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Comments (59)

What do you think?

No offense to the programmer, but this isn't a game, at all. You can basically press the right arrow key the entire time, maybe occasionally press up or down to avoid a log.

The reason this "game" has 4.5 stars at the time of this review is because people like the story, which is truly amazing. The thing is, all of the credit, 100% of it, goes to Ambrose Bierce, the American Civil War author who penned the original masterpiece.

So to reiterate, this isn't a game. If you want to get the basic gist of the story without spending 20 minutes reading, then by all means, play. If, however, you'd like to experience something magnificent, something which stirs the soul and evokes inward reflection and outward exhilaration for being alive, stick with the short story.

There are dozens of places to acquire this text, but here's a link for those interested: http://fiction.eserver.org/short/occurrence_at_owl_creek.html

TO THE PROGRAMMER: I mean you no disrespect, but again, this isn't a game, it's a visual retelling of the short story: an 8-bit recreation of the movie, but nothing more. You already know that adding the possibility for failure, some form of mini-game or skill-based game, or anything else which requires one to do more than just press RIGHT would allow your game to deserve the title. I don't think this effort is pure crap, nor am I angry for your attempt. I wish you all the best with your future endeavors.

An interesting, immersive take on the original story. Not a game strictly speaking, but a great, interactive experience nonetheless. Nice work!

Good story.

It was alright, but I was expecting a lot more to happen. There wasn't much gameplay to it, it would've made a really great short film.

I love this. I played it a few years ago, but I recently thought about it again and had to replay it.
https://youtu.be/At3-U4A0KHI

Game Soundtrack

1 song

An Occurrence: The Escape
ย 

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a short 5 to 10 minute game adaptation of the Civil War story by the same name written by Ambrose Bierce.

Besides the title screen, there are no words within the game spoken or written, allowing the player to immerse themselves within the story.

The original story can be read here.


Won Silver Medal at Serious Play Conference
Won Most Meaningful Game at 2014 Meaningful Play Conference
Featured on FreeIndieGam.es
Featured on DIYGamer
Freeware Pick on IndieGames
Displayed at ArtScape
Interview about at OrdinaryGamer
Reviewed on JayIsGames
Very generous write up at Beefjack
Displayed at the Smithsonian Pop-up Arcade
Displayed at Different Games
Displayed in Blank Arcade at DIGRA 2014
Displayed at GLS 11

โ€œA testament to how video games can be used to tell a story.โ€œ
โ€“ IndieGameMag

โ€œItโ€™s thought-provoking and emotionally gripping, should you let it beโ€œ
โ€“ IndieStatik

โ€œIt embodies something very rare in gaming today โ€“ a very strong and compelling message that demonstrates how game design can be an art and how video games can be used to tell a story.โ€œ
โ€“ 30PlusGamer

โ€œIt appears Jamesโ€ฆ has succeeded in blurring the distinction between reading a story and actually being put in the role of the protagonist.โ€œ
โ€“ GamesWarp


Game 9 of 100 in 5 years

#retro #survival
#adventure



teen
Cartoon Violence
Mild Realistic Violence

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is part of the Smithsonian Indie Arcade!

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge wins Most Meaningful Game at Meaningful Play Conference!

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge; Now with Joystick Support and other things!

Medal at Serious Play Conference!