1979 Revolution: Black Friday

 PC
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

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  1. attaboy85
    May 9, 2016
    10
    Best game I've played all year! Truth is I have no association with Iran or Revolution... or prior knowledge... and I was sucked right into the action, characters and overall vibe of that world. Can't wait to play more from this team -- I'm really hoping there will be a follow up. Atta...
  2. aralath
    Aug 16, 2018
    8
    Watched from a walkthrough video. Story is compelling and quite interesting and make me want to investigate further.
  3. L123
    Apr 29, 2016
    9
    I'm a converted fan of 1979! I was really hesitant about playing the game beforehand. I had preconceived notions about the development team trying to push an agenda, but literally within the first few scenes all of those ideas were gone

    1979 isn't trying to BE anything, it's just telling a story. The interpretation of the game is completely up to the player. You get a chance to    I'm a converted fan of 1979! I was really hesitant about playing the game beforehand. I had preconceived notions about the development team trying to push an agenda, but literally within the first few scenes all of those ideas were gone

    1979 isn't trying to BE anything, it's just telling a story. The interpretation of the game is completely up to the player. You get a chance to experience being on the streets, hearing people debate about what THEY think is the best way, and you get attached to the characters!!!!! The storytelling was amazing, the actors performances were incredible.

    Def give 1979 a chance, you may be pleasantly surprised!    … Expand
  4. 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 good game, it made me sad
  5. PaulusHook
    May 17, 2016
    10
    It was about time for a game of this caliber to be released. I remember seeing something about it on Fast Company back in 2013. It caught my attention because it was a married couple creating it and I thought that was pretty cool. Anyways - back to the game:

    I very much enjoyed playing it. I'm looking forward to a sequel (if the team decides to make one, of course). It was great getting    It was about time for a game of this caliber to be released. I remember seeing something about it on Fast Company back in 2013. It caught my attention because it was a married couple creating it and I thought that was pretty cool. Anyways - back to the game:

    I very much enjoyed playing it. I'm looking forward to a sequel (if the team decides to make one, of course). It was great getting to know the different characters (really liked the main character's parents - not featured much but reminded me of my parents) and I was pleasantly surprised at some of the most important decisions - I have to admit, I had to take a break here and there because I was actually trying to analyze/predict the outcomes. I've played many of the telltale-esque games out there and I have to say, this game's story and attention to details in a historical thriller really surpassed my expectations - usually you see the historical accuracy being compromised but 1979 did the period justice.

    I don't review content that often but iNK is an indie studio and I know they can use the support from pleased customers. So I'm happy to do that here.

    I hope if you're reading this, it helps you make up your mind in getting the game and supporting a new genre which I think it's going to be a superb addition to the gaming industry.

    Cheers!    … Expand
  6. 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 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 thatI 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!… Expand
  7. 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. 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.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!    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. Eurogamer Italy
    Sep 4, 2018
    80
    A docu-game where the line between right and wrong is never clear nor defined. 1979 Revolution: Black Friday tells a brief but though story with great emphasis on players choices and moral ambiguity. Outdated graphics limit the game potential, but its story and its characters hit the target.
    Read full review
  2. RPG Fan
    Aug 16, 2016
    75
    A documentary in game form that allows the player to experience historical events authentically in a way no film could.
    Read full review
  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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