Concierge is a game that knows what it is, but does its very best to not want you to. It’s surreal by nature, non-linear, and confusing. Wandering around the hotel without any clear objectives and being left in the dark with what you’re supposed to do is just part of the plan. In the gaming space, this is almost unheard of these days. In reality, this is something we do in everyday life. Moving through life from one day to the next, finding our own path. Kodino aren’t a team of revolutionaries; they are realists.
We have become reliant on being given everything on a platter. Go here. Find this. Here’s the answer, now move on to the next mission or goal. Whether you find the absence of full support refreshing or annoying, Concierge is one of those games I can’t get enough of. I won’t lie and say I didn’t get annoyed at times, but I was grateful for being given the time to explore this creepy hotel in my own way. This isn’t something we see a lot of, and whenever developers try to approach something in a new way, I’ll always be a supporter of that.
You start Concierge in a hotel room. There’s no tutorial or guide. No story as such and no perception of what your role in it is. The point-and-click gameplay is the only thing you can be sure of. As you wander the halls of the hotel, reminiscent of The Overlook Hotel in The Shining, nothing seems normal. You’re left with an empty feeling inside, unsure where the next doorway will lead. There are various items to find, though. Some have a clear use, such as the camcorder, while others aren’t as obvious at first.
The camcorder lets you see areas differently through its lens. Revealing clues through its grainy viewpoint, it becomes something that helps you understand a little of what you’re dealing with. The hotel is empty except from the concierge, but his nature is a touch unsettling. He’ll appear and disappear at what feels like random. Never being sure of your surroundings, and never knowing where to go next, Concierge leaves you to your own devices. In time, you’ll find keys to different rooms and then take part in various minigames.
These minigames change how you play completely. Some are downright irritating while others offer some inventive ideas for how to solve them. There are various coins scattered around the hotel, and these can be used to provide hints on how to solve puzzles. You’re never told this. It’s one of many rewards for exploring and figuring things out for yourself. When you do meet new characters, their stories are told in interesting ways that give you satisfaction for finding the answers Concierge seems desperate to hide.
The hand-drawn art style works wonders for the atmosphere. There’s something not right about this hotel, and having everything drawn with a surrealist’s edge adds to the creepiness. I always say horror takes many forms. Kodino has chosen the Twin Peaks approach, leaving you with a feeling of unease at every opportune moment. The soundtrack is also one that works wonders for the game, never letting you rest in the silence. While it’s tough to put your finger on, the uncomfortable feel in the pit of your stomach can never be shaken.
Concierge is a tough game to crack. You’re given very little in the way of help. I wandered the halls a lot just to find some kind of clue to cling to. Many will be put off by this. It’s not an easy game to spend time with if you want help straight away. Putting your time and effort into trial and error is a given, but despite those times when you feel lost, the satisfaction of success is unlike any horror I’ve played in some time. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. Regardless, it is a brave point-and-click story with some great ideas if you can find them.