A Walk Through Detroit: Become Human
by Khailah White, Junior iPreparatory Academy
by Khailah White, Junior iPreparatory Academy
Detroit Become Human is a thriller adventure game developed in 2018 by Quantic Dream and published by Sony Entertainment Network. This game is played on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, and PC. This game showcases a near-future but fictional city of Detroit, Michigan in 2038 where humans are served by human-like androids. This is a decision-based game which forces the player to make difficult choices. The game designer, David Cage, did not focus on a simple “good or bad” storyline, illustrated throughout the game with a range of choices for actions and dialogue. The aim of the game is to tackle such difficult questions: “What happens when the world becomes dependent on superhuman androids?”, and “From a human’s perspective, do androids deserve rights?”
The Story Line
Detroit: Become Human has a very controversial plot. Androids begin to exhibit emotional behaviors for unexplained reasons. Androids break out of their programming and become “deviants.” For example, the player steps into the role and lives of three playable androids: Connor (Bryan Dechart), an android who hunts deviants; Markus (Jesse Williams), who becomes sentient and has the ability to bestow that gift upon others; and Kara (Valorie Curry), a simple android who breaks out of her programming to save a girl from her abusive father. The aim of this game is to show the struggles the three androids experience. |
Still in the beginning of the action, the “RK200” (model number) android named Markus was a gift to a famous Detroit painter named Carl Manfred. Despite being programmed as androids, Markus and Carl create a fatherly-son bond over time, and they grow closer and closer. Markus is rudely mistreated by the people around him because he is a “domestic caretaker” who cares for Carl. Markus is physically abused and beaten by protesters while walking through the streets, and the police are extremely reluctant to help him. Soon after these events, because of a potential intruder in the house, Markus calls the police. When the police arrive they shoot Markus on sight. Using other android parts, after getting tossed in an android graveyard, Marcus recovers and goes on to lead the android rebellion against their oppressors.
A Deeper Meaning
David Cage, the video game designer, states in an interview by Nathan Grayson (2017) in the gaming review site Kotaku.com, that it was difficult to stray from the similarities this game would show towards the era. This game has many subtle instances that relate to the Antebellum Slavery and Jim Crow Eras. Androids are the main source of labor during this time and are grossly mistreated. During Markus’ initial chapters the player realizes that androids are only allowed to stand in the back of the bus with other androids. There are bus spots segregating humans and androids, and some establishments don’t allow androids inside. |
The androids refer to themselves as slaves and wear blue to distinguish themselves from humans. One of the best elements of this game is the player’s experience of the difficulties and risks of starting a rebellion movement where the aim is to gain independence.
I bought this video game in December 2018 for $59.99, but now it is $19.99! As an avid player of Detroit: Become Human, I can wholeheartedly say that the price is worth it because of the astonishing experiences the players will experience. Not only is the plot engaging, but also players will be impressed with the amazing graphics. So, it’s a “win-win.” It is an exciting game that actually allows real-world experiences. |
Citations
Walkthrough - All Chapters
https://www.powerpyx.com/detroit-become-human-full-walkthrough-all-chapters/
https://www.powerpyx.com/detroit-become-human-full-walkthrough-all-chapters/