I Am Dead is a fantastic game about what happens when people die. It stars an old museum curator who has realized he is dead but hasn’t yet moved on. This old codger loves the island he used to call home. It’s a serene and familiar island that people have lived on for ages. There may be a volcano, but no one knows it might burst at any second. The game begins with a man walking down the island’s main beach. Morris has always loved the island, and he’s taking in the sights. As he walks down the beach, he thinks to himself about his life. Players can look around the peaceful area and see what makes him so happy. His thoughts are ever-present, and he soon alerts the player that he is dead.
Our hero Morris is the former curator of the town’s museum. He loved History and took care to make the museum the best it can be. As he explores his museum again, he hears barking. Players free his dead dog from her urn, and Sparky begins to help out her master. It’s touching to see his dog return to him even if they are both dead. Sparky has been exploring the island and knows far more than she lets on. The Custodian protects the island, but they are getting rather tired. Sparky wants to help replace the island’s Custodian, but she needs Morris’ help. As players search for the new Custodian, they will learn more about the candidates and uncover how death works in this world.
Players will look through the memories of people who knew the dead. There are six different characters that players will get to know through exploration and discovery. This game is a point and click adventure, but it also delves into the layers of things. As a ghost, Morris can do things humans can’t, and it is impressive seeing this in action. Morris will first look for people with thought bubbles coming off them. Clicking these people will initiate a story sequence. Players will swirl their thoughts around to see the bigger picture. After doing this and hearing the often touching memories, they will look for an item. The items are always nearby but somehow end up lost to the characters.
Players will then collect the fragments of the character using Sparky’s ghostly form. Sparky will bark, and the fragments will rush to her before she rushes to the spot where the character will be. After a talk between Morris and his old friend, they will tell the player if they will take the job. They might say no, but Morris is never discouraged and heads to the next area on the island. Players will explore the locales and dive into anything they can. There are multiple layers to look through in shelves, or toys, or cabinets. Depending on where the player is, they will look through the ground or even a tomb. Of course, humorous things are hiding if players are willing to look for them. This game world wants to be explored, and Shelmerston is a beautiful place full of intrigue.
As players explore, they will also come across small creatures called Grenkins. These creatures hide just about everywhere, and players will need to find the exact object they are hiding in. Sparky will point out when one is close with a bark, so pay attention to her. There are over a hundred to find, and they are pretty cute. This small island of Shelmerston is full of weird characters living weird lives. There are fruit heads and animal people, as well as folks with weird habits or interests. This game is all about being oneself and learning about what makes the island tick. There might be a volcano about to burst, but these people are just trying to get through their daily lives. I Am Dead is also completely voiced, and I love that. Voice acting is a great way to envelop oneself in the world. With this English island called Shelmerston, the voices can often be quite interesting. I’m a big fan of different dialects, and this game doesn’t disappoint.
I Am Dead is a great game and one that shows off one idea about death. It’s very intriguing that maybe ghosts do exist and that they do watch over us all. This game might not be incredibly long, but it’s a fun and explorative game. Morris is a sweet man who loves his home more than he may let on. A new custodian is needed desperately; will the player help Morris find a new custodian and save Shelmerston from the volcano?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided