Separation

More than a game, Separation is a poignant testimony entirely conceived and developed by a single man, bruised and suffering from depression following the loss of a loved one. Martin Wheeler simply opened his heart to tell us about the evil that consumed him, in the form of a PlayStation VR game that deserves our attention.

For what it is, Separation is an enjoyable couple of hours. Its graphics may not be the best on the platform and its gameplay may be a bit on the thin side but what you are left with is a very bleak and personal journey. A journey through a barren landscape set to an amazing soundtrack that constantly propels you onward to your goal. It is a relaxing experience that I think most players will enjoy.

As unappealing as Separation‘s opening is, it’s worth pushing past, mountain-hopping and all. Separation’s creator was supposedly inspired by Ico – and while the first location you encounter is a dead ringer for Shadow of the Colossus, it’s got a character all its own. It’s almost a shame it’s VR only; while it might not have quite the same impact otherwise, Separation deserves to be experienced by as many people as possible.

It works best as a piece of art and catharsis than as a fully enjoyable videogame. It has its moments and its surreal landscape certainly is attractive, but the game looks as a too private experience that only its creator will fully understand.

Although its atmosphere is spot-on and its gameplay is rewarding, Separation doesn't quite reach the highs of similar VR experiences.

Seeing that Wheeler created Separation by himself over a period of four years is an impressive accomplishment, especially considering the subject matter which inspired the experience. The atmospheric visuals and soundtrack are what carry Separation, reminiscent of titles like ICO. However, it becomes a little too monotonous and at times the emotion the title tries to portray feels indistinct as if it has lost its own way in this vast open landscape.

Separation isn’t likely to garner a lot of attention. It’s not flashy and is definitely indie (developer Recluse Industries is really just one guy), but there’s a distinct appeal to a game where the whole point is to soak up a moody, solitary, and evocative atmosphere. There’s no explanation or tutorial to sit through, the game just starts with a simple message and lets the player figure things out on their own. It’s not a bad way to spend a few hours, but probably not a game that will linger on your hard drive either.

Three-quarters of the way through, the experience becomes much more enjoyable, as you get a new mode of transport2 that expands and speeds up your exploration. This doesn’t last long enough, though, and the game ends as it begins; on a slow, confusing note. [Issue#174, p.86]

Separation is an apt title to illuminate its central problem. The adventure beckons you to experience a desolate world, utilize a VR headset, tingle your sensory stimuli in a way you can almost touch, and engage with a narrative tackling uncomfortable emotions. But, despite this magical potential, all of the accumulated shortcomings reveal the integral quality it sorely lacks: authentic connection.