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{{Acts}} | {{Acts}} | ||
{{Infobox | {{Infobox | ||
− | |title = ''Kentucky Route Zero'' | + | |title = ''Kentucky Route Zero'' |
|image = KrzGameIconTvEdition TopTitle.png | |image = KrzGameIconTvEdition TopTitle.png | ||
|developer = [[Cardboard Computer]] | |developer = [[Cardboard Computer]] | ||
− | |publisher = Cardboard Computer (PC) <br> [[Annapurna Interactive]] (Console | + | |publisher = Cardboard Computer (PC) <br> [[Annapurna Interactive]] (Console) |
|designer = [[Jake Elliott]] <br> [[Tamas Kemenczy]] | |designer = [[Jake Elliott]] <br> [[Tamas Kemenczy]] | ||
|composer = [[Ben Babbitt]] | |composer = [[Ben Babbitt]] | ||
|engine = [[wikipedia:Unity (game engine)|Unity]] | |engine = [[wikipedia:Unity (game engine)|Unity]] | ||
− | |platform = PC <small>(Windows, macOS, Linux)</small> <br> Console <small>(Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | + | |platform = PC <small>(Windows, macOS, Linux)</small> <br> Console <small>(Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)</small> |
|rating = <small><sup>NA </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: <abbr title="Teen">T</abbr> <br> <small><sup>EU </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 12 <br> <small><sup>AU </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Australian Classification Board|ACB]]: <abbr title="Parental Guidance">PG</abbr> | |rating = <small><sup>NA </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: <abbr title="Teen">T</abbr> <br> <small><sup>EU </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 12 <br> <small><sup>AU </sup></small>[[wikipedia:Australian Classification Board|ACB]]: <abbr title="Parental Guidance">PG</abbr> | ||
|release = 2013–2020 ({{anchor|Release history|info}}) | |release = 2013–2020 ({{anchor|Release history|info}}) | ||
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'''''Kentucky Route Zero''''' is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway in the caves beneath Kentucky and the mysterious folks who travel it. The game is developed and published by [[Cardboard Computer]], an independent studio consisting of [[Jake Elliott]], [[Tamas Kemenczy]], and [[Ben Babbitt]]. It follows an episodic format, mirroring the dramatic structure of a five-act play. | '''''Kentucky Route Zero''''' is a magical realist adventure game about a secret highway in the caves beneath Kentucky and the mysterious folks who travel it. The game is developed and published by [[Cardboard Computer]], an independent studio consisting of [[Jake Elliott]], [[Tamas Kemenczy]], and [[Ben Babbitt]]. It follows an episodic format, mirroring the dramatic structure of a five-act play. | ||
− | The game's five acts follow the narrative of a truck driver named [[Conway]] and the | + | The game's five acts follow the narrative of a truck driver named [[Conway]] and the mysterious people he meets as he tries to travel the fictional [[Route Zero|Route {{Zero}}]] to make his final delivery for an antique company. The [[Act I|first act]] was released on January 7, 2013. The [[Act II|second]], [[Act III|third]], [[Act IV|fourth]], and [[Act V|fifth acts]] were released over the following seven years, along with shorter, supplemental, free-to-play "interlude" games, [[WEVP-TV|video art]], tie-in [[phone numbers]], and [[Here And There Along The Echo#Weird Telephones|custom electronics]]. The game's final act and console ports were released on January 28, 2020. |
− | The "PC Edition" of the game is available via [https://store.steampowered.com/app/231200/Kentucky_Route_Zero/ Steam], [https://cardboardcomputer.itch.io/kentucky-route-zero itch.io], [https://www.gog.com | + | The "PC Edition" of the game is available via [https://store.steampowered.com/app/231200/Kentucky_Route_Zero/ Steam], [https://cardboardcomputer.itch.io/kentucky-route-zero itch.io], [https://www.gog.com/game/kentucky_route_zero_season_pass GOG.com], and the [https://www.humblebundle.com/store/p/kentuckyroutezero_storefront Humble Store], while the identical "TV Edition" is available on [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/kentucky-route-zero-tv-edition-switch/ Nintendo Switch], [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/kentucky-route-zero-tv-edition-ps4/ PlayStation 4], and [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/kentucky-route-zero-tv-edition/9p6ftm76l1s7 Xbox One]. |
== Gameplay == | == Gameplay == | ||
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! Title !! Medium !! Release date | ! Title !! Medium !! Release date | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | [[Act I]] | | + | | [[Act I]] || Videogame || January 7, 2013 |
|- | |- | ||
− | | ''[[Limits & Demonstrations]]'' || February 8, 2013 | + | | ''[[Limits & Demonstrations]]'' || Videogame || February 8, 2013 |
|- | |- | ||
− | | [[Act II]] || May 31, 2013 | + | | [[Act II]] || Videogame || May 31, 2013 |
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[The Entertainment]]'' || Videogame, Play || November 22, 2013 | | ''[[The Entertainment]]'' || Videogame, Play || November 22, 2013 | ||
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| {{DOTHM}} | | {{DOTHM}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | TV Edition (console release) || | + | | TV Edition (console release) || {{n/a}} |
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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Shannon frees Conway and helps him onto an old mine cart. While exploring, Shannon reveals that the mine flooded at one point, killing the miners trapped inside. The two discover a turntable and explore the mine and its history; turning off the lamplight reveals ghostly visions of the miners. Conway exits the mine alone while Shannon goes back to check on something, and when she returns, reveals her parents were killed in the flood. | Shannon frees Conway and helps him onto an old mine cart. While exploring, Shannon reveals that the mine flooded at one point, killing the miners trapped inside. The two discover a turntable and explore the mine and its history; turning off the lamplight reveals ghostly visions of the miners. Conway exits the mine alone while Shannon goes back to check on something, and when she returns, reveals her parents were killed in the flood. | ||
− | The two head to [[Shannon's workshop]], located at the back of a small bait shop to search for Weaver, but she is nowhere to be found. On the way back to the farmhouse, Conway can choose to return to Equus Oils where he and Shannon meet Joseph's friend [[Carrington]] who is looking for a venue for his upcoming play, and asks the two to keep an eye out for a location. | + | The two head to [[Shannon's workshop]], located at the back of a small [[bait shop]] to search for Weaver, but she is nowhere to be found. On the way back to the farmhouse, Conway can choose to return to Equus Oils where he and Shannon meet Joseph's friend [[Carrington]] who is looking for a venue for his upcoming play, and asks the two to keep an eye out for a location. |
Back at the farmhouse, Shannon reveals Weaver fled after learning of their family's debt, and tonight was the first time she had seen her since then. Shannon attempts to repair the TV by cleaning moss off the vacuum tubes, and Conway looks in again; this time, however, both the picture on the screen and the barn behind the house begin to warp and separate, forming an image of the opening to the {{Zero}} and the truck driving into it. | Back at the farmhouse, Shannon reveals Weaver fled after learning of their family's debt, and tonight was the first time she had seen her since then. Shannon attempts to repair the TV by cleaning moss off the vacuum tubes, and Conway looks in again; this time, however, both the picture on the screen and the barn behind the house begin to warp and separate, forming an image of the opening to the {{Zero}} and the truck driving into it. | ||
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The ''Mammoth'' docks at a floating phone booth. Not wanting to wait in line, [[Conway]] jumps into the water and swims back to the boat to look for more alcohol. Will listens to a variety of calls – audio of [[Here And There Along The Echo|players']] personal anecdotes, stories, and feelings. Next in line, Cate calls a woman named [[Summer]], one of her clients for whom she assists as a birth [[wikipedia:Doula|doula]], and suggests a natural remedy to her sleep problem. Next, Clara calls her older sister [[Nadia]] in Lithuania and they talk about their [[Andrius|uncle]] in hospice care. | The ''Mammoth'' docks at a floating phone booth. Not wanting to wait in line, [[Conway]] jumps into the water and swims back to the boat to look for more alcohol. Will listens to a variety of calls – audio of [[Here And There Along The Echo|players']] personal anecdotes, stories, and feelings. Next in line, Cate calls a woman named [[Summer]], one of her clients for whom she assists as a birth [[wikipedia:Doula|doula]], and suggests a natural remedy to her sleep problem. Next, Clara calls her older sister [[Nadia]] in Lithuania and they talk about their [[Andrius|uncle]] in hospice care. | ||
− | Another man on the floating platform reveals himself as [[Brandon]], the janitor from the [[Random Access Self Storage|self storage facility]], and mentions Conway not only seemed drunk and preoccupied, but also "spiritually distracted." If encountered in [[Act I]], [[James B. Carrington|Carrington]] calls, in attempt to talk with a friend who is a lighting designer in Chicago if not for the phone lines being affected by the storm. Shannon answers, and he asks for advice for his upcoming [[Death | + | Another man on the floating platform reveals himself as [[Brandon]], the janitor from the [[Random Access Self Storage|self storage facility]], and mentions Conway not only seemed drunk and preoccupied, but also "spiritually distracted." If encountered in [[Act I]], [[James B. Carrington|Carrington]] calls, in attempt to talk with a friend who is a lighting designer in Chicago if not for the phone lines being affected by the storm. Shannon answers, and he asks for advice for his upcoming [[Death of the Hired Man|play]] which will be held at dawn in the location provided in [[Act II]]. He notes the cast and stage crew are all delayed by the bad weather but hopes the group will be able to make it to the premiere. |
If the player chooses to stay on board the ''Mammoth'' instead, the dogs simply lounge on the ship's lower deck. | If the player chooses to stay on board the ''Mammoth'' instead, the dogs simply lounge on the ship's lower deck. | ||
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=== Act V === | === Act V === | ||
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{{expand}} | {{expand}} | ||
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== Soundtrack == | == Soundtrack == | ||
{{main|Music}} | {{main|Music}} | ||
− | The game's ambient soundtrack features music by [[Ben Babbitt]] with bluegrass tracks performed by [[The Bedquilt Ramblers]] | + | The game's ambient soundtrack features music by [[Ben Babbitt]] with bluegrass tracks performed by [[The Bedquilt Ramblers]]. |
== Development == | == Development == | ||
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The project was first revealed on January 7, 2011 on Kickstarter. By the end of the campaign, the game had acquired USD $8,583 from 205 backers, exceeding its original goal of $6,500.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/149077132/kentucky-route-zero-a-magic-realist-adventure-game Kentucky Route Zero, a magic realist adventure game – Kickstarter]</ref> A heavily-revised trailer with an updated visual style was released on October 17, 2012.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCz9T5NgYJQ Kentucky Route Zero (IGF Trailer) – YouTube]</ref> | The project was first revealed on January 7, 2011 on Kickstarter. By the end of the campaign, the game had acquired USD $8,583 from 205 backers, exceeding its original goal of $6,500.<ref>[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/149077132/kentucky-route-zero-a-magic-realist-adventure-game Kentucky Route Zero, a magic realist adventure game – Kickstarter]</ref> A heavily-revised trailer with an updated visual style was released on October 17, 2012.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCz9T5NgYJQ Kentucky Route Zero (IGF Trailer) – YouTube]</ref> | ||
A revamped user interface, including [[achievements]] and [[ephemera]], was added with the final release of the game in 2020, along with translations into French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. | A revamped user interface, including [[achievements]] and [[ephemera]], was added with the final release of the game in 2020, along with translations into French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. | ||
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{{expand}} | {{expand}} | ||
== Reception == | == Reception == | ||
− | ''Kentucky Route Zero'' has been well-received by critics. It won the award for Excellence in Visual | + | ''Kentucky Route Zero'' has been well-received by critics. It won the award for Excellence in Visual Art at the [[wikipedia:Independent Games Festival|Independent Games Festival]] in 2013, with additional nominations for Excellence in Audio, Excellence in Narrative, and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize.<ref>[https://igf.com/2013 2013 Independent Games Festival Winners – IGF]</ref> In the same year, it was named game of the year by ''[[wikipedia:Rock, Paper, Shotgun|Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' and won awards for both Visual Design and Story & Word Design at [[wikipedia:IndieCade|IndieCade]].<ref>[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2013/12/24/the-amazing-astonishing-rps-advent-calendar-day-24/ The Amazing & Astonishing RPS Advent Calendar: Day 24 – Rock Paper Shotgun]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171028150337/http://www.indiecade.com/2013/award_winners/ IndieCade 2013 Award Winners – International Festival of Independent Games]</ref> |
− | In 2014, ''Kentucky Route Zero'''s Act III was named [[wikipedia:Kill Screen|''Kill Screen'']]'s game of the year.<ref>[https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/high-scores-2014-5-1/ High Scores 2014: 5-1 – Kill Screen]</ref> In | + | In 2014, ''Kentucky Route Zero'''s Act III was named [[wikipedia:Kill Screen|''Kill Screen'']]'s game of the year.<ref>[https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/high-scores-2014-5-1/ High Scores 2014: 5-1 – Kill Screen]</ref> In 2015, it won Best Narrative at the [[wikipedia:Game Developers Choice Awards|Game Developers Choice Awards]].<ref>[https://gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_15th.html 15th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards]</ref> |
− | ''[[wikipedia:Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' named ''Kentucky Route Zero'' as the fourth best game of the decade | + | In November 2019, ''[[wikipedia:Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' named ''Kentucky Route Zero'' as the fourth best game of the decade, and the following month described it as "the most important game of the decade."<ref>[https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/4/20947389/best-games-2019-2010-ps4-switch-xbox-pc-10-1 The 100 best games of the decade (2010-2019): 10-1 – Polygon]</ref><ref>[https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/12/20960055/kentucky-route-zero-the-most-important-game-of-the-decade Why Kentucky Route Zero is the most important game of the decade – Polygon]</ref> |
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== Gallery == | == Gallery == | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> |