Passage 3.1 - iPhone - iPod Touch - 300702040 Category: Games Author: Jason Rohrer Vote(s): 469 Price: $0.99 Released: December 23, 2008 Version: 3.1 Download Passage Get Passage for $0.99
Passage - Jason Rohrer
The critically-acclaimed breakout-hit from art game designer Jason Rohrer. Passage is a tiny, touching, five-minute game about life.
"More than any game I've ever played, it illustrates how a game can be a fantastically expressive, artistic vehicle for exploring the human condition." -- Clive Thompson, Wired
"Passage may look primitive but it's an absolute pinnacle of videogame development." --Andy Chalk, The Escapist
"Portal is a fine game---nothing less than excellent... Passage is even better." --Nick Montfort, MIT
You can read an in-depth profile of Jason Rohrer, along with an extensive discussion of Passage, in Esquire Magazine's December 2008 "Genius" issue. 2008 Placed in Public Domain
Passage reviewed by Users
Poignance Pixelated A 'concept' game, which renders the concept of 'games' as mentally & emotionally banal as the entire video game industry truly is... A digital revelation rendered in pixelated brushstrokes.
I have faith that others will truly appreciate having their synapses re-arranged, as I have, by this creation. Give it time, & much much consideration, soon the 'game' starts to creep into your sub-concsious mind & work it's subtle & beguiling magic. Yet, there will be many many nay-sayers, whiners, & 'haters' who will not 'get it.' Their loss. I can hear it now (& chuckle):
'The graphics are awful...'
'Why do I only get a sliver for a screen?'
'I keep getting lost in the maze...'
'Why are some of the treasure chests filled with flies!? WTF!?...'
'My wife doesn't let me go where I want, she gets in the way...'
'I want my dollar back, what a rip-off...'
'I get it, but what's the point...'
'The graphics are awful!!!'
It only illustrates that the true message of Passage is too immense to wrap their heads around. That is to say: the true message isn't capable of ever be truly understood... The message being at once that simple & that complex. Which, is an essential key to opening the door to the world of true art, something that all previous video 'game' creations have been (unwilling &) unable to unlock.
Btw, the seemingly simple graphics & their densely packed metaphors are magnificent. The way the pixels of the 'future' are blurry & accumulate over time into a 'past' of compressed memories & experiences (which somehow eerily mirrors what used to be your blurry future) is nothing short of astounding & magical... That is, unless, of course, you don't 'get it'...
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
aeranth
Hipster Gold Need to remind yourself that you are more sophisticated and emotionally complex than the average everyday tetris playing chump? This game is for you. Strap on your sneakers, distressed jeans, ironic T-shirt and sports coat and whip this gem out at your local starbucks for maximum smug hipster fun. Or, go pay a homeless man a dollar for a poem. Either way, you know you and your hybrid vehicle are the future.
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Version 3.1
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Jan 11, 2009
- Passage review by
The Thugnificent Professor Magnifico
A thought provoking insight on life! Passage really puts things in perspective. The book of our life has a beginning and end, but it's up to us to write the rest. It's an eye opening message to see thoughts that linger in the back of our minds, expressed visually. It's great that this is on the app store now, as I can finally show more people this amazing experience!
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
Buttonbasher.net
Powerful stuff There's nothing quite like Passage on the app store.. Or anywhere else.
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Version 3
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Dec 29, 2008
- Passage review by
Tasty K
Gaming Poetry This is a short and simple game that is like a good novel in a couple minutes. I've followed Jason Rohrer's games for years and they are always thought provoking. Thank you App Store for adding PASSAGE.
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Version 3
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Dec 29, 2008
- Passage review by
TheChiefSource
Not a game; it's art. "Passage" is unique in that it attempts to inspire you to think of and consider life. It is a game in that it is interactive and the choices you make do change the overall experience of your (short) life. Considering it only lasts for a few minutes at a time, it is surprisingly replayable; however what you get out of it will vary. As a game it is little more than walking, exploring, and searching for treasure. But as art it is much more.. Some will hate this. Others will appreciate it but forget about it quickly. Others will keep coming back to it. If you're still not convinced you can play it online for free.
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Version 3
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Dec 29, 2008
- Passage review by
Austin George
Not a game but interesting More of a modern art piece then a game, well worth the .99 to support new ideas.
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
Matesamo
It's a trap Although it has won critical praise, this is a shining example of "the emperors new clothes" effect. The game is awful, a waste of time and money, and just plain stupid.
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Version 3
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Dec 29, 2008
- Passage review by
Tortfeasor-1973
Terrible It's offensive that the developer is charging for this garbage. Ok, the game is a metaphor and and artistic statement- just not a clever, thought provoking, or even mildly interesting one. If you want to check this game out, it's available for free online, and the iPhone adds nothing to it to make it more (or at all) interesting.
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
New SMB Fan
I came at this game with an open mind. I had read many reviews saying that this game spoke more deeply of the human condition than any other game.This game dissapointed me big time. All you do is walk forward. Some of the background changes. You find a wife and she walks with you. The n after about 5 minutes of holding the right key, you both die. Thats it. Thats all there is to the game. The people who wrote the reviews saying its deep dont know what there talking about.
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
DualWillard
Nothing You walk, then you die. I want my dollar back.
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Version 3
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Dec 28, 2008
- Passage review by
cmsJustin
It's 98% art, 2% game If you look online, you'll find a devoted following for this "game." However, there are just as many people who hate it (myself included).I get what the author was trying to do (and I won't spoil it here). My interpretation is that it's more an emotional exercise and reflection than it is a game. But that's the point -- Passage is exactly as you interpret it to be. Apparently, many people find it to be an interesting thought experiment that evokes strong emotional responses. I didn't.Personally, I found it to be an interesting metaphor but not at all an interesting application nor game. If such a program moves someone to tears (as recounted by several players), I fear perhaps we've all become too sociopathic. I won't say it's not worth the $0.99, as it's apparently worth much more to many people. But for me personally, I found it to be a waste of five minutes and a dollar.
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Version 3.1
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Feb 8, 2009
- Passage review by
Deg
iPhone and iPod Touch Applications from Jason Rohrer
Primrose - iPhone Games Application Top 20 iPhone games of all time. --Edge Magazine
"Brilliant... a beautiful, sophisticated game" (9/10, Gold Award) --Pocket Gamer UK
"A stand-out puzzler... it definitely has the stuff to become a new puzzle classic." --iPhone Games Network
"A surprisingly deep and varied puzzle game that's... Jason Rohrer - Released: February 19, 2009 - Vote(s): 90
$2.99
Passage - iPhone Games Application The critically-acclaimed breakout-hit from art game designer Jason Rohrer. Passage is a tiny, touching, five-minute game about life.
"More than any game I've ever played, it illustrates how a game can be a fantastically expressive, artistic vehicle for exploring the human condition." -- Clive... Jason Rohrer - Released: December 23, 2008 - Vote(s): 469
