With one of the most fascinating narratives on PS5 backing it, 1000xRESIST is more of an experience than something you traditionally play.
It’s more involved than a visual novel, as exploration and light platforming break up cutscenes and conversations. For all intents and purposes, however, everything the game does is in service of its plot.
That story, of a clone society existing in the aftermath of a pandemic that wipes out the human race, takes you on the most compelling and engrossing journey.
1000xResist spends much of its time in the past, exploring flashbacks and memories of the one person who survived the epidemic, the ALLMOTHER. She has lied to her robotic offspring, and you’ll journey through her past (called Communion in-game) to work out what’s really going on.
It’s a lot of talking, with dialogue that’s just as high-quality as it is unusual. The game throws you in at the deep end and will likely prove overwhelming for most of its opening sequences. 1000xRESIST is one worth sticking with, though, as its storyline slowly develops. Once you’ve got things figured out, it never lets up.
Excellent writing and performances elevate the title to where every chat — even if it’s entirely optional — comes with something meaningful. Its bold, striking art style then complements the direction with moody scenes and arresting angles that all feel purpose-built to fuel the plot.
As light as it is, the gameplay is designed to be as well — but it can get in the way sometimes. A base for the clones serves as a hub area, and the Communions and their locations are tied to different characters within it. Even with a hand-drawn map, navigating the place can be tough, with only hints of where to go next.
The objectives of the Communions are more straightforward, at least, letting you explore environments in both first and third-person, and by flying through the air in simple platforming sections. It’s very simple, acting as a vehicle from one exchange to the next, but it does at least bring some level of interaction.
1000xRESIST is all in on story, and this laser focus allows it to tell one of the most captivating and intriguing experiences you can have in video games.
