| Title | Brukel |
| Developer(s) | Bob De Schutter |
| Publisher(s) | Lifelong Games |
| Release Date | Nov 3, 2019 |
| Size | 2.17 GB |
| Genre | PC > Indie |
As a form of art and entertainment, video games have always been able to transport players into different worlds and time periods. With advances in technology, game developers have been able to create increasingly immersive gaming experiences. One recent example is “Brukel,” an indie game that takes players on a journey through rural Belgium during World War II.
Developed by Bob De Schutter, a professor at Miami University in Ohio, “Brukel” is a first-person exploration game that aims to recreate the experience of his grandmother who lived through the war. Using real audio recordings and photos from his family, De Schutter has created a deeply personal and emotional game that brings players into the shoes of his grandmother as she remembers her past.
The game begins with players arriving at the abandoned farmhouse of De Schutter’s grandparents in the village of Brukel. The house is in disarray, with old furniture and belongings scattered throughout. The player must explore the house, uncovering hidden objects and listening to audio recordings that reveal more about the family’s history and life during the war.
The Immersive Experience
What sets “Brukel” apart from other war-themed games is its focus on realism and immersion. The environment is painstakingly recreated, with attention to historical details and the use of authentic objects. The player also has the ability to interact with objects, such as picking up family photos and opening drawers, adding to the sense of being fully immersed in the world.
The use of audio recordings also adds a personal touch and gives players a deeper understanding of the impact of war on individuals and families. The recordings feature Schutter’s grandmother telling stories about her experiences and fears during the war, narrating the game and bringing the player closer to the reality of the past. The game also incorporates real wartime footage and historical documents, further grounding the experience in reality.
Gameplay and Reception
The gameplay in “Brukel” is simple but effective. The player must explore the house and uncover objects and stories to progress. The atmosphere is tense and eerie, with subtle sound effects adding to the immersion. Players must also navigate dark and cramped spaces, adding to the feeling of claustrophobia and fear that Schutter’s grandmother would have experienced during the war.
The game has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and unique approach to exploring history. It has been praised for its attention to detail and its ability to evoke emotions in players. Despite its short length (around 90 minutes), it has been called a must-play for any fan of historical games and has been nominated for several game awards.
The Importance of Historical Games
While video games have often been criticized for glorifying violence and war, games like “Brukel” show the potential for the medium to educate and inform players about important historical events. By taking players on a personal journey through the war, the game not only preserves the memories of Schutter’s grandmother but also encourages players to reflect on the impact of war on individuals and society.
“I think games can be more than just entertainment, I want to show that they can be a meaningful medium to experience parts of our culture.” – Bob De Schutter
Overall, “Brukel” is a powerful and poignant game that offers a unique perspective on World War II and challenges the notion that video games can only be mindless entertainment. It is a prime example of how game developers can use technology to create immersive experiences that not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought.
Experience “Brukel” for Yourself
“Brukel” is available for purchase on Steam and is compatible with PC and Mac. The game also offers support for multiple languages, making it accessible to a wider audience. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of “Brukel” to gain a new perspective on a significant event in history.
Are you ready to explore “Brukel”?
- Visit the Steam store to purchase the game.
- Immerse yourself in the haunting world of rural Belgium during World War II.
- Listen to the personal stories of De Schutter’s grandmother and experience the war through her eyes.
- Appreciate the power of video games as a medium for storytelling and education.
Experience history like never before with “Brukel” – a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
System Requirements
Minimum:- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 7
- Processor: Quad-core Intel or AMD, 2.6 GHz or faster
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GTX 770 with 2GB VRAM / Radeon R9 280X 3GB
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 5 GB available space
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
How to Download
- Click the "Download" button link above.
- A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to save the file or open it. Select "Save File".
- Wait for the download to complete. The download progress will be displayed in the pop-up window.
- Once the download is complete, click on the downloaded file to open it.
- A window will appear asking for permission to run the file. Click "Yes" to continue.
- Follow the prompts in the installation wizard and select the appropriate options (such as the installation location and language).
- Click "Install" to begin the installation process.
- Wait for the installation to complete. The progress will be displayed in the installation wizard.
- Once the installation is complete, click "Finish" to exit the installation wizard.
- The "Brukel" game should now be successfully installed on your device.
- You can launch the game by double-clicking on its icon on your desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu.