Twelve Minutes

 

I have always loved time loops in stories, although recently I have read many who argue exactly the opposite. There is certainly no denying that time and its manipulation have given rise to a number of beautiful stories that have remained in our collective imagination.

Back to the Future, among all, but if we want to stay in the field of time loops, it is impossible not to mention the beautiful movie Groundhog Day, with a fantastic Bill Murray, or the more recent Source Code, Looper, or Edge of Tomorrow.

The entrance to our apartment...

12 Minutes is a gripping indie game developed by Luis Antonio and published by Annapurna Interactive. Luis Antonio, a former artist at Rockstar Games and Ubisoft, took the leap into the indie scene with this title, bringing a wealth of experience in crafting visually and narratively compelling games. This psychological thriller is a testament to Antonio's ambition to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. Released in 2021, the game stands out for its unique blend of point-and-click mechanics and time-loop narrative, offering players a deeply immersive and unsettling experience.

The game was initially developed for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox platforms, and then released on other platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. I personally played it on an iPad.

Annapurna Interactive, known for publishing other critically acclaimed indie games such as What Remains of Edith Finch and Outer Wilds, has established itself as a champion of artistic and innovative gaming experiences. Their partnership with Luis Antonio for 12 Minutes highlights their commitment to supporting creators who dare to explore new avenues in game design.

Let's just say that the evening didn't get off to a great start

As an indie game, 12 Minutes is a powerful reminder of how smaller, passion-driven projects can offer players something profoundly different from mainstream titles. With its minimalist design, intense atmosphere, and thought-provoking narrative, it has carved out a unique space in the gaming world, attracting both casual players and those looking for a more cerebral experience.

I will break the time loop this time..
Or maybe not..

One of the standout features of this game is its exceptional voice acting, which adds a layer of depth and realism to the game’s tense narrative. The characters are brought to life by a talented cast of well-known actors, including James McAvoy, who voices the protagonist, Daisy Ridley, who portrays the protagonist’s wife, and Willem Dafoe, who plays the enigmatic intruder. Their performances enhance the emotional weight of the story, making the unfolding mystery all the more gripping and immersive.

The Story (no spoiler)

The game begins with you, the protagonist, returning home to your small apartment where you’re greeted by your wife. What seems like a normal evening quickly takes a shocking turn when a police officer bursts into your home, accuses your wife of murder, and suddenly, you find yourself back at the beginning of the evening. Trapped in a time loop, you relive these same 12 minutes over and over again. 

The game screen is presented with an eagle-eye perspective, which allows a good view of the restricted environment of your apartment. With a simple click (mouse, touchscreen tap, or whatever platform you are using) you can interact with the objects and people around you.

Another thing to point out is the robust multiple-choice dialogue system that, needless to say, will play a crucial role in directing the events of your time loops.

The core mechanic of 12 Minutes is this time loop, which forces you to repeat the same sequence of events while gradually uncovering more about the situation. With each loop, you learn new details, discover hidden objects, and experiment with different actions to alter the course of events. The challenge lies in figuring out how to break the loop and uncover the truth behind the mysterious accusations and events that unfold in your apartment.

The game’s time loop mechanic not only creates a sense of urgency but also allows for deep exploration of the narrative, as you piece together clues and make increasingly informed decisions with each reset. It’s a compelling blend of storytelling and gameplay, where every action counts and time is both your greatest enemy and your only tool.

An existentialist critique

Wanting to delve into the game mechanics on a more adult level, it can be said that time loops can be seen as a parallel to perfectionism in life. In these games, players are forced to repeat the same scenario over and over, refining their actions and decisions until they reach the desired outcome. This mirrors the pursuit of perfection in every aspect of their existence, where one may continually strive to perfect a task, revisiting it again and again in an attempt to master every detail.

This quest for perfection through repetition can be both a fascinating and exhausting experience. On the one hand, it can be rewarding because it allows one to gain mastery and a thorough understanding of the situation, much like honing a skill through practice. On the other hand, it can be frustrating, especially for those who are not prone to perfectionism. Endless loops can feel like a trap, where no matter how much progress you make, it is never enough.

You will learn to hate this clock.

The particularly interesting aspect of time loops in games like 12 Minutes is the way they can reflect on themes such as fate, choice, and consequences. Each time you restart the loop, you have the opportunity to learn from past mistakes and approach situations differently, which can be exciting and mentally engaging. 

The reality of life, however, is that we often do not get a second chance. Mistakes can be permanent, and there's often no way to go back and correct them. This creates a sense of finality that can be difficult to accept, but it's also what makes real-life decisions so meaningful.

The Verdict

Beyond the more or less profound discussions that the game may generate, I consider it a true work of video game art. When you start playing and get sucked into the story, you will hardly be able to stop before you have discovered every little facet of the loop and, most importantly, how to break it.

Pros:

• Engaging Storyline: The game’s narrative is compelling, with twists and turns that keep you hooked as you try to unravel the mystery.
• Innovative Time Loop Mechanic: The use of a 12-minute time loop is creatively executed, allowing for deep exploration and experimentation within a confined setting.
• Strong Voice Acting: Featuring performances by well-known actors, the voice acting adds significant depth to the characters.
• Atmospheric Setting: The game’s confined apartment setting contributes to the tension and claustrophobic feel, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons:

• Repetitive Gameplay: The time loop mechanic, while interesting, can become repetitive, especially if you get stuck and have to redo the same sequences multiple times.
• Limited Interactivity: Despite the depth of the story, the gameplay can feel somewhat restrictive, with limited actions available within the loop.
• Unforgiving Puzzle Design: Some of the puzzles can be quite challenging and obscure, leading to frustration as you try to figure out the exact sequence of events needed to progress.

Score	Rating
iPad iOS Game	92%