Virginia

This is an interesting and original thriller/walking simulator with an unconventional way of telling the story. The graphic style is quite creative and the music is just amazing.
Recommended for David Lynch fans and lovers of storytelling (buy it on sales, it is too short).
✪✯✪✯✪✯✪ 6.9 / 10 ✪✯✪✯✪✯✪
=^._.^= ∫

This is going to sound pretentious as hell, but Virginia feels less like a video game and more like an art piece to me.
If you don't want to pick apart symbolism and you hate David Lynch, then you should look elsewhere.
However -- if you're open to it, Virginia is really incredible.
The story is dialogue-free, frequently confusing, and rarely told literally.
The writing has a very "show, not tell" mentality; in a way, the "gameplay" emerges from the satisfaction of picking apart what exactly is happening in each scene.
On my first playthrough of Virginia in 2017, everything went over my head, and I walked away feeling like I had just sat through a dull and confusing acid trip for two hours. It is totally possible that you will feel that way too.
But: having given it a second chance with the knowledge that it was not going to be easy viewing, I've come away feeling that Virginia is a uniquely enjoyable experience that uses the medium of video games to tell a story in a way I've never seen before.
If you, like me, intentionally seek out games that do new and exciting things, you should really try out Virginia.

This game owns.Y'all just don't understand the desire to go on an investigation with a tough FBI agent who slowly warms up to you and bakes you breakfast and buys you a buffalo plush while you wear her wedding ring to get rid of drunk guys, but play with where it was once you finally give it back.

Gosh, I wish steam would give us rating instead, because that's what I feel. Anyway. here's my review.
I really wanted to like this one, but it's not a game, or sort of. I would say that this is a movie, where you can control the protagonist on a very very limited access. The gameplay is basically after you completed an objective, you'll get teleported. Sure you can get the "WTF" feel, but it ain't much. Not to mention about the opening screen credits that takes so long, like some budget movie or something, but at least it's actually pretty good.
The only good thing is that this one has an amazing soundtrack and an interesting The Long Dark-kinda graphics. But the gameplay, is just so limited. I would love to categorized this the same as Life Is Strange, but it's not. It's much way lesser than LIS can offer because you can't make your own choice, or so.
End of review, if you're using controller it will work, and I'll rate this "game" 5/10, just get it when on sale. Thank you.

"It's been a strange and confounding experience making Virginia. We hope it's resulted in a strange and confounding game" - The Creators
It's hard to accurately review this game, as its more of an interactive film so much as it is a game. There are cutaways, fade outs, and many a film techniques littered throughout this game's short runtime. Those who are able to look past such design choices however and engage with Virginia however are soon to find a unique game experience quite literally unlike any other. The closest comparison I can draw to is that of Firewatch. Much in the same way, Virginia serves as a walking simulator for the player for most of its duration, with interactivity littered throughout as the game allows it, and I mean allow. Frequently control is restricted to looking around for certain scenes. There is no objective, rather a story, a SLOW burner mystery, devoid of dialogue, that really does fulfill the developer's ideology of "strange and confounding." This is a game to play in one sitting, but to leave you pondering about it long after.
Other special mention must be made to the soundtrack/original score, for as with any great piece of cinema, the soundtrack adds greatly to the experience, with key moments and tonal shifts being accompanied by the fantastic work of a philharmonic orchestra. A real treat to listen to, both in and out of game, especially the later tracks towards the end of the game.
Virginia is a unique and beautiful game. However, it requires the attention of the player, but without much of the interactive gameplay that often coerces it. Therefore, playing and experiencing Virginia is gonna be up to whether you are willing to exercise patience for the roughly 2 hours the game asks in watching more than playing. Those who do however, will find a rewarding experience in the visuals, soundtrack, and story that truly make a strange, passionate, and enjoyable game, sure to leave you asking questions, but also having been glad to have been along for the ride

This game is light on traditional "gameplay" mechanics, but I recommend it to anyone looking for interesting stories with an open mind about what games can be. For the low asking price, and roughly movie-length (~2 hour) run time, I see no reason not to give it a shot. It doesn't overstay it's welcome, but it's also not forgettabley short, either. It respects your time.
Virginia is a first person, narrative-focused mystery experience. If you pay attention to the details and take your time, there is a lot to get out of it. It does quite a bit of jumping around, so if the player isn't really taking it all in, it will get confusing quickly. The themes are very Twin Peaks-esque, involving things like: The FBI, missing persons, intrigue, cover ups, the church, the government, nature, friendship, family, loss, regret, career vs. happiness, etc...
The gameplay is part walking simulator, part first person vignette movie (like Blendo Games' "Thirty Flights of Loving"). Most of the time you are looking for a particular item to interact with that will progress the story, but there are a few optional objects to find and interact with that change bits of the environment/story in small ways (and unlock Achievements).
I love seeing experimental pieces like Virginia on the games market. It really helps flesh out the boundaries of the medium and gives me a lot to think about as a game designer.

I genuinely don't understand the mixed reviews for this game. Sure it's not filled with the typical "gameplay" but I absolutely loved the way this game tells its story. I'm especially a big fan of its use of symbolism! If you're interested in experiencing a pretty good linear story go check this one out!