ZA/UM’sDisco Elysiumwas originally released in 2019 to critical acclaim and wide levels of fan appreciation. The game is considered by many to be a pure role-playing experience, with a host of choices and developmental opportunities for the protagonist. The developer, ZA/UM, has been open about the influence of the role-playing game classic,Planescape: Torment,whose impact can be seen early on with the amnesiac player character.Disco Elysiumhad a variety of influences, from TV shows likeThe Wireto the artistic works of Rembrandt, and there are some characteristics in common with David Lynch’sTwin Peaksas well.
The game recently enjoyed some further success withthe release ofDisco Elysium:The Final Cut.This update added more character and voice acting to the game, in addition to several sociopolitical quests. This is a free update for players who have previously bought the game on PC, and it’s a brand new release for PlayStation 4 and 5. There is a whole new audience experiencing the game for the first time, and perhaps more gamers who are spotting the links between it andTwin Peaks.In several ways,Disco Elysiumtakes influence and shares similarities with the iconic TV show while remaining wholly unique.
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Disco Elysium’s Paranormal Aspects
One of the most immediate similarities betweenDisco ElysiumandTwin Peaksis the emphasis on the paranormal. During the opening ofDisco Elysium,players experience the supernatural elements in full force with the protagonist’s body and mind trying to wake him from his stupor. Conversations with parts of the character’s mind and body, in addition to hallucinations and all manner of strange happenings. WithDisco Elysiumnow being available on PlayStation and Stadia, some gamers are experiencing its surreal themes for the first time.
Muchlike the celebratedTwin Peaks, Disco Elysiumembraces the bizarre with varying degrees, depending on a gamer’s play style.Disco Elysiummirrors the premise ofTwin Peaksin some respects. Both the game and the show follow a law enforcement official who is charged with investigating a murder while also dealing with peculiar events happening in the central location. The relationship between the paranormal and the core objective inDisco Elysiumcould be appealing to fans ofTwin Peaks.
Weird and Wonderful Characters
Disco Elysiumboasts a well-received narrative structure, and a crucial element of it is the cast of characters. There is a wide variety of characters in the game who possess wildly different personalities, outlooks, and unique styles. The inhabitants of Revachol are comparable to those inTwin Peaksin some key ways.
Often these characters will express themselves in seemingly vague ways and have complex interpersonal connections to each other. Some characters will help the heroes outright, but often they want to look after their own self-interests or simply perplex the protagonists. The denizens of Revachol inDisco ElysiumandTwin Peaksare intricate creations, often characterized through unconventional and surreal means.
It’s a Murder Mystery
For all the surreal elements,imbibing, and adult activities possible inDisco Elysium,it’s a murder mystery at its core much likeTwin Peaks.Beneath the surface of unhinged individuals and surrealist moments lies a murder case that needs to be solved, and that’s true for bothDisco ElysiumandTwin Peaks.The protagonist ofDisco Elysiumis in stark contrast with the professionalism of Dale Cooper inTwin Peaks,but both heroes must navigate an outlandish world to complete their main mission.
While the challenges are different, both the game and the TV show revolve around a murder mystery situation embellished with fantastical flair. For those who enjoy a good mystery game,Disco Elysiumcould sate that appetite as well.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cutis a great way for new players to experience the critically-acclaimed RPG game. The new content and release on more platforms provide a great excuse to jump into the game. For fans of TV, players might find some similarities withTwin Peaks.Members of the development team are said to be huge fans, and that influence shines through in certain areas. The paranormal events, cast of strange characters, and central mystery strike a lot of the same chords asTwin Peakswhile retaining a unique identity. While the game and TV show are different and original, there are some common characteristics between them.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cutis available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Stadia.
