Tacoma review: A compact, character-driven sci-fi investigation
Unlike Gone Home, Tacoma, from Fullbright, is a narrative-driven sci-fi adventure about recovering an AI from an abandoned lunar station. Players use an augmented reality playback system to move through 3D recordings, rewind and fast-forward scenes, and piece together a six-person crew's final days from environmental evidence. The package includes a voiced cast, zero-gravity hub segments, branching paths, and Commentary Mode with developer audio. It suits players who prefer short, investigative narrative sessions.
What kind of game is Tacoma?
Tacoma is a single-player narrative adventure that frames investigation as the primary activity. You play Amitjyoti 'Amy' Ferrier, a contractor sent to retrieve the station's AI, ODIN, and sensitive data, and you reconstruct the crew's final days by examining recordings and objects. The design removes combat and standard puzzles; the playable challenge is assembling timeline and motives from traces, which suits players who enjoy careful observation rather than action.
How replayable is the story?
The structure encourages returning to scenes from different points of view, since following alternate characters during the same recorded moment reveals missing information. A typical playthrough lasts two to five hours depending on how thoroughly you explore, and Commentary Mode supplies over two hours of developer audio for additional context. Critics and users praise the writing and playback mechanics, though some users note the short run-time as a common limitation.
What does the station feel and sound like?
The station's design favors small personal traces over spectacle, every email, mug, and workstation creating a sense of inhabitance rather than set dressing. Voice performances add emotional texture that helps the investigation, while onboard audio cues direct attention across compartments. Brief zero-gravity segments alter movement and sightlines in the central hub, changing how you navigate spaces. Tacoma is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
In summary: who should play Tacoma?
Tacoma is an affecting choice for players who prefer concentrated, character-led science fiction investigations over combat-driven titles. It rewards attention to dialogue and the station's traces, yet the two-to-five hour run-time reduces appeal for players seeking sprawling exploration. The game best fits listeners and detectives who value narrative precision and emotional nuance in single-session, focused play rather than long-form open worlds.
