Existential shopping
Unlimited philosophical introspections coming to a vaporwave mall near you.
VAPORWAVE.com discussed with Argent Games the enigmatic Self-Checkout Unlimited, a vaporwave game about exploring a deserted mall and finding yourself. Part of our "4 answers, 20 questions" series, this interview unveils some of the title's captivating narrative insights.
Players have described Self-Checkout Unlimited as a life-changing experience. Can you tell us how the story manages to create such a strong emotional response?
I have to pass most of the credit to R. A. Wilson, a futurist philosopher. He wrote "Prometheus Rising," which inspired the game's central theme. When I first read that book, it punched me right in the gut, and forced me to completely rethink a lot of my hard-wired perceptions about existence. It shook me to my core in a loving, optimistic sort of way. I wanted to replicate a small tribute to that feeling through Self-Checkout Unlimited.
The mall setting, as well as the vaporwave aesthetic as a whole, felt like a strangely appropriate match for portraying Wilson's ideas about self-realization. Nostalgia is so powerful because it's like an emotional cheat code – most of us have experienced that wistful sense of longing for something beautiful, yet unreachable, which can be triggered even by "memories you never had." In that state, I think it's easier to let go of one's ego and constructed identity, and connect to emotions that might not normally be accessible. Vaporwave malls are a one-two punch that produce a particularly ghostly, liminal experience, which forms a nice setting for existential crises.
Wilson Center Mall is full of elusive details and hidden symbols. Which subtle elements should players try to pay attention to and why?
I think Self-Checkout Unlimited actually works better as an experience without reading too much into things. Symbols and open-ended messages are great tools for speaking directly to someone's subconscious, and triggering their imagination to fill in the blanks with something new (and often self-enlightening). Most of the game’s symbolism is meant to prompt questions, rather than leading the player to a specific answer.
I feel like the game is meant to be understood more intuitively, rather than overanalyzed from a literal point of view. In my opinion, the ideal way to play it is to pay attention to one's instinctive reactions while playing, and whatever triggers an interesting response is likely something worth paying attention to.
Self-Checkout Unlimited asks truly thought-provoking questions. What can you say about the game's lore and who is behind this evocative interrogation process?
The player is led throughout their mall adventure by a pair of cheerful announcers over the public address system, whose echoing messages sound like they're pre-recorded. Their intentions, however, might go beyond just advertising the mall's fabulous food court...
At the end of the day, they have good intentions. I didn't realize it initially, but I think the player might be taking them on a journey, rather than the other way around.
Shoppers usually leave the mall with new clothes or accessories. What can players expect to take home once they complete their journey through the Wilson Center Mall?
Wilson Center Mall prides itself on upholding the satisfaction of all its valued guests. Our top priority is to ensure every customer leaves the mall with a once-in-a-lifetime deal – knowing they can create themselves.
—
Self-Checkout Unlimited is available to buy now on VAPORWAVE.com
