I finished Norco two years ago and I still cannot believe how much real estate it occupies in my mind. Never have I seen a game with a setting so far removed from my reality resonate with me on such a deep level. The sheer visual strength of the cloudy skies burning orange, the industrial rot so eerily palpable even when out of sight, the nighttime cityscapes that feel familiar but also morphed into something indescribable, Norco has such an overwhelmingly strong sense of place that it almost struggles to register as fiction in my consciousness. It doesn't take a lot of creativity to see past the robots and other abstract notions of artificial intelligence as a stand-in for corporate malefactors and religious zealotry, but the imagery, writing and execution are still striking and often downright disarming. It's an environment soaked in sin, the industrial oligarchs with blood on their hands often being, paradoxically, both perpetrator and victim, while the lower classes have no choice but to drown in that blood.

This political reality certainly informs the circumstances of the Madère family but doesn't strictly facilitate them. Norco is, among everything else, a very intimate exploration of what it means to exist within a family in a brutally pragmatic way. It deals with intensely complicated but profound emotions that take a lot of time to pick apart and even then are very hard to describe. This confusing mess of relationships and loose familial bonds is the thematic center of the entire story, encapsulated beautifully in the strange and deeply melancholic dynamic between Kay and her late mother.

These two elements congeal in an almost haunting experience, one dominated by an undercurrent of anger, uncertainty and longing, a feeling that reaches its climax during the game's truly bizarre ending. I don't fully get what the ending is trying to say specifically, whether it's a commentary on apathy and abandonment or a stance on a world simply too poisoned and decrepit to stay in, but it's an unexpectedly bold way to end a story that felt so grounded and pragmatic. Maybe, this very sober confrontation was the wrong way of going about everything.

NORCO, developed by Geography of Robots and published by Raw Fury, is an evocative and deeply atmospheric point-and-click adventure that transports players to a dystopian vision of Louisiana’s industrial heartland. The game’s narrative weaves a haunting tale grounded in both the intimate and the expansive—rooted in the personal story of a young woman named Kay who returns home after her mother’s passing, yet stretching out into broader themes of environmental decay, corporate greed, and the cultural fallout of modernization. This blend of the deeply personal with sharp social commentary makes NORCO stand apart from many narrative-driven games, offering an experience that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

The world of NORCO is one of contrasts and contradictions, vividly brought to life through its unique pixel art style, which has been affectionately dubbed “petroleum blues.” The visuals skillfully balance the natural beauty of Louisiana’s bayous and sprawling wetlands with the stark, oppressive presence of sprawling oil refineries and decaying urban spaces. This aesthetic choice is not just decorative but thematic, underscoring the environmental and economic consequences that loom large over the region and the characters within the story. The pixel art style evokes a nostalgic sense of classic adventure games while simultaneously feeling fresh and modern, enriched by intricate details that invite players to explore every corner of the world.

Narratively, NORCO unfolds as a rich tapestry of interconnected stories. Kay’s search for her missing brother becomes a gateway into a sprawling mystery that involves everything from secretive corporate machinations to enigmatic cults and synthetic beings seeking their own place in this fractured world. The writing is sharp and poetic, filled with moments of quiet reflection as well as tense confrontations. Dialogue and environmental storytelling work hand in hand to deepen immersion, and the game trusts the player to piece together the narrative without overt exposition. This subtlety in storytelling enhances the game's emotional impact, allowing themes of grief, identity, and community to emerge organically through player exploration.

Gameplay in NORCO stays true to the conventions of classic point-and-click adventures, emphasizing exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. However, it also integrates elements of interactive fiction and occasional turn-based combat, adding layers of complexity without detracting from the core narrative experience. The puzzles are thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction with the world’s unique characters and technologies, fostering a sense of discovery that is both rewarding and sometimes challenging. Some players might find the pacing uneven at points, with certain story beats feeling rushed, but this is balanced by the richness of the world-building and the depth of character development.

Complementing the narrative and visuals is NORCO’s evocative soundtrack, composed by Gewgawly I, which perfectly captures the mood of the game. The music shifts fluidly between eerie, atmospheric compositions and more energetic tracks, mirroring the emotional journey of Kay as she navigates through loss, danger, and revelation. The sound design also plays a critical role in immersing players, with environmental sounds that make the industrial landscapes feel alive and foreboding, and voice acting that adds warmth and nuance to character interactions.

Overall, NORCO is a standout title that combines storytelling, art, and gameplay into a cohesive whole that is as thought-provoking as it is beautiful. It addresses timely themes such as environmental degradation, cultural displacement, and technological alienation with subtlety and heart, never losing sight of its human core. For players seeking a narrative experience that challenges conventions and invites deep reflection, NORCO offers a haunting and unforgettable journey through a world where the past and future collide in haunting ways.

Rating: 9/10

A beautiful, beautiful game. Among the most interesting I've played. I will think of it often.