Running Blog: My 'Detroit: Become Human' Experience

"How far would you go to be free?" That's what advertisements for a new Playstation 4-exclusive game called "Detroit: Become Human" have been asking me.

Marketed as a sort of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure thriller, my attention was effectively piqued. I've played a few other games like this one, where your decisions allegedly alter the outcome of the game. The "Fallout" series does that, to some extent. The "Telltale" franchise does that pretty well; I liked their "Batman" game a couple years ago. But "Detroit" seemed a little more intense. I remember seeing Playstation's Instagram Story a couple weeks ago, where it presented a couple different scenarios and asked users to vote on which action should be taken. Seemed kind of unique to me.

I picked up the demo when I saw it on the Playstation Store and really thought it was interesting, although it became almost immediately clear that this was not a game for young audiences. No, no. No, no, no. I cannot stress that enough. This game certainly earns its "Mature" rating, make no bones about it.

The campaign follows the stories of three androids in futuristic Detroit, in a time where robots have been somewhat assimilated into society, whether as servants, employees or, well, a variety of other purposes. The game introduces us to the following distinct and individual characters:

Connor: An android detective. He seems well-intentioned, and if I have my way, I'd like him to straddle the line of siding with humans and androids, making difficult decisions for the good of both parties.

Kara: A Jennifer Lawrence doppleganger, who is one in a series of housekeeping androids. I'd like her to be a rule-keeper, ideally, but it quickly became clear that this would not be possible. I'll play ball early on, but I'm going to try to get Kara to flip on her human owner when the time is right.

Markus: A faithful caretaker belonging to an elderly old man. My brother Cody recognized Markus' face as that of Jesse Williams, of "Grey's Anatomy" fame. Markus struggles with his identity and self-worth, to some extent, and longs for improved human-android relations and eventual equality.

I am probably five or six hours into the game at the time I start this blog (through "Chapter 18," for the record), and I have found that the subject matter this game deals with, along with its consequences (both intentional and unintended) have been incredibly heavy and thought-provoking, so I decided I would start up this running blog, which I will update as I continue playing through the game this first time. The way the game is created basically begs for multiple play-throughs, but this post will only cover my initial run and not any subsequent ones, although I am sure that I will eventually go back to try to fix my mistakes or explore other decision branches.

Let's lay the ground rules really quickly:

• This is probably going to be a very long blog (especially the first time I post it). But if you're going to follow along, the idea is that you won't have to re-read everything each time you pull up The Underground. Just simply jump down to where you left off. I'll try to make it clear where the pre-existing post ends and the new content begins, when applicable.
• Early on, I had an idea of how I wanted to shape these characters' story arcs, as I explained a moment ago. I'll be forced to make some big decisions along the way, though, which may force me to change my mind about things. I'll try to underline any major changes in my attitude toward the characters.
• If you have a suggestion for how you'd like me to play moving forward, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Heck, I could even stream the game as I play, if I can figure out how the heck to use Twitch or whatever. But if I do that, I'd very highly recommend that you listen with headphones on because... language. Lots of language. [Sweat/laughing emojis]
• For each level or "chapter" of the game, I will give a brief overview of the storyline, breakdown the major decisions I made and also give my quick thoughts breaking down any major developments.

All right, then. Let's jump on  in - but first, I'll mention that many spoilers for "Detroit: Become Human" are to follow (although my story may vary greatly from another that of another person, based on choices I either make or do not make). You've been warned.

Chapter 1: The Hostage - Connor

Overview: I had played through this chapter twice before in the free "Become Human" demo (available , if you're curious). You're playing as Connor, the android detective, and you're called in to diffuse a hostage situation. A deviant android is holding a child at gunpoint on the top of a skyscraper and Connor must find a way to, ideally, save the child with minimal damage.

Choices: With this being my third run-through, I tried to recall my best decisions for an optimal result. Here are my major choices from Chapter 1:

• I took time to save a wounded cop on the rooftop.*
• I lied to the deviant about having a gun and refused to call off the SWAT helicopters during our confrontation.
• I continued to lie to the deviant to gain his trust.
• I convinced the deviant to release the child hostage.
• Snipers shot the deviant.

* - The game indicates that this decision will have consequences later on in the story.

Breakdown: I managed to save the girl in both of my previous play-throughs, but both times, the deviant fell off the roof. I thought that, this time, I was able to work through the threat in a way that would spare both lives, so I was shocked when the gunmen took out the android. I'm excited to see what the rest of this game has in store.

Chapter 2: Shades of Color - Markus

Overview: I assumed the identity of Markus in the second chapter. I had retrieved a package and was tasked with taking public transit home.

Choices: I was confronted by a group of angry anti-android protesters. I did my best to be polite with them and intended to avoid any major conflict, but ended up getting roughed up a bit before making my way home.

• Got harassed by protesters.
• Entered the "Androids" section of the bus.

Breakdown: Nothing too major here. I felt bad for Markus as he struggled to put up with the harassment.

Chapter 3: A New Home - Kara

Overview: A man named Todd picks up a new android servant at the, uh, android store. The android's name is Kara. She is taken to Todd's home, where we find out that he is really a terrible human. Todd demands that Kara clean the house and obey his every order. Kara also gets to know Todd's shy daughter, Alice, who seems to be incredibly affected by the death of her mother.

Choices: I obeyed Todd's orders without question, leading to some major consequences.

• Cleaned the house and started the laundry. While moving the laundry, discovered a packet of "red ice" - a synthetic drug. Got confronted by Todd, who told me to mind my own business.
• Visited Alice in her room. Attempted to befriend her. Learned that Todd potentially killed his ex-wife.
• While cleaning the bedrooms, discovered a pistol in one of the dresser drawers.*
• Discovered a way out one of the second-story windows.*

Breakdown: Good heavens, Todd swears A LOT. My plan is to play nice for now, but I've decided that I want Kara to kill Todd.

Chapter 4: The Painter - Markus

Overview: Markus returns home and is now taking care of his elderly, wheelchair-bound owner, Carl. Carl is a painter. We look at some of his art and Carl urges Markus to try his hand at painting, as a form of expression. We learn that Markus is conflicted about his feelings. He knows he is an android, but wishes to be treated as though he were human. We met Carl's son, Leo, who has returned home to ask Carl for money. Carl does not like androids. That's putting it mildly.

Choices: Markus is kind. His relationship with Carl is sweet. I want to take good care of him, while delicately addressing Markus' internal struggle.

• Entertained Carl by playing an "enigmatic" song on his grand piano.
• When encouraged to paint, I had Markus paint a picture of a desk that was adjacent to the art easel.
• When Carl urged me to "paint from the heart," selected the choices "Identity" and "Doubts." It resulted in a sad-looking self portrait of Markus.
• Allowed Leo to berate and belittle Markus without fighting back.

Breakdown: I'd like to keep Markus good, if I can. He seems like he truly cares for Carl and I want to protect that relationship.

Chapter 5: Partners - Connor

Overview: Connor begins at a bar, where he is searching for Lt. Anderson, his new partner from the Detroit P.D. After a tense meeting, the pair headed to a crime scene. A deviant android had stabbed his owner to death and reportedly fled the scene.After investigation of the house, I found an interesting scene in the bathroom, where someone - or something - had written the term "RA9" repeatedly on the wall. After further searching, Connor located the deviant and had him arrested.

Choices: Aside from meeting Anderson, this was pretty straight-forward: Connor doing detective work.

• Decided to wait outside while Anderson finished his drinking.
• Investigated writing on the bathroom wall.
• Discovered what really happened at the crime scene.
• Tracked the deviant android to his hiding spot in the attic.

Breakdown: Well, we caught ourselves a deviant! Also, Lt. Hank Anderson is played by Clancy Brown. I LOVE Clancy Brown.

Chapter 6: Stormy Night - Kara

Overview: Todd is having a rough night. After forcing Kara to serve dinner to him and Alice, he gets emotional over his wife's death. He blames her death on his poor daughter, who he demands go up to her bedroom. Todd takes a hit of "red ice" and removes his belt, promising to teach Alice a lesson she'll never forget. He commands Alice not to move in the meantime, then heads upstairs.

Choices: Todd is a real piece of crap. I decided I'd let him have his way for now, but I know where a gun is kept in that house and the time is soon approaching when I will have Kara put it to good use.

• Served dinner.
• Obeyed Todd's order to remain still.
• Todd killed Alice.*

Breakdown: My jaw dropped. I did not mean for this to happen. It was so difficult for me to remain at the base of the stairs while I heard the sounds of Todd's belt beating his daughter. I could hear Alice crying and I literally had my teeth clenched the entire time. It made me feel sick inside. I figured I could take it out on Todd in the next chapter, but, to my great surprise, a cutscene came on where Todd was carrying Alice's lifeless body back to her bed. Kara went upstairs and saw the aftermath, then Todd immediately blamed her for his daughter's death. This was where the scene ended. I couldn't believe it. And, as if the personal guilt wasn't enough, as I quit to the main menu, the android woman whose face occupies the home screen began talking to me. "You let Alice and Kara die!" she uttered. Spooky.

Chapter 7: Broken - Markus

Overview: Markus and Carl return from a party. Carl mentions that he hates parties and doesn't know why he even leaves the house anymore. Upon returning home, they notice that there are lights on in the house. Carl instructs Markus to call the police. They soon find that Leo has returned, unannounced. Leo confronts Markus again, in front of his father. Leo begins to beat Markus. The stress causes Carl to have a heart attack, killing him. The police arrive to find Carl dead on the floor. Leo wrongly accuses Markus of murder and the cops shoot and kill Markus.

Choices: ...

• Called the police.
• Took Carl in his wheelchair to investigate the break-in.
• Attempted to resist Leo's attack.
• Leo accused Markus of murder. Markus was shot by the police.

Breakdown: Another shocker. I immediately regretted taking Carl with me to investigate the break-in. I wonder what would have happened if I had gone alone.

Chapter 8: The Interrogation - Connor

Overview: Because I found the deviant hiding in the attic during "Partners," this chapter began with Connor investigating him back at the police station. Anderson ordered Connor to get a confession, but this would prove to be difficult, as the deviant didn't feel like cooperating. I chose to probe the deviant's mind using Connor's robotic detective skills. After viewing the deviant's memory, confirming his guilt of the murder of his owner, the deviant began freaking out, smashing his head against the interrogation table. As Connor was leaving the room, I decided to intervene, telling the deviant to calm down. The deviant stopped its self-harm, grabbed a gun from a nearby cop and shot Connor between the eyes. It then committed suicide.

Choices: I mean... I was just trying to do my job.

• Probed the deviant's memory after its failure to cooperate.
• The probe was a success, confirming the deviant's guilt.
• Intervened, telling the deviant to stop bashing its head on the table.
• Got shot and killed by the deviant.

Breakdown: I Snapchatted my brother almost immediately after Connor's death. Again, my jaw dropped. I was stunned. Three consecutive chapters with three major deaths. This game is something else.

Chapter 9: From the Dead - Markus

Overview: Markus wakes up, face-down in a muddy junkyard. His eye is missing, his legs are gone, his pump regulator is shot to crap and his audio processor is now faulty. He scours the junkyard for new parts and hears of a community called "Jericho," where androids can supposedly live in peace and freedom.

Choices: Markus is alive, which was a shock. I've decided that he is going to return as a changed android. He was wrongly accused of killing his best friend and royally screwed over by humans. No more Mr. Nice Robot.

• Killed an android who was begging to die.
• Climbed the slope out of the junkyard.
• Markus cam back from the dead.

Breakdown: While creeping through a narrow gap in the junkyard, the remains of an android torso reached out and grabbed Markus, mentioning that he should find the Jericho community. I don't usually get frightened easily, but I audibly reacted to this jump-scare.

Chapter 10: Waiting for Hank - Connor

Overview: Connor awakens in an area called the "Zen Garden." We meet a woman named Amanda, who explains that the previous Connor was replaced by an identical model, who will now work with Lt. Anderson. The new Connor is sent to the police station, where he waits for Anderson. In the meantime, Connor has the opportunity to learn more about his partner. When Anderson meets with Connor, the lieutenant becomes frustrated that he must continue to work with an android and he storms out of the office.

Choices: I accidentally responded a little too directly to the question that made Anderson mad. Whoops.

• Examined Anderson's desk, learning that he is anti-android, but has been a decorated officer on past cases.
• Viewed files regarding known instances of deviant androids. One of the files does not give a picture or name, but mentions that the deviant was the caretaker of a local painter and artist named Carl.
• Upset Anderson, causing him to leave the office for lunch.

Breakdown: My blunder in accidentally choosing an unwanted response just goes to show how important it is that you pay attention to this game at all times. I guess I'll just have to deal with the consequences from here on out. In regards to the file on Markus, I am thinking that this storyline could very well lead to a show-down between Connor and Markus, if things keep going the way I've guided them so far.

Chapter 11: Jericho - Markus

Overview: Markus takes the Junkyard Android's advice and begins seeking out the mysterious community known as Jericho. He follows clues around the city that could only be analyzed by an android and makes his way to an old ship, where he encounters the robotic citizens of Jericho.

Choices: This one was pretty straight-forward, too. I got 86% completion on this chapter and only missed a couple seemingly inconsequential decision branches.

• Discovered Jericho.

Breakdown: Nothing noteworthy. I plan on rising up the ranks as quickly as possible, no matter what it takes.

Chapter 12: The Nest - Connor

Overview: Connor does his best to make amends with Anderson. They are sent on another investigation. In this scenario, they track down a deviant who apparently cares for pigeons - there are TONS of them in the apartment they track him to. Another detective-style task leads Connor to discover another "RA9" shrine. Again, that term is written compulsively all over one of the walls in the apartment. Connor follows the deviant's tracks, leading to a thrilling rooftop chase scene. Toward the end of the chase, the deviant knocks Anderson off the roof, and Connor is forced to decide whether to catch the deviant or save his partner.

Choices: This chapter has forced my hand a little bit earlier than anticipated. I'm now having to decide whether I want Connor to side with androids or with his human partner.

• Found the deviant's secret diary in the apartment.*
• Found the deviant and gained on him during the chase.
• Saved Anderson and let the deviant go.

Breakdown: I've decided to try to mend bridges with Anderson to see if I can soften his stance on androids. Although he didn't say it, Hank appeared grateful to Connor at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 13: Time to Decide - Markus

Overview: Markus meets the residents of Jericho, with three specific androids taking the spotlight: North (a woman) and two men (Josh and Simon). They encourage Markus to speak with Lucy, who appears to be the current leader of the community. Markus hatches a plan to obtain more android parts and "blue blood" to help sustain life in Jericho.

Choices: I got 100% completion on this short chapter.

• Lit fires in the barrels around the boat.
• Talked to all prominent residents.

Breakdown: Looks like we're going on an adventure to steal some replacement parts. Also, it is of note that, by this point, Marcus has removed some of his parts - most notably the glowing circle on his temple that is the most obvious indication that the thing you are looking at is an android - so he now looks like a human.

Chapter 14: Russian Roulette - Connor

Overview: Connor returns to the Zen Garden, where he tells Amanda about the deviant's secret journal. She asks Connor about his relationship with Anderson. Connor arrives at Anderson's house, where he discovers his partner unconscious on the floor. Connor breaks in and rouses Anderson, then tells him of a new crime that needs to be investigated. Anderson reluctantly agrees to get ready, giving Connor some time to look around the house...

Choices: I think I wasted a little too much time reading some electronic magazines around Anderson's home, so I may have missed out on some important clues about Anderson's personal life and family.

• Told Amanda that Connor would use a more friendly approach when dealing with Anderson.
• Examined Anderson's pistol, which had one bullet in the revolving chamber. It appears that he has suicidal tendencies.
• Found a picture of Anderson's son.* Anderson has not yet mentioned him to Connor.
• Chose "hippy" clothes for Anderson to wear.

Breakdown: Pretty happy about choosing the "hippy" clothes, as opposed to "stripey" or "streaky." I wonder if an android was related in the apparent death of Anderson's son.

Chapter 15: Spare Parts - Markus

Overview: Markus, North, Josh and Simon go hunting for parts. They are eventually confronted by a pair of android security guards. I had to shoot one of them. The other one asked to join the group in their return to Jericho, but I had Markus refuse that offer. An alarm sounds and Markus' group is forced to grab as much as they can and make a break for it.

Choices: Here, I've been asked to make a stand with Markus. This mission is important, but I'm not about to start bringing in anybody who volunteers...

• Followed North through the shipyard.
• Markus spills blood.
• Found a crate of not-yet-activated androids. Left the androids deactivated.
• Refused the guard's request to join Jericho.
• Returned to Jericho with full bags.

Breakdown: Markus' decisions have begun to affect his squad-mates. I have grown more favorable with North, but Josh has become resentful of the way I handled a couple situations in this chapter.

Chapter 16: The Eden Club - Connor

Overview: Connor's next investigation leads him to what we will refer to as a "leisure club," for the sake of the children, who I pray are not reading this blog. There was a murder in which one of the "employees" killed one of the club's patrons. Further investigation showed that two female robots were involved, not just one. A fun sequence had Connor probing the memory of the other android employees to track where the suspects had fled. Connor traces them to the basement, where he and Anderson are attacked by two deviants. A Quicktime Event fight breaks out and Connor is ultimately forced to decide whether to shoot the assailants.

Choices: Again, Connor must decide whether he is willing to kill another robot.

• Used aggressive approaches when interrogating androids in the club.
• Found eye witnesses to the crime.
• Won the fight, but allowed the deviants to escape.

Breakdown: Allowing the two deviants to escape helped improve Anderson's opinion of Connor.

Chapter 17: The Bridge - Connor

Overview: Anderson and Connor take a break after their latest escapade. Anderson has turned to alcohol again to calm his emotions. He eventually pulls a gun on Connor, threatening to kill him, but I was able to dissuade him from doing so.

Choices: I'm trying to be careful with Connor's relationship with Anderson, since I promised Amanda that I would be more friendly in the future.

• Discussed RA9.
• Discussed Anderson's suicidal tendencies.
• Was cold when Anderson pulled the gun on Connor - told him that Connor isn't alive and therefore cannot be killed.
• Hank left Connor alone.

Breakdown: Really, just grateful that they didn't have to boot up another Replacement Connor.

Chapter 18: The Stratford Tower - Markus

Overview: After gaining confidence with the Jericho squad, Markus decides that it is time for androids to make a public statement. Their plan is to break into a Detroit news station and broadcast a message to the world. The chapter plays out like a heist movie or something, with a real "Oceans 11" feel, which was fun. Markus uses deception to gain access to the building, then he and North make a breath-taking climb up the side of the building to access to appropriate floor for their big plan. Markus is forced to make more vital decisions when confronted by human guards. With my new strategy for Markus, I decided that no human lives are bigger than the task at hand. Ultimately, Markus reaches the news studio and is given an opportunity to make pleas or demands and thereby influence the public in his search for justice. After making the statement, he and the Jericho Squad must flee the premises - but not without a big loss; Simon was shot during the break-in, leaving Markus to decide his fate.

Choices: This was a tough chapter, but we really see the beginning of Markus' heel turn. This is the beginning of a new story for the once-friendly caretaker.

• Prank-called the receptionist, posing as he daughter's school teacher, to gain access to the building.
• Attacked the human guards on the top floor.
• Shot the guard on the phone.* Also shot the other guard to gain entry to the broadcast studio.
• Simon was damaged.
• Shot one of the television operators.
• Maintained a determined (as opposed to calm) approach to the broadcast.*
• Demanded recognition, equal rights, justice for androids, the end of segregation and the right to own property.
• Left Simon on the roof with a gun* (as opposed to killing him). The group escaped but Simon was left behind.

Breakdown: The chapter ended with TV broadcasts covering the breaking news, officially condeming Markus and the Jericho Squad as wanted terrorists. Whoa.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Keep reading:

Entry Two
Entry Three
Entry Four