, is from a wealthy family. He studied abroad in Germany. When he came back to Iran, he almost came across the ongoing revolution by accident. Iran was not it once was anymore. After seeing what he saw, he decided to participate in it. Whereas, his involvement troubled him with countless dillemmas, compelling him to pick sides. On one hand there is his brother, on the other are his friends and cousin. You choices affect how the game progresses.

    This game excites the hell out of me. Walking on the street, you feel as if you are living through the revolution yourself. Seeing people protesting and suffering, you are compelled to feel sympathetic towards them. The political figures in this game are entirely real. When I was the graffiti of Khomeini on the street, I was like "Oh my God!" and my heart was beating so fast.

    Yes, historical figures matter. But history is, in fact, made possible by the little people. This game does not pick a political side nor try to preach you liberal democracy. Instead, it tells you the paradox and contradiction existed in the revolution, making the choices hard to make. Ideal is idealistic because it is not reality. The moment when you threw the stone, it changed you forever. Is violence necessary? Is family more important than ideal? Is life more important than freedom? Would you sacrifice the 1/3 for the other 2/3? You are the one to answer these questions that we are still unable to answer today.

    I feel I can relate to this game so much. I also come from a wealthy family. My parents also lived through a different revolution. I am also idealistic yet realistic. My ideal betrays my spectum but I feel it is right. My reality does not allow me to follow my ideal if I were to keep my status. I believe in democracy yet I see authoritarianism as a highly efficient system. I love my family yet I want to pursue my ideal.

    I think we all are the same. We are all contradictory. What a game!    … Full Review »
  3. ehsanelite
    May 14, 2016
    10
    As an iranian i can confirm that the story is pretty much true, we throw one scumbag out, but got hundreds of them in return, pretty goodAs an iranian i can confirm that the story is pretty much true, we throw one scumbag out, but got hundreds of them in return, pretty good game, it made me sad… Full Review »
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