Despite its formal diversity, a tonal and stylistic consistency lends coherency to owch’s oeuvre, particularly a pattern of changes. The qualitative value of these changes is not usually clearly positive, and often scary, but always necessary to reach the ending. While individually owch’s games can seem inscrutable, when viewed together their shared interest in transformation, dramatic change, and uncertain outcomes suggests deeper readings.
Read MoreSonic Unleashed is about transformation and monstrosity. In his Werehog form, Sonic is viewed as a monster, his new appearance terrifying the characters around him. His cutscene dialogue communicates frustration at the involuntary changes of his body and at not being recognized as himself. Through the Werehog, Sonic Unleashed asks: what does it feel like when your body looks and acts in ways you don’t recognize? What does it mean to be seen as something that you know you aren’t? What is a monster? And what does it mean to suddenly become one?
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