Emmrich’s Quest Final Choice

I just finished Emmrich’s quests, and I have some thoughts about it.

I love the whole concept of Emmrich’s character and his story’s potential to explore death and grief. I also have a fear of death. The shows Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass have really helped me navigate those fears, and I really like the way they approch those topics. That there’s no beginning and end, that our moments fall around us like rain, and we have to really live while we can.

I was a bit confused by the whole Lichdom thing. The game seemed to frame Lichdom as a way for Emmrich to conquer his fear of death - but is it? It sounded more to me like he was using Lichdom to avoid death. Immortality, at the cost of (probably) losing his feelings and personality, all to avoid dying.

Then the final choice came. I could either revive Manfred or let him go so that Emmrich could become a Lich. They framed the Manfred choice as avoiding death, and the Lich choice as conquering his fear of death. I don’t know. It honestly wasn’t a question for me personally cause no way I would let Manfred die lol, but I felt underwhelming.

In my opinion, it would have been much more powerful if it was framed as Emmrich conquering his fear of by abondoning immortality so that his son could have a chance at life, or giving into his fear and becoming a powerful Lich. Wouldn’t have been a hard choice for me either, but I think it would have made more sense.

I also thought the voice direction was strange - Emmrich didn’t cry or seem horribly tormented. This is something I’ve noticed in a lot of other tragic moments - the voice actors, who are usually great, don’t sound bothered by their friends or family dying. I think it would have sold the scene way better if we could hear his grief and torment.

Anyway lol those are my thoughts, would love to hear what other ppl think!!!