*Sources of screenshots are listed in their respective file-names.
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Chronology seems to have the perfect mix.
Thought-provoking gameplay:
Stunning art:
A family-friendly style:
However, like many other seemingly family-friendly games, Chronology’s plot contains anti-biblical elements that Christian families should be aware of.
Chronology’s* world exists in two states–Before and After. You’ll seamlessly switch between the two (and even freeze time itself) to solve head-scratching puzzles.
Inspired by classic Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, Chronology’s art and animations are amazing.
Unfortunately, players interested in the game do not have much time to connect with Chronology’s world. The Old Inventor and The Snail’s journey to change their past only lasts 2-3 hours.
In other situations this would not be an issue. However, we never get the chance to feel empathy for the main characters. This becomes problematic when you are placed in morally-challenging situations (such as having to break a young boys’ leg in the Before to use his cane in the After).
Conclusion:
Chronology’s vibrant artwork, animations and intelligent gameplay are all interesting and well thought-out. However, the anti-biblical elements (described below) may turn off some gamers.
Potential Concerns:
*SPOILER ALERT*
Please be aware that below is an examination of Chronology’s plot and themes.
Click on words highlighted in blue for linked scriptures.
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The Old Inventor can (and does) change the course of time, while Snail can stop time completely. Interestingly, Chapter 1 of Chronology is titled “Arise, Awake.”
Alchemy (a pseudo-scientific form of witchcraft) plays a prominent role in the game.
In the beginning of the second chapter we learn about the Old Inventor’s youth in a monastery. His monk mentor teaches him the ways of alchemy and science alike, and he later uses these techniques to enchant the Vapor and create a new energy source.
“My childhood…the monastery…“
“…my mentor teaching me about the mystical practices of Alchemy“
“…and the physical laws of Science.“
“Later, seemingly endless experimentations to enchant the Vapor“
“…to create a new energy source.“
After breaking the code, he says that they entered “a brand new field of awareness.”
“Then finally breaking the code…“
“…and entering a brand new field of awareness.“
Another invention they created with the fusion of alchemy and science is a “profound power” called “the Verve.” It has the power to “create miracles,” but could cause calamity in the wrong hands (and ultimately ends the world).
“We went further than any monk or scientist before us“
“We fused the erratic nature of Alchemy with the rigid principles of Science.“
“We had developed a profound power…“
“…capable of producing miracles…“
“…but also forceful enough to create calamity in the wrong hands“
“We decided never to touch it again.“
The song played during the credits is “Crooks and Criminals” by Stöj Snak (the musician of Chronology) from his album “[F-word] EP.” The lyrics:
“We all pray to be un-saved
We all slave to get out of this place
We will die way too young
Could we just somehow go back and take a few turns differently
All this could be undone
We’re all pawns in the chess game; what we’ve got, every contribution
We will make for the greater good
At the hands of crooks and criminals we agreed to give in and give up all our basic rights
At the hands of crooks and criminals can we be expected to ever do anything but wrong?”
Finally, the player is sometimes forced to do cruel things to change the disastrous past, such as breaking a young boy’s leg in the Before to use his cane in the After.
Video Games and the Bible 