Pink Floyd’s renowned track “Time” from their famous album “The Dark Side of the Moon” is frequently viewed as a reflection on the transitory essence of life and the significance of living in the moment. The words, “And then one day you find ten years have got behind you – no one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun,” capture the epiphany of time passing by without notice, compelling listeners to act before it’s too late.
Interestingly, these motifs of time and urgency have found a fresh voice in the gaming realm via Plot Twist’s “Erosion,” an expansive roguelike shooter. In this title, the notion of time is a key mechanic, with the world progressing by a decade each time the player meets their end. This distinctive gameplay approach mirrors the existential urgency present in Pink Floyd’s lyrics, where the flow of time has real repercussions.
In “Erosion,” players traverse a post-apocalyptic wild west, a backdrop not referenced in the song but one that adds an element of toughness and survival to the experience. The game compels players to adjust to a world that shifts with each death, highlighting the necessity for tactical thinking and rapid reflexes. In contrast to the song, which provides no direct instructions, “Erosion” furnishes a sandbox atmosphere where players must carve out their own path, embodying the exploration and discovery hallmark of the open world genre.
While Pink Floyd’s “Time” doesn’t probe into the details of high-stakes poker matches or encounters with sandworms, “Erosion” broadens the song’s themes by weaving these aspects into its storyline. The game encourages players to partake in a variety of activities and confront assorted challenges, all the while contending with the unyielding progression of time.
Ultimately, both “Time” and “Erosion” function as reminders of life’s brevity and the necessity of maximizing every instant. Whether through the evocative tunes of Pink Floyd or the engaging mechanics of “Erosion,” the message is unmistakable: time is unyielding, and the journey is as vital as the goal.