Hue is a dollhouse-like virtual reality experience about depression
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
“Hue” is a young writer whose loss of interest in life manifests as a literal lack of color in the world. By nudging and directing him with an Oculus Touch controller, a participant can help him move through a series of vignettes that help him rediscover joy.
OKAY, WHAT’S IT REALLY ABOUT?
A romantic, aestheticized version of anhedonia, which is cured by remembering moments of past happiness with the loving support of those around you, including a giant floating hand that keeps poking you for no reason.
BUT IS IT GOOD?
Hue has its art style figured out in a way that many VR experiences don’t. I couldn’t stop leaning in to catch tiny details in its dreamy dollhouse-like sets, and Hue himself is cartoonish enough to skirt the uncanny valley but human enough that you can take him seriously in a semi-realistic narrative.
The New Frontier description, which suggests that you can either be kind or cruel to Hue, and then watch him react, isn’t quite accurate. Instead, there are specific ways to help him, like grabbing his arm and tugging him over to a window.
See the full story here: http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/22/14342198/hue-virtual-reality-depression-interactive-experience-sundance-2017