12023-12-09T02:25:07+00:00Chelsea Kodiaga06f6c62b523856856f47583181eb933716cbaa5f1882Figure 2: From kittidot. "Buried Love." itch.io, 2023.plain2023-12-09T02:32:29+00:00Chelsea Kodiaga06f6c62b523856856f47583181eb933716cbaa5f
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12023-12-09T02:19:17+00:00Page #1 Buried Love6plain2023-12-09T03:37:28+00:00 Upon entering the game, the initial portrayal of fellow contestants in "Buried Love" is that of superficial beings, revealing only surface-level traits. However, as the player progresses through the game, these characters gradually unfold to expose deeper layers of themselves. The player is presented with numerous contestants to invest in from the group, and the choice significantly influences the backstory that is unveiled.
In a specific instance, examining a contestant like Alexandru, choosing to pursue a connection with him results in an initial superficial answer about his presence on the show. However, delving deeper into Alexandru's character unveils a profound emotional past that influenced his decision to participate in the dating show. This revealed backstory is the part of himself that Alexandru chooses to isolate from the public eye within the confines of the dome. Here, he can present an altered version, free from the emotional baggage he grapples with back home.
This situation mirrors concepts discussed in Murray's "Immersion," where the act of hiding certain aspects of oneself is a strategic choice to avoid bringing one's "actual selves" into an enchanted world. This deliberate concealment serves to preserve the enchantment of this alternate world, preventing the risk of "draining it of its delicious otherness" (Murray). In the dome, Alexandru can sidestep internal struggles, experiencing the alternate reality without burdening it with his personal challenges.
This parallels real-life scenarios where individuals selectively isolate certain aspects of their lives, considering them precious and vulnerable. These facets are often reserved for sharing with trusted people in their circle However, the act of isolation may inadvertently deprive the world of hearing one's full story. The delicate balance emerges — safeguarding vulnerability while grappling with the desire for authentic connection and storytelling.