In a unique intersection of art and technology, Santa Ragione’s latest release, Horses, delves into the unsettling relationship between media and the human experience. Drawing inspiration from Eadweard Muybridge’s pioneering work in motion photography, the game explores themes of control and degradation through a lens that is both provocative and disquieting.
Artistic Foundations and Historical Context
Muybridge’s chronophotographs, particularly his famous sequences of galloping horses, were commissioned by industrialist Leland Stanford, who sought to enhance his understanding of equine movement for breeding purposes. This historical backdrop sets the stage for Horses, which critiques the commodification of bodies through media technologies from early cinema to contemporary video games.
Upon launching the game, players are greeted by a film projector, its mechanical whirring serving as a constant reminder of the medium’s influence on the narrative. The visual aesthetic is dominated by muted greys, contrasting with brief bursts of color, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and immersive. The soundscape, punctuated by eerie music reminiscent of horror films, further enhances the unsettling experience.
Gameplay Mechanics and Themes
Set on a sprawling 3D farm, players assume the role of a young man tasked with laboring under the watchful eye of a grotesque farmer. The gameplay incorporates elements typical of farming simulations, yet it continually pulls players back into a cinematic realm where dialogue is conveyed through title cards and actions are illustrated with scratchy footage. This interplay between traditional gaming mechanics and cinematic representation creates a unique tension.
The “horses” in the game, depicted as human figures in masks, evoke a chilling commentary on the historical treatment of marginalized bodies. Players are tasked with rounding up these figures, a process that reduces them to mere inventory items, echoing the dehumanization inherent in both the game’s narrative and the broader societal context it critiques.
The Farmer and the Dynamics of Power
The farmer character embodies a disturbing amalgamation of grotesque traits, presenting a figure that is both repulsive and oddly compelling. His interactions with the player are laden with a sense of dominance, as he assigns menial tasks that reveal the underlying power dynamics at play. The narrative unfolds in a manner that challenges players to confront their own complicity in the system, as choices often lead to disempowerment rather than empowerment.
As the story progresses, themes of sexuality and control emerge, particularly in the farmer’s obsession with the “horses.” The game navigates complex moral landscapes, forcing players to grapple with the implications of their actions and the societal norms that shape them. The farmer’s twisted desires and fears culminate in nightmarish scenarios that blur the lines between agency and subjugation.
Controversy and Reception
Despite its artistic ambition, Horses has faced significant backlash, notably from Steam, which rejected the game for its perceived obscenity. This decision has sparked discussions about censorship and the boundaries of artistic expression in the gaming industry. Santa Ragione’s choice to publicize this controversy has inadvertently elevated the game’s profile, drawing attention to its provocative themes and the complexities of its narrative.
As players navigate the unsettling landscape of Horses, they are invited to reflect on the broader implications of media representation and the ways in which societal values are perpetuated through technology. The game serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics that govern both human relationships and the narratives we consume, challenging players to confront the uncomfortable truths embedded within the fabric of our shared cultural history.
Horses review
In a unique intersection of art and technology, Santa Ragione’s latest release, Horses, delves into the unsettling relationship between media and the human experience. Drawing inspiration from Eadweard Muybridge’s pioneering work in motion photography, the game explores themes of control and degradation through a lens that is both provocative and disquieting.
Artistic Foundations and Historical Context
Muybridge’s chronophotographs, particularly his famous sequences of galloping horses, were commissioned by industrialist Leland Stanford, who sought to enhance his understanding of equine movement for breeding purposes. This historical backdrop sets the stage for Horses, which critiques the commodification of bodies through media technologies from early cinema to contemporary video games.
Upon launching the game, players are greeted by a film projector, its mechanical whirring serving as a constant reminder of the medium’s influence on the narrative. The visual aesthetic is dominated by muted greys, contrasting with brief bursts of color, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and immersive. The soundscape, punctuated by eerie music reminiscent of horror films, further enhances the unsettling experience.
Gameplay Mechanics and Themes
Set on a sprawling 3D farm, players assume the role of a young man tasked with laboring under the watchful eye of a grotesque farmer. The gameplay incorporates elements typical of farming simulations, yet it continually pulls players back into a cinematic realm where dialogue is conveyed through title cards and actions are illustrated with scratchy footage. This interplay between traditional gaming mechanics and cinematic representation creates a unique tension.
The “horses” in the game, depicted as human figures in masks, evoke a chilling commentary on the historical treatment of marginalized bodies. Players are tasked with rounding up these figures, a process that reduces them to mere inventory items, echoing the dehumanization inherent in both the game’s narrative and the broader societal context it critiques.
The Farmer and the Dynamics of Power
The farmer character embodies a disturbing amalgamation of grotesque traits, presenting a figure that is both repulsive and oddly compelling. His interactions with the player are laden with a sense of dominance, as he assigns menial tasks that reveal the underlying power dynamics at play. The narrative unfolds in a manner that challenges players to confront their own complicity in the system, as choices often lead to disempowerment rather than empowerment.
As the story progresses, themes of sexuality and control emerge, particularly in the farmer’s obsession with the “horses.” The game navigates complex moral landscapes, forcing players to grapple with the implications of their actions and the societal norms that shape them. The farmer’s twisted desires and fears culminate in nightmarish scenarios that blur the lines between agency and subjugation.
Controversy and Reception
Despite its artistic ambition, Horses has faced significant backlash, notably from Steam, which rejected the game for its perceived obscenity. This decision has sparked discussions about censorship and the boundaries of artistic expression in the gaming industry. Santa Ragione’s choice to publicize this controversy has inadvertently elevated the game’s profile, drawing attention to its provocative themes and the complexities of its narrative.
As players navigate the unsettling landscape of Horses, they are invited to reflect on the broader implications of media representation and the ways in which societal values are perpetuated through technology. The game serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics that govern both human relationships and the narratives we consume, challenging players to confront the uncomfortable truths embedded within the fabric of our shared cultural history.