So I played Virginia and it was......[HEAVY MAJOR SPOILERS INSIDE]

[SweetShark]

Very, very, very, VERY weird!
When I was in the last part of the game, I was very dumbfounded to react properly the first time I experienced it.....
In other words, is one of this game that leave you work around the story with your personal insight.
But sadly I can see equally others players will hate the ending. Even me I was close to give up in the game at this point. The contrast between the normal beggining with the weird ending was BIG!
Other than that, gladly the game other good positives: The music and atmosphare are great, the characterisation of various characters work even there is not a single line of dialog, and a Videogame Movie work like a dream.
If you expect a videogame like L.A. Noire, then it is a pass. If you don't mind the short gameplay [2-3 hours max], but a lot of mystery and well directed game, then I suggest you to wait a good discount to buy.
7/10. Good.

Spoiler: HEAVY SPOILERS

Ok. Here we go. Here what I think about the ending:
First we must "decipher" is the symbolism of the Bison and the Red Bird you costantly meet in the game. Bison in my opinion mean Truth. There are some good hints very early as well. But the most important ones are two: The first one was with the Bison Doll given by your partner. Immidiently after this, your partner saw the files you kept secret from her.
And of course the time you saw the Bison get ready to sacrificed by the cult and in the end by you. Both the Police Officer, the Politician, your Boss, the Priest and You "killed" the truth. However all of them [with the exception the asshole Priest], were sad for covering up the truth about the "alien abduction".
Yes, the UFO we saw taking the boy was away was the official missing report. This is more obvious that immidiently after the abduction, we see the same scene, but with the boy running away from you.
YOU are the one who reported the missing of the child. From the very beggining you were sended to deal with your other partner because see was a problem with her illegal investigations.
But......along the way while you had the mindset to betray your partner and get get some clues she find from her......you see the Red Bird.
The bird is really special case. I think is symbolize two things:
The first obviously [for me] symbolization is the red door. The "Focus" she investigate with her partner. When I said Focus I mean "Duty". Duty doing the right thing. Revealing at last the truth. In many instances we saw the bird dead. This only happened when your character wanted to hide something or she was fearing facing was is correct. In other words maybe, just maybe the bird represent your dead father.
Now here is the kicker: 100% I believe this is a VERY important meaning of the bird, or in other words, The Northern Cardinal:
*after a lot of search I found this*

"The Cherokee believe that the cardinal is the daughter of the sun. Legend has it that if you see a cardinal flying upward, toward the sun, you will have good luck. Conversely, if you see it flying down toward the earth, watch out for bad luck."

http://www.manataka.org/page2617.html

Now why is this VERY important. IF you follow the story you will learn at some point Mother Sun lost her daugher and she was hiding putting the whole Earth into darkness.
Let say for now the Mother Sun is your partner and the Daughter of sun is the other girl we saw, the one who had been paralyzed it seems.
At some point the tail say about SEVEN MEN trying to bring the ghost of daughter's sun.
Seven people......lets count!!!
The Priest, Your Boss, The Sherrif, The Mayor, The general, you..........and YOUR FATHER!!!

To bring the Daughter of Sun back, they should had her inside a box and NOT OPEN IT ever.
The Box let say is the same box your father had in his room.

I really want to say more about it, but truth is I get really tired.....Maybe later.
Cheers!!!

 

[SweetShark]

....and It seems I f*cked up for putting the Thread here....
Mod, can you please put it in the Gaming Section?

 

[Neurotic Void Melody]

It does look like an interesting experience and am hoping to get it soon, so am unable to spoil myself. The demo showcased the style that won me over. How it tells so much with so little; simple graphics, silent characters, gestures, movements, music and well designed areas to make sure the player is somehow viewing enough information of their own agency. That design takes skill and effort to pull off. It looks like the quiet, contemplative sort of game where you need to be alone, relaxed and very thinky.

The only problem is what I have already seen, the gatekeeping style of some gamers are already turning their nose up at this and dismissing it as something that shouldn't have been a game. The thing is that it falls under the "walking simulator" description, which instantly draws out many who cannot wait to tell everyone else how the mere existence of it is insulting to them, their mum, their cat and their outdoor bin. So, umm, what I'm trying to say is be prepared. There is a lot of instant negativity this type of game draws. I can already feel there will probably be people already gearing up their "but it's not a 'game'" remarks, as if it makes any difference to anybody's opinion by parroting it. Also, I hear ppl labeling it an "sjw" game (a double whammy of hate for the unfortunate thing), which was not at all what I got from any impression, so that's a weird one.

 

[SweetShark]

It does look like an interesting experience and am hoping to get it soon, so am unable to spoil myself. The demo showcased the style that won me over. How it tells so much with so little; simple graphics, silent characters, gestures, movements, music and well designed areas to make sure the player is somehow viewing enough information of their own agency. That design takes skill and effort to pull off. It looks like the quiet, contemplative sort of game where you need to be alone, relaxed and very thinky.

The only problem is what I have already seen, the gatekeeping style of some gamers are already turning their nose up at this and dismissing it as something that shouldn't have been a game. The thing is that it falls under the "walking simulator" description, which instantly draws out many who cannot wait to tell everyone else how the mere existence of it is insulting to them, their mum, their cat and their outdoor bin. So, umm, what I'm trying to say is be prepared. There is a lot of instant negativity this type of game draws. I can already feel there will probably be people already gearing up their "but it's not a 'game'" remarks, as if it makes any difference to anybody's opinion by parroting it. Also, I hear ppl labeling it an "sjw" game (a double whammy of hate for the unfortunate thing), which was not at all what I got from any impression, so that's a weird one.

Yeah...
There are a lot of people who have a mindset of "OH! This is a walking simulator! Well then...f*ck off!!!". One of my favorite games are Gone Home......and you saw how well it goes....
Yeah, a lot of effort go to make this game feel "right" in a way as I said. However as I said it wasn't perfect. If the game could explain itself a little better for sure it would get a better score from me.
That why I suggest you and other maybe get the game around 5-7 euros max.

 

[Silentpony_v1legacy]

I dunno. I'm very wary of games that require my personal life experiences to make sense of it. It feels like the writers couldn't come up with a story, so they went for that ever vague, ever infuriating 'Well, what do you think it means?'
Fuck you, I paid for the game, you tell me the story!
And it always leads to arguments because everyone has different experiences, so the plot translate differently for each of them. And when people are arguing vastly different interpretations of a plot, I'd argue there really isn't a plot.

Especially a game that requires outside obscure research to make sense. What's the line from the Nostalgia Critic? Ask me what it means! Ask me what it means!

I might get around to it, but I get the feeling I'll be saying 'Oh for fucks sake' a lot.

 

[Neurotic Void Melody]

Yeah...
There are a lot of people who have a mindset of "OH! This is a walking simulator! Well then...f*ck off!!!". One of my favorite games are Gone Home......and you saw how well it goes....
Yeah, a lot of effort go to make this game feel "right" in a way as I said. However as I said it wasn't perfect. If the game could explain itself a little better for sure it would get a better score from me.
That why I suggest you and other maybe get the game around 5-7 euros max.

Well, it's already pretty cheap for me at the moment, but the length is probably the one thing making me hold back for a sale. I kinda like stories that allow the imagination to mull and think, it exercises that area and is almost like a meta game. The story does actually tell a lot so far, but it's what the rest of it does that may anger some. Whatever that is. I dont know. But the experiences that make you think are the ones that keep with you a long time afterwards. I already think in perhaps overly abstract ways (not a choice, unfortunately), so maybe it feeds off that mindset more than others. For an unknown title, it looks pleasantly surprising. Just got to wait for more disposable income and juicy sale.

 

[SweetShark]

I dunno. I'm very wary of games that require my personal life experiences to make sense of it. It feels like the writers couldn't come up with a story, so they went for that ever vague, ever infuriating 'Well, what do you think it means?'
Fuck you, I paid for the game, you tell me the story!
And it always leads to arguments because everyone has different experiences, so the plot translate differently for each of them. And when people are arguing vastly different interpretations of a plot, I'd argue there really isn't a plot.

Especially a game that requires outside obscure research to make sense. What's the line from the Nostalgia Critic? Ask me what it means! Ask me what it means!

I might get around to it, but I get the feeling I'll be saying 'Oh for fucks sake' a lot.

Oh, for sure my personal interpretation for some parts of the story are 100% different from others. And the sad thing is because I liked the weirdness of the game, I put the effort to dig for a more deep meaning in the game.
For the people who aren't so keen to search for a story....oh boy, they will hate this game HARD!!!
Also if you decide to play the game, I think most of the time you will yell "WTF!". Many times. "Oh for fucks sake" maybe in the end if you hate it.

 

[Pyrian]

There are a lot of people who have a mindset of "OH! This is a walking simulator! Well then...f*ck off!!!".

It's one thing to say "I don't like this sort of thing and I'm not going to buy it", it's quite another thing to say it shouldn't exist or that nobody should buy it. Personally, not into it, but if other people like it, I'm okay with that.

 

[SweetShark]

There are a lot of people who have a mindset of "OH! This is a walking simulator! Well then...f*ck off!!!".

It's one thing to say "I don't like this sort of thing and I'm not going to buy it", it's quite another thing to say it shouldn't exist or that nobody should buy it. Personally, not into it, but if other people like it, I'm okay with that.

Of course I accept other peoples opinions on this matter. As I said I understand why many people will hate this game.
Like, I am a person who don't like games GTA, Halo, Gear of Wars and many other games which if I mention they will bash my head with a banhammer...
However when someone insulting the others how like a specific game, is a big no no.

 

[SweetShark]

Yeah...
There are a lot of people who have a mindset of "OH! This is a walking simulator! Well then...f*ck off!!!". One of my favorite games are Gone Home......and you saw how well it goes....
Yeah, a lot of effort go to make this game feel "right" in a way as I said. However as I said it wasn't perfect. If the game could explain itself a little better for sure it would get a better score from me.
That why I suggest you and other maybe get the game around 5-7 euros max.

Well, it's already pretty cheap for me at the moment, but the length is probably the one thing making me hold back for a sale. I kinda like stories that allow the imagination to mull and think, it exercises that area and is almost like a meta game. The story does actually tell a lot so far, but it's what the rest of it does that may anger some. Whatever that is. I dont know. But the experiences that make you think are the ones that keep with you a long time afterwards. I already think in perhaps overly abstract ways (not a choice, unfortunately), so maybe it feeds off that mindset more than others. For an unknown title, it looks pleasantly surprising. Just got to wait for more disposable income and juicy sale.

Jim Sterling just posted his own review.
It have some minor spoilers in my opinion, but if you want to see a more professional opinion for the game, here it is:

http://www.thejimquisition.com/virginia-review/

I think its lenght is exactly perfect for this kind of game. It is after all a game which plays like a movie.

 

[Saetha]

I dunno. I'm very wary of games that require my personal life experiences to make sense of it. It feels like the writers couldn't come up with a story, so they went for that ever vague, ever infuriating 'Well, what do you think it means?'
Fuck you, I paid for the game, you tell me the story!
And it always leads to arguments because everyone has different experiences, so the plot translate differently for each of them. And when people are arguing vastly different interpretations of a plot, I'd argue there really isn't a plot.

Especially a game that requires outside obscure research to make sense. What's the line from the Nostalgia Critic? Ask me what it means! Ask me what it means!

Yeah my feelings on it are pretty much this.

Pretty art style. Interesting directing. Decent soundtrack. The actual story - you know, the thing that has to carry the game since there's basically no game play - absolute nonsense. Artsy and "meaningful" for the sake of it, with little to no explanation as to what the hell's going on and little effort to make me actually give a damn about the characters involved.

Honestly, just play Firewatch. Similar low-poly art style, similar disappointment of a mystery story, but at least the characters in that were actually fun. On that note, what's with this glut of art games that have little game play and anti-climatic narratives? I don't hate on "walking simulators" on principal, but guys, at least put in a great story if you're going to do it.

I can't help but feel like these games are all trying to emulate Journey, but don't seem to understand why Journey worked.

 

[SweetShark]

I dunno. I'm very wary of games that require my personal life experiences to make sense of it. It feels like the writers couldn't come up with a story, so they went for that ever vague, ever infuriating 'Well, what do you think it means?'
Fuck you, I paid for the game, you tell me the story!
And it always leads to arguments because everyone has different experiences, so the plot translate differently for each of them. And when people are arguing vastly different interpretations of a plot, I'd argue there really isn't a plot.

Especially a game that requires outside obscure research to make sense. What's the line from the Nostalgia Critic? Ask me what it means! Ask me what it means!

Yeah my feelings on it are pretty much this.

Pretty art style. Interesting directing. Decent soundtrack. The actual story - you know, the thing that has to carry the game since there's basically no game play - absolute nonsense. Artsy and "meaningful" for the sake of it, with little to no explanation as to what the hell's going on and little effort to make me actually give a damn about the characters involved.

Honestly, just play Firewatch. Similar low-poly art style, similar disappointment of a mystery story, but at least the characters in that were actually fun. On that note, what's with this glut of art games that have little game play and anti-climatic narratives? I don't hate on "walking simulators" on principal, but guys, at least put in a great story if you're going to do it.

I can't help but feel like these games are all trying to emulate Journey, but don't seem to understand why Journey worked.

I played Firewatch myself and I would gave the same score like Virginia. 7/10.
The reason is even if indeed the heroes of the story have more characterisation through their dialog [I enjoy them too], it suffer with a major problem: no interactivity with 90% of the enviroment, like Virginia. However in Virginia you have a specific direction you must follow so you don't waste your time. In Firewatch if you don't look the map every 3 minutes [or less] you will get lost and you waste time without any purpouse....
However, and I will surprise you:

Spoiler: MAJOR SPOILER FOR FIREWATCH

Even if the story have a very simple structure so anyone can follow [father and son together in the woods, father killed son by mistake, father get crazy and become a hermit, the father decided to mess around with both of firewatchers for fun, etc], actually it have some moments which anyone can intepretate like in Virginia. Not equally mind you, but it can reach some levels of parania easily.
A popular theory is the girl who the hero was talking with, was also partner with the hermit. All these story was only to mess around with the "new guy".

Interesting game both of them. But I suggest again for a good discount for someone to buy these games.

 

[Johnny Novgorod]

I guess this is my own shortcoming but I'm just not interested in playing "walking simulators", chiefly because I'm not fully convinced that the best of them can rival the quality of, say, the weakest Hemingway story. Or Cheever. Or Raymond Carver.