Fallen London is a browser game in which the player discovers the secrets of an alternate-history Victorian London.
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Story & Themes
Fallen London is a text-based game in which the player explores a mysterious alternate-history Victorian London--a world in which London was stolen by bats. In Fallen London, regular people coexist with devils, squid people (called "Rubbery men"), and all manner of other strange beings. There is no one goal of Fallen London per se; rather, the player pursues any number of "storylets" at once. These can range from hunting dangerous beasts in the Marshes, to trying to charm members of high society. Some storylets are one-off tasks, while others are multi-part journeys that will take a long time to complete. Through these storylets, the player levels their character's qualities, builds relationships with the denizens of London, and discovers more and more about the world.
Save Points
The player can exit the browser window at any time and their information will be saved.
Difficulty
Fallen London is not hard to play, as it is entirely text-based. The player only needs to click the option they want to progress in the story. Tasks range in difficult from "easy" to "nearly impossible," according to the character's qualities. These qualities level up in increments as the player progresses through the storylets. Eventually impossible tasks will become possible, even simple.
Heads Up!
Violence The game is entirely text-based, so there are no violent images. However, the player can get into violent situations. These aren't usually described in graphic detail, but there are mentions of blood and wounds. There are many opportunities for the player to get into fights in London.
Scary Imagery The game has been described as Lovecraftian in tone. There are very many strange creatures in Fallen London, and many situations will give the character nightmares. The game is very atmospheric and can be creepy, but it's not horror in the traditional sense.
Sex & Nudity There is no graphic sexual content or nudity. The character can have implied liaisons with non-player characters, and enter into relationships with player characters. There is a character named Sinning Jenny, who is a scandalous citizen of London implied to be a sex worker.
Strong Language In Fallen London, Hell is a location. The word "damn" is used, but always written as "d--n."
Substance Use The player can collect many different kinds of wine and absinthe. The absinthe features in certain storylets, where the character must drink it. Wine is an item that can be traded for more valuable alcohol or sold for a few pence like most other objects in the game. There is also a substance called Prisoner's Honey that is a fantasy stand-in for opium. It gives the character strange dreams.
Consumerism The game moves more quickly and easily when the player purchases Nex, a form of digital currency that can allow the player special items or actions. However, the game is completely playable without spending money.
Discrimination Fallen London makes excellent efforts to be inclusive. The game has three gender options. The image used to represent your character is a cameo of your choice, and is always a silhouetted figure--meaning your appearance is left entirely to the imagination. Same-sex marriages are permitted.
Online Community
Fallen London lets players become acquaintances to help with certain missions. You can send in-game messages to other players, and the account page allows the player to block any abusive users.
Conversation Starters
- Some of the choices in Fallen London are difficult to make. How do you decide whether what you're doing is the right thing or not?
- There are lots of allegiances that you can cultivate. Who is your character loyal to, and why?
- What do you do when you're stuck in Fallen London? With so many choices, how do you decide what to do next?
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