A Hand with Many Fingers

In ‘A Hand with Many Fingers’, players assume the role of an investigator delving into a shadowy CIA archive. Set within a dimly lit government facility enhanced by ominous sound design, the game focuses on uncovering a real historical conspiracy: the 1970s Nugan Hand Bank scandal involving CIA operatives like William Colby, Frank Nugan, and Michael Hand. Players must meticulously research documents to expose how the bank facilitated covert operations like weapons and drug trafficking before its collapse amid mysterious deaths and disappearances.

A Hand with Many Fingers: Review

Introduction

A Hand with Many Fingers is a game that defies easy categorization. Released in 2020 by indie developer Colestia, it is a first-person investigative thriller that tasks players with unraveling a real Cold War conspiracy through the meticulous examination of archival documents. The game is based on the Nugan Hand Bank scandal, a shadowy episode involving alleged CIA involvement in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and financial corruption. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and its place in the broader landscape of video games. My thesis is that A Hand with Many Fingers is a unique and compelling experience that, despite its flaws, offers a deeply immersive and thought-provoking exploration of historical conspiracy.

Development History & Context

A Hand with Many Fingers was developed by Colestia, a solo developer who aimed to create an experience that blended historical research with interactive storytelling. The game was built using the Unity engine, a choice that reflects its modest technical requirements and focus on narrative over graphical fidelity. The game’s release in June 2020 coincided with a renewed interest in Cold War-era conspiracies, particularly in light of the release of the “palace letters” between the Queen and former Australian governor-general John Kerr, which reignited discussions about CIA involvement in Australian politics.

The gaming landscape in 2020 was dominated by large-scale, visually stunning titles, making A Hand with Many Fingers a refreshing outlier. Its low-poly art style and minimalist design were a deliberate choice, emphasizing the game’s focus on narrative and investigation over visual spectacle. The game’s development was influenced by the technological constraints of the era, but it also benefited from the growing popularity of indie games that prioritized storytelling and innovation over polished graphics.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of A Hand with Many Fingers is centered around the Nugan Hand Bank scandal, a real-life conspiracy that involved a bank allegedly used by the CIA for illicit activities. Players take on the role of an archival researcher who stumbles upon classified documents that reveal a web of corruption, drug trafficking, and political manipulation.

Plot and Characters

The game’s plot unfolds through a series of documents, newspaper clippings, and intelligence reports. Key figures include Frank Nugan, the bank’s CEO, and Michael Hand, a former Green Beret and co-founder of the bank. The narrative explores their involvement in the bank’s shady dealings, including its connections to the CIA and its role in facilitating drug and weapons trafficking.

The characters are portrayed through the documents and artifacts players uncover. Frank Nugan is depicted as a charismatic but morally ambiguous figure, while Michael Hand’s military background adds a layer of complexity to his character. The game’s narrative is non-linear, allowing players to piece together the story at their own pace.

Themes and Dialogue

The game’s themes revolve around power, corruption, and the hidden machinations of global politics. It explores the moral ambiguity of the Cold War era, where the lines between right and wrong were often blurred. The dialogue, though sparse, is impactful, with redacted documents and cryptic notes adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its sound design, which includes eerie ambient sounds and the occasional ringing of a phone, adding to the sense of paranoia and surveillance. The narrative’s depth is further enriched by its historical context, drawing parallels to real-world events and conspiracies.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

A Hand with Many Fingers is a first-person investigative thriller that relies on a simple but effective gameplay loop. Players navigate a CIA archive, searching through documents and cross-referencing information to uncover the truth behind the Nugan Hand Bank scandal.

Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop involves finding documents, cross-referencing them using a card catalog system, and bringing relevant boxes back to the office to analyze their contents. Players use a corkboard and twine to connect pieces of evidence, creating a visual representation of their theories.

Combat and Progression

There is no traditional combat in A Hand with Many Fingers. Instead, the game focuses on puzzle-solving and information gathering. Players progress by uncovering new leads and connecting the dots between different pieces of evidence. The game’s progression is non-linear, allowing players to explore different avenues of investigation.

UI and Innovative Systems

The game’s user interface is minimalistic, with a focus on functionality. The corkboard system is particularly innovative, allowing players to visually map out their theories and connections. The game also encourages players to take physical notes, adding a layer of realism to the investigative process.

Flawed Systems

While the game’s core mechanics are well-designed, some players may find the gameplay loop repetitive. The lack of a clear objective or sense of urgency can make the experience feel slow-paced for some. Additionally, the game’s reliance on manual note-taking may be frustrating for players who prefer a more streamlined investigative experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

A Hand with Many Fingers excels in its world-building, creating a immersive and atmospheric experience that draws players into its Cold War-era setting.

Setting and Atmosphere

The game is set in a dimly lit CIA archive, complete with dusty documents, flickering lights, and the occasional eerie sound effect. The setting is evocative of the Cold War era, with references to real-world events and figures adding to its authenticity.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual style is low-poly and minimalistic, with a focus on functionality over graphical fidelity. The art direction is effective in creating a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia, with the archive’s labyrinthine layout adding to the game’s tension.

Sound Design

The sound design is a standout feature of A Hand with Many Fingers. The ambient sounds of the archive, combined with the occasional ringing of a phone or the distant hum of a radio, create a sense of unease and surveillance. The sound design is used effectively to build tension and enhance the game’s atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

A Hand with Many Fingers received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its unique concept and atmospheric design but criticizing its repetitive gameplay and lack of clear objectives.

Critical and Commercial Reception

The game received a 40% score from Adventure Gamers, with critics noting its drab visuals and simplistic gameplay loop. However, it also received positive reviews from other outlets, with praise for its innovative investigative mechanics and historical depth. The game’s commercial performance was modest, but it developed a cult following among fans of investigative games and historical conspiracies.

Influence and Impact

A Hand with Many Fingers has had a lasting impact on the indie game scene, inspiring other developers to explore similar themes and mechanics. Its focus on historical research and investigative gameplay has influenced a new wave of narrative-driven games that prioritize storytelling and player agency over traditional gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

A Hand with Many Fingers is a unique and compelling experience that offers a deeply immersive exploration of historical conspiracy. While its gameplay loop may be repetitive for some, its innovative investigative mechanics, atmospheric design, and historical depth make it a standout title in the indie game scene. Its legacy lies in its ability to blend real-world history with interactive storytelling, creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining. In the annals of video game history, A Hand with Many Fingers stands as a testament to the power of narrative-driven gameplay and the enduring appeal of historical mysteries.