'NORCO' Should Be A Cult Classic | Defector
Briefly

Severe weather events in La Crosse, Wisconsin resulted in tornado sirens and flooding, impacting daily life. Neighborhood reactions included helping warn drivers against flooded streets. Online responses to victims of flooding in Texas reflect a harsh schadenfreude. This emotion stems from a feeling of powerlessness in the face of others' suffering. A principle at Defector emphasizes not commanding audiences but rather observing human behavior choices, regardless of external advice. The game NORCO is introduced as a remarkable and evocative piece of art, reflecting complex life experiences.
One soft and slow rule at Defector, I think a good one, is Do not command the audience to do anything. People do not like being commanded.
Schadenfreude tends to be an expression of the anxiety and profound grief that comes with feeling powerless to help anyone else.
NORCO, a point-and-click adventure game from 2022, is one of the most evocative pieces of art I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
It is an articulation of life in a world and a moment that is at once poisonous and sublime, familiar yet alienating.
Read at Defector
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