OneShot 💡
this month’s brew is all about niko ~
we’ll join them as they carry the sun and attempt to save a world nearing it’s end.
👋 This is the game announcement and playthrough guide for OneShot! Have a response for a discussion or reflection question? Leave a 60 second voice message at https://sayhi.chat/geeksandgrounds and you’ll have the chance to be featured on the next podcast episode!
If you you prefer writing, or have any questions or additional comments, please send them to jenny@geeksandgrounds.com. Thanks so much!
Listen to the podcast here!
About OneShot 💡
Steam Tags: Action, Action-Adventure, Puzzle, Atmospheric
System: Steam (PC), Xbox Series S | X, Xbox Gamepass, PlayStation 5
Developer | Publisher: Future Cat LLC, KOMODO
Age Rating: E
Price: US $9.99 (On sale for $4.99 until January 4, 2023)
Release Date: December 2016
Time to Play: 4-6 hours
Steam Description: OneShot is a surreal top down Puzzle/Adventure game with unique gameplay capabilities. You are to guide a child through a mysterious world on a mission to restore its long-dead sun. The world knows you exist.
You may especially enjoy this if you like:
Slow burn experiences
Games with a meta / break the 4th wall
Puzzle games that require you to explore and pay attention to details
Why OneShot? ✨
Small G&G history lesson — this is the title I used to prototype Geeks & Grounds with the help of community members, Ghostly and Thespiomancer in 2022! I’m particularly excited to revisit and discuss this one with a larger group.
We aim to select shorter games that are generally able to be completed in about 6-8 hours, and this one takes about 4-6, give or take how smoothly different puzzles go.
It’s available on Steam (PC), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Please note: This title isn’t listed as compatible with the Steam Deck, and based on some of the unique elements of the game and Joel’s testing of the game Deck, it doesn’t seem like it would work on the Steam Deck. I would recommend playing on desktop (PC) or Nintendo Switch.
While the pixel art and mechanics may feel and appear to be more humble, the characters and themes are where we’ll find the most to dig into! Themes of love, letting go, and your role as a player will all be part of this month’s conversation.
Content Warnings & Notes ⚠
The developer provided this content warning for the title:
Although OneShot is not a horror game in the traditional sense, parts of the game may induce some paranoia. Please proceed with caution.
The game also deals with a world that’s close to ending, and some character dialogue and notes reference death and suicide.
As with any game, if you have a particular concern or would like clarification, please don’t hesitate investigate it further or reach out to me at jenny@geeksandgrounds.com for further explanation (spoiler full or spoiler free, however you prefer)!
Geeks & Grounds Timeline / Important Dates 📅
Please note that this timeline is a general breakdown and suggestion for if you’d like to stay on track to finish the game by the time we have our monthly hangout! Feel free to play at your own pace: play in one big session, or even break it up further into smaller bits.
Jan 01 - 08 Beginning & The Barrens ( ~1 hour)
You will get a prompt that Niko wants to take a nap in the trailer by the rowbot. Take the nap, which saves your game.
Jan 09 - 15 The Glen & The Refuge ( ~ 1.5 hours )
You will get a prompt that Niko is tired after sharing the journal. Take the nap, which saves your game.
Jan 16 - 22 The Tower & Solstice (~ 1.5 hours )
You will not get a prompt to sleep, but there is a convenient sleep spot when you reach the Glen (again) after the mines.
Jan 23 - 27 Solstice (~ 2 hours )
You roll credits and finish the game!
Jan 27 GG Hangout
Come ready to share your thoughts on the game! 1 hour
Reflection & Discussion Questions
WEEK 01: Reflection & Discussion Questions
What do you do if you know your actions to help may not ultimately make a difference? e.g. Silver mentions the world is “too far gone”.Do you still try? Why or why not? (Feel free to specify and differentiate whether you’re thinking of the game or other real-world scenarios).
Discussion Questions:
What are your first impressions of this world? Of Niko?
What’s happened to the Barrens?
We first hear of the phrase ‘tamed’ in conversation with Prophetbot, as well as with Silver. What do you think it means?
Do you have any predictions about the glitch encountered after opening the safe?
WEEK 02: Reflection & Discussion Questions
TBD
Discussion Questions: TBD
WEEK 03: Reflection & Discussion Questions
TBD
Discussion Questions: TBD
WEEK 04: Reflection & Discussion Questions
TBD
Discussion Questions: TBD
