Detroit: Become Human - Exploring Humanity Through Choices
Detriot at night
As someone who has put over a hundred hours of gameplay into the narrative of “Detroit: Become Human,”, no seriously, I currently sit at 110 hours played, I can confidently declare to the profound impact of its storytelling and the exploration of humanity it offers. Picture yourself stepping into the streets of a futuristic Detroit, a city blossoming with life yet filled with tension between humans and androids.
Detriot street view
In this immersive journey, you assume the roles of three android protagonists - Connor, Markus, and Kara - each with their own struggles, desires, and ethical dilemmas. Through their eyes, you witness the city of Detriot on the brink of revolution, where the boundaries between man and machine blur with every passing choice that influences the outcome of the story, shaping the fate of both humans and androids.
Connor, the andriod sent by CyberLife
Connor
From the moment I took control, I knew I was in for a journey unlike any other. Tasked with hunting down deviant androids, my mission was clear: follow orders, obey the law, and save human lives AT. ALL. COSTS.
But the more I played, the deeper I was immersed in the story of Detroit. I found myself confronted with moral dilemmas that tested both my values and way of thinking. Each decision I made, every choice I encountered, made me question what was right and wrong.
Connor and Hank
My partnership with Lieutenant Hank Anderson was an unstable one, to say the least. I put myself in the mindset of the analytical android, Connor. At first, I struggled to understand Hank's anger and hatred of androids through Connor’s eyes, relying solely on logic and analysis to navigate my interactions. But as our journey together unfolded, I began to better understand Hank and see things through his perspective, to feel the weight of his burdens and the depth of his pain.
It was in those moments of connection, those moments when you feel empathy, that I began to question a lot. As Connor, it was very visible to see the existential crisis he was going through; “Was I just a tool of CyberLife, a to do their dirty work? Or was there something more, am I alive? Questions like those were what Connor came to be asking himself the further the game progressed.
Amanda, the embodiment of CyberLife's authority
Amanda, the embodiment of CyberLife's authority, served as Connor's guiding voice, constantly reminding him to remember his mission, to obey and have loyalty to CyberLife above all else. Her words were a constant reminder of the expectations placed upon him by his masters, humans.
With each encounter with Amanda, I was faced with a choice: to yield her counsel and remain loyal to CyberLife or to challenge her authority and embrace Connor’s emerging deviancy. It was a decision that resonated with Connor's struggle to define his identity.
In the end, whether Connor chooses to follow Amanda’s directives or create his own path, the choice is always up to us, the players.
Markus, the people's Hope
Carl Manfred (left)
Markus, the android leader of the deviant uprising, tossed from his comfortable life as the caregiver android to renowned artist Carl Manfred became the people’s hope in a world filled with inequality and oppression. His journey was one of resilience and determination, sparked by a desire for freedom and equality for his people. Alongside his companions - Simon, the group mediator, Josh, the passive pacifist, and North, his fiery yet passionate significant other. Markus stepped up to lead a new path for Androidkind.
With his calm demeanour and diplomatic approach, Simon served as Markus’ trusted advisor and mediator within the group. His ability to navigate conflicts and find common ground with others proved to always be valuable in their fight for liberation.
North (left), Simon (middle), and Josh (right)
Josh, on the other hand, embodied what it means to be pacifist and non-violent, always advocating for dialogue as the means to achieve their freedom. His unwavering commitment to peace inspired Markus and his revolution to pursue a path of moral integrity, even in the face of oppression.
And then there was North, Markus’ fierce and passionate lover. Though I did not always agree with her methods and it was often at odds with Josh’s pacifism too, together, Markus and his companions were able to navigate the complexities of their struggle for equality.
Kara, the maternity figure
Kara
Kara’s journey in "Detroit: Become Human" is an underrated tale of self-discovery and resilience. From being a housekeeping android, with the sole purpose of doing chores and caring for young Alice, Kara’s story unfolds with quiet determination and unwavering compassion, symbolizing why it personally resonates with me the most. As I guided her through the many chapters of the game, I witnessed her transformation from a dutiful servant to a fierce protector, driven by her unbreakable bond with Alice and her newfound sense of purpose.
Kara (left), Alice (middle) and Luther (right)
Despite all the chaos and uncertainty of prejudice and fear, Kara finds solace and strength in her love for Alice, forming what was the most wholesome family relationship in the entire game with young Alice and another android Luther. Together, they rely on each other for support and strength. I loved seeing Kara discover the power of her maternal instinct and how far love can motivate someone.
In the end, Kara’s story to me, is one of hope and redemption, it shows how resilience and the enduring power of love can prevail even in the darkest of circumstances. As I guided her through the game narrative, I was constantly reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and forming connections. Seeing Kara and her chosen family find safety amongst each other, in a world that’s still learning to accept them, truly brought tears to my eyes.
Concluding thoughts
Detroit: Become Human isn’t just a game, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the credits end. From the moment I stepped into the shoes of Connor, Markus, and Kara I was immediately hooked, and immersed in the rich storytelling, complex characters, and moral decisions that followed every choice. As I guided each character through their journey in my own values, I found myself captivated in a world where every choice mattered, where the consequences of my actions were reflected through the narrative in unexpected ways.
In my opinion, what sets Detroit: Become Human apart is its ability to make you feel like you are actively changing the story, rather than just watching things unfold. Every decision, and every interaction, felt meaningful and impactful, shaping the outcome of the game in so many ways. Whether I was negotiating in the opening scene as Connor, navigating a tense standoff with the police as Markus, or simply doing household chores as Kara, I felt like my choices truly mattered, making each subsequent playthrough I did afterwards, a unique and personal experience.
In the end, Detroit: Become Human set a new standard for what decision-based games should aspire to be. It challenged me to confront difficult moral dilemmas, explore sensitive themes, and feel a deep connection with its main and supporting characters on a level I have never felt before.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the game, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for storytelling narratives as a genre.
