Mystery Steam Reviews: video games with silent protagonists

There was a time when the video game playing public didn't question silent protagonists. It was just accepted that the person you were controlling wouldn't say a word. These days, though, you can't shut them up.

But, we're not discussing the talkative lot on this edition of Mystery Steam Reviews. We're highlighting the strong and silent types, this week.

We've run another poll on the Rock Paper Shotgun YouTube channel for the next edition of Mystery Steam Reviews, so go and vote if you want to have a say in what the next MSR is all about.

This week, both myself and Matthew had to choose three games that feature silent protagonists. Nothing more complicated than that. Just games with characters that don't utter a single word.

If you're new around these parts, you can see a full breakdown of the rules in the Mystery Steam Reviews Rule Bible™ below. Also, remember to boast about getting all six right in the comments. And, while you're there, let us know what series/genre/theme you'd like to see added to our MSR polls.

If you like this, then you may very well enjoy this week's episode of The PC Gaming Weekspot. We chatted about how It Takes Two is one of the best co-op games in quite a long time, Matthew told me all about the stylish Narita Boy, and I got to chat about my mixed feelings towards Crash Bandicoot 4 on PC.

While you're here, why not have a look at last week's episode of Mystery Steam Reviews that focused on video games with Metacritic scores of 60 or lower.

MYSTERY STEAM REVIEWS RULE BIBLE™

For those not in the know, or who need a refresher.

Colm and Matthew both bring three Steam reviews to the MSR arena (yes, arena), but they omit the name of the game each review is for. Their opponent must correctly guess the name of that game, including any numbers or subtitles. However, there is some leeway for things such as "Complete Edition" or "Definitive Edition." One correct answer = one point.

While both combatants have 90 seconds on each Mystery Steam Review, they also have help in the form of three lifelines. These can be used at any stage during battle, and pause the 90-second timer. Each lifeline can only be used once.

Question allows whoever is in the hot seat to ask a simple yes or no question, as long as the question isn’t, “is the name of the game [insert name of the game here]?". When Second Opinion is used, the man in the warm chair will get to hear a second Steam review of the same game. And when Genre is activated, the genre of the game is revealed to the man with the fiery arse.