Interplay has never been a company that could be considered a legend among adventure game publishers. However, like many others, they tried their hand at the genre before turning to seemingly more promising directions. But considering their contribution to restoring the dignity of role-playing games, I am willing to forgive them for this. Before they retreated, they managed to release a few adventure titles, among which, in my opinion, were two of the best games based on the overused Star Trek license. Unfortunately, the death of the adventure genre buried the promising but unsuccessful third part, Vulcan Fury. Among their works, it is worth mentioning a lesser-known game released in 1996 called Normality. While Normality hasn’t been particularly popular in the adventure gaming community, as far as I can remember, it’s a prime example of what I affectionately call a “light beer.”

The logic behind this definition will become clear when we take a closer look at the game’s components. In Normality, you take on the role of Kent, a seemingly carefree idler living in the city of Neutropolis, a gloomy place where dark clouds constantly block out the sun and a strict code of conduct forbids any creativity, individuality, or any other behavior that deviates from the established standards of “normality.” Of course, Kent is one of the few freethinkers in this society, and your task throughout the story is to uncover the machinations of the evil dictator of Neutropolis and free the inhabitants from his oppression, returning them to light and anarchy.

The unconventional world of  Normality: Humor and puzzles at the heart of dystopia

Although the plot of “Normality” doesn’t seem like anything particularly light and airy at first glance, the game is actually an ironic adventure story where the main character Kent resembles a stoner version of Harrison Bergeron. Here, in a world where creativity and individuality are persecuted, Kent tries to find his way in a life defined by limitations. However, unlike the best comedy adventure games like “Monkey Island”, “Grim Fandango” or “Sam & Max”, the humor in “Normality” is not always witty or subtle.

• “Normality” is an ironic adventure about the struggle for individuality.
• The humor in the game is not always witty, but remains gentle.
• Players solve puzzles using inventory and ingenuity.
• Bright graphics and a unique style emphasize the atmosphere.
• The game reminds us of the importance of creativity in a world of limitations.

Many of the jokes, although numerous, are obvious and not very funny, but they are so innocent that they do not make you want to “change the channel”. Despite the fact that the humor is mostly unimpressive, the game’s story remains quite captivating and is able to keep the player’s attention throughout the process. The story takes place in the city of Neutropolis, where the rules dictate the lives of its inhabitants, and Kent, who is not afraid to be different, becomes something of a revolutionary. However, the greatest strength of «Normality» lies in its puzzles. The game is mainly based on the use of inventory, and although the tasks are not too difficult, they are able to provide a certain challenge to most players.

Although I question the logic of some solutions, most of the puzzles are quite intuitive and require only a little logical thinking or, in extreme cases, perseverance. Throughout the game, you will encounter a variety of tasks that require creativity and out-of-the-ordinary thinking. For example, you will have to look for non-standard ways to solve problems that arise in your path. This can be exploring the surroundings, communicating with colorful characters, or even manipulating objects that seem unnecessary at first glance.

The game also offers colorful graphics and a unique style, which emphasizes its ironic mood. Neutropolis, with its bleak landscapes and rich colors, creates a wonderful atmosphere that successfully contrasts with the fun moments in the game. Each character has their own uniqueness, which adds depth to Kent’s ironic world. Thus, despite the shortcomings in humor, “Normality” still offers an interesting adventure with a variety of puzzles that can interest the player. This game becomes a reminder of the importance of individuality and creativity in a world where norms and standards try to define who we should be. “Normality” is not just another game, but a real call to action for all those who strive to defend their uniqueness in a world full of limitations.

Virtual Adventures: From Normality to Realms of the Haunting

When you first dive into the world of “Normality,” you might think that the game’s plot doesn’t promise much fun. But despite the seriousness of the subject matter, this game actually offers an ironic look at life. The main character, Kent, is a kind of stoner version of Harrison Bergeron, trying to find his place in a world where creativity and individuality are persecuted. Here, in the gloomy Neutropolis, he becomes a symbol of resistance against the tyranny of familiarity.  The humor in “Normality” may not be as witty as in classic comedy games – such as “Monkey Island” or “Grim Fandango” – but there is something special here, something that makes you smile.

1. “Normality” is an ironic game about the struggle for individuality.
2. The main character Kent is a stoner version of Harrison Bergeron.
3. The humor is simple, but adds lightness and smiles.
4. The puzzles require ingenuity and a creative approach.
5. The game reminds us of the importance of freedom and self-acceptance.

Many of the jokes are simple and obvious, but they add lightness to the game. You won’t laugh out loud, but as you go through the game, you will probably smile, understanding the absurdity of the situations Kent finds himself in. It reminds you of those moments in your life when things go wrong, but you can still laugh about it. Besides the humor, one of the biggest strengths of “Normality” is its puzzles. The game offers a lot of tasks that require ingenuity and creativity. While some of the solutions may seem illogical, most of them only require a little intelligence and perseverance. It certainly creates a sense of satisfaction when you finally solve another puzzle. Each victory, no matter how small, gives you a sense of achievement, confirming that you are on the right path.

The graphics in the game, although outdated, still have their charm. The picture in SVGA (800×600) resolution may not be as bright as in modern games, but it well conveys the atmosphere of Neutropolis. Dark streets, mysterious locations and unusual characters create a unique atmosphere that you want to immerse yourself in. You feel like you’re exploring a living world where every corner can hide something interesting. The game’s interface is user-friendly, although it can be a bit confusing at first. The right-click menu makes it easy to find the actions you need, and keyboard shortcuts make the controls even easier. At first, it may take you some time to get used to everything, but once you get the hang of it, the game becomes even more enjoyable.

“Normality” is not just a game; it’s a journey into a world where individuality becomes a source of strength. The player witnesses Kent’s struggle for freedom of expression and creativity in a world where everything “normal” prevents him from being himself. It reminds us of the importance of embracing your own uniqueness in everyday life. As you progress through the game, you’re not just solving puzzles, you’re also experiencing a story that makes you think about who you really are. In this way, “Normality” leaves its mark. It invites us to immerse ourselves in a world where laughter and creativity can overcome even the worst limitations. This game becomes a reminder that life is not just about following the rules, but about living freely and enjoying every moment. It reminds us that there is a little rebel in each of us, ready to fight for our individuality, worthy of freedom and light.

The unconventional world of Normality: Humor adventures and small flaws

I have few complaints about Normality so far, but it does have one near-fatal flaw: the voice acting of Corti Feldman. The actor, who once had a successful career, has become a symbol of stars who are no longer relevant, and even became the face of a third-rate reality show. However, he found time to voice a character in an adventure game. And here’s where the problem begins: his pronounced surfer accent, with which he tries to embody Kent, made me want to cover my ears with something like a ballpoint pen. To make matters worse, his manner of speaking reminded me of a mosquito bite that you can’t reach.

• One of the drawbacks of “Normality” is the voice of Corti Feldman.
• His surfer accent can be annoying, but it becomes tolerable.
• The game offers a few hours of entertainment, although it will not be remembered for a long time.
• “Normality” raises questions about individuality in the modern world.
• It is a game that lifts the mood and leaves pleasant memories.

I must admit that once I got into the game and got over my initial revulsion, the voice acting became tolerable. However, I did find myself reaching for the button to skip dialogue more than once (for those who don’t like voice acting, there’s an option in the settings menu to turn it off). This was certainly an unpleasant moment that somewhat overshadowed my impression of the game. But, despite this minor inconvenience, I can’t help but admit that in the end I liked “Normality”. It falls into the category of “good, but not great”.

It’s not a game that will remain in the memory for a long time, and, probably, my adventures in Neutropolis will be forgotten quickly. However, it successfully fulfills its role, providing a few hours of much-needed entertainment. I can safely attribute it to my category of “light beer” – games that, although not as rich or tasty as a good porter or ale, still taste good after a hard day’s work. The game is distinguished by its unique atmosphere and funny moments, which make it a pleasant pastime. Every time I returned to Neutropolis, I felt as if I was once again in a familiar world, where there is still room for funny situations and intriguing puzzles. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed spending time in this absurd yet charming world.

What’s more, “Normality” asks important questions about what it means to be “normal” in today’s society. In a world where creativity is stifled, the game challenges us to embrace our individuality. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a little lesson that reminds us of the importance of being ourselves, no matter what. So, I can safely say that “Normality” is a game worth checking out. While it won’t become a classic, it will leave you with fond memories and maybe even make you think about your own uniqueness. It’s one of those games that may not be impressive in depth, but can certainly lift your spirits and keep you entertained for a few hours, and that’s what really matters in the end.

System requirements for the game Normality

Before you dive into the ironic world of “Normality”, it is important to make sure that your computer meets the minimum and recommended system requirements. This will help you enjoy the game without unnecessary delays and problems. The game was released in an era when technology was completely different, so its requirements are quite modest. To run “Normality”, you will need a computer with the operating system Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8.  The processor must have a frequency of at least 1.8 GHz, and RAM – at least 512 MB. The video card must be 3D graphics, compatible with DirectX 7.

It is important to note that starting January 1, 2024, the Steam client will only support Windows 10 and newer versions. This means that if you plan to play “Normality” through Steam, you will need to update your operating system if you are using an older version. So, if your computer meets these requirements, you are ready to embark on a journey through Neutropolis and explore its exciting puzzles and ironic storyline. By ensuring that these requirements are met, you will be able to enjoy all aspects of the game “Normality” without any difficulties.

How to play Normality for free on Steam via VpeSports

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the ironic world of “Normality” for free, we have great news for you! Thanks to our platform, you can access the game for free through shared Steam accounts that already have “Normality” installed. To start your adventure, visit the VpeSports website and create an account.  After logging in, go to the “Shared Steam Accounts” section, where a collection of accounts awaits you.

Among them, find “Normality” and go to the game’s reviews page. Here you will find a download button that will provide you with detailed instructions on how to access the game. Don’t forget to share your impressions by leaving a positive comment! Note that comments are moderated, so if your review is not approved, try editing it according to our recommendations. After approval, our moderators will send you login details to the email address you provided.

You can also join our Telegram channel “Shared Steam Accounts VP” for another quick way to access. By subscribing, you will receive updates and can get a “Normality” account for free play. This is an ideal option to stay up to date with patches and new releases while enjoying the game.

If you encounter any difficulties, detailed instructions are available on our website: How to Play for Free – Detailed Instructions!