Metamorphosis

Lore & Background

The game places players in the role of Gregor, a man who awakens after a hangover to find himself transformed into an insect. Its setting is loosely based on the early 20th century. Gregor learns that his friend Joseph has been arrested for unknown reasons, driving the narrative forward. The game's development is rooted in Kafka's literary work, specifically The Metamorphosis and The Trial. The score, composed by Garry Schyman and Mikolai Stroinski, employs expressionist techniques including twelve-tone rows, Sprechstimme vocal technique, and angular melodies. In 2021, the composers received the Society of Composers & Lyricists Award for Outstanding Original Score for Interactive Media, along with two nominations from the Game Audio Network Guild Awards for Music of the Year and Best Music for an Indie Game.

Reader's Guide

Metamorphosis received a mixed critical reception, holding a score of 69 on Metacritic, indicating mixed or average reviews. OpenCritic assessed that the game received fair approval, with 48% of critics recommending it. Ewan Wilson of NME compared the game's surreal atmosphere and focus on absurd bureaucracy to Terry Gilliam's 1985 film Brazil. Christopher Byrd of the Washington Post praised the game's humor and writing as high points but criticized its stiff character animations. Lara Arlotta of Eurogamer commended the game's use of Kafka's work while noting technical flaws and a lack of replay value. Alex Santa Maria of Screen Rant awarded the game 3 out of 5 stars, praising its visual design and gameplay but criticizing its story. The game's music earned notable industry recognition, with its composers winning a Society of Composers & Lyricists Award and receiving two Game Audio Network Guild nominations.

Did You Know?

• The game is inspired by Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis and The Trial.
• Players control Gregor, a man transformed into an insect after a hangover.
• The score uses expressionist techniques such as twelve-tone rows and Sprechstimme.
• Composers Garry Schyman and Mikolai Stroinski won a Society of Composers & Lyricists Award for the game's music in 2021.