If you’re a Netflix subscriber, you've likely already delved into the latest season of Black Mirror. Season 7, which dropped all six episodes yesterday, has garnered positive reviews across the board. While the series itself is captivating, my attention is drawn to Netflix's newest game, inspired by the show: Black Mirror: Thronglets.
Black Mirror: Thronglets Is Based on Season 7’s Episode 4
If you've watched Episode 4, you're familiar with the unsettling atmosphere it brings. For those who haven't, let's dive into a brief overview. Set in 2034, the story quickly shifts back to 1994, focusing on Cameron Walker, portrayed by Peter Capaldi. Starting in custody for shoplifting, the narrative unfolds to explore themes of childhood trauma, obsession, admiration, and the signature Black Mirror twist of being inside a simulation.
Black Mirror: Thronglets is inspired by the retro pixelated virtual pet simulation game featured in the episode, originally developed in the 90s by Colin Ritman, the Tuckersoft developer known from other Black Mirror episodes like Bandersnatch and Nosedive. Adapted for mobile by Night School, one of Netflix’s game studios, it begins similarly to a Tamagotchi but quickly evolves into a more profound, existential experience.
In Thronglets, you interact with digital pets, or rather, *digital life forms*. These entities evolve and learn from your actions, starting as a single pixel blob and eventually forming a full Throng, each with a mind of its own.
The Game Is Watching You Too
As you engage more with the game, it observes your decisions and behaviors, eventually providing a personality test based on your interactions with your Throng. This feature allows you to compare results with friends, adding a social element to the experience.
Both Black Mirror: Thronglets and the episode it's based on delve into themes of memory, digital legacy, and isolation. The episode itself is deeply emotional and dark, resonating with fans of the series. If you're intrigued by Black Mirror or looking to explore a new game, consider downloading Thronglets from the Google Play Store.
For more gaming news, don't miss our coverage on Chasing Kaleidorider, which blends romance and high-speed action and is now open for pre-registration.
