What a stORY!
Im a huge fan of Choice of Games and a Wise Use of Time is a wise choice! The game is so beautifully written, and its impressive that an interactive novel set in modern day can read so much like a pure sci-fi. The choices were the perfect balance of varied and exact that it is hard to play based entirely on stats rather than following a characters decision making process. It also great how none of the choices ruin the suspense of the writing. Another incredible facet of the writing is how many possible plot lines and little details there were about NPCs to explore. Wise Use of Time is in actuality only about medium length by CoG standards and my estimates, but it felt much larger than that, especially on my first play through. The romance aspect of the game, signature to CoG games, felt a little underdeveloped. Similar to Hero of Kendrickstone or romancing Jury in the Heroes Rise trilogy, the romance options felt either like you only had one opportunity or like it was a battle that could ruin your character or the plot. Im not sure I mind the fact that romance just so wasnt the concern of the story because honestly as the reader I cared more about the plot, too. Furthermore, the CoG games are known for their inclusivity. The cultural awareness and sensitivity in this game was incredible, and it was incredibly well done as well. Instead of story interrupting political tangents (Im looking at you, Hero Project) which are powerful but disruptive, statements and examples of cultural awareness and sensitivity were weaved seamlessly into the entire story. Similarly, I almost missed the lack of homophobia. While there is a case to be made for mimicking real life and addressing actual prejudice from entertainment platforms, the CoG games are such safe environments that I appreciated the emphasis on escapism and a world where that didnt exist. What was addressed was sexism, particularly in the workplace, and it was addressed in that characteristic respectful, subtle, and powerful way of the authors. Because Ive seen it brought up by CoG fans before, Wise Use of Time has only the basic level of accessibility in comparison to other titles by the company. Players can choose Boy or Girl and LGB and Ace. Sorry.
Overall, another reviewer said, This might be the best CoG title of the year.
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A Wise Use of Time