Device 6

by Jonas Tarstad

A surreal thriller in which the written word is your map, as well as your narrator.

DEVICE 6 plays with the conventions of games and literature, entwines story with geography and blends puzzle and novella, to draw players into an intriguing mystery of technology and neuroscience.

Anna wakes up in a castle on a remote island, with little recollection of how she got there. All she remembers is an unusually unpleasant doll...

Why are there two identical castles on the island? Who is the mysterious man in the bowler hat? And above all, what is the purpose of the tests Anna is put through?

Read, listen and peek into three-dimensional photographs to solve the bizarre mysteries of DEVICE 6.

Genres: Thriller

ebook

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[John Damaso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discombulating and challenging as a reading experience, Device 6 leverages so many iPad features (sound effects, music, video, parallax-shifting images, typography, and interactivity) to tell a self-aware story of Anna's coping with the mystery of appearing on an island. The puzzles require some backtracking through the topsy-turvy text, and the solutions are very satisfying upon discovery. Not exactly a choose-your-own-adventure, Device 6 is a story that forces empathy with its protagonist via riddle-unraveling. You only unlock a chapter if you see the world and its intricacies the way Anna does. I hope this narrative puzzler spawns a new genre of literary gaming.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro con pinta de juego pero realmente un libro con una historia extraña e interesante, un final aterrador y un personaje que tiene más que ver con el lector de lo que parece al principio. Me tuvo prendida del asiento desde el inicio, súper recomendable.

[John Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great "book." It takes the choose your own adventure / text based dungeon crawlers mechanic and pairs it with a trippy mystery story. It's reminiscent of The Prisoner tv series, but interactive. Highly recommended.

[Roen Naska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book/game is a fantastic journey to what seems, a robotic experiment. You're the experiment and you have always been the one. You will always be the stuffed doll. And that's what you get in the end.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5. I only dock it from a perfect score because I wanted more. People talk about this as a game/novel and the idea of a novel-length game... that's truly impressive. You could have something incredible and completely immersive at a level beyond what anyone has ever experienced. With the YYYHHHQQQ guys turning The Silent History into a proper novel (coming out from FSG Originals later this year), there's a definite window for a novel-length app-delivered experience. Something inherently linked to the device in your hand, that can't be replicated anywhere else. I'm not a proponent of losing the written word or the physical book - but this is a damn good way to augment (get it?) that reading experience. It's a steal at twice the price.

More at RB: http://ragingbiblioholism.com/2013/12...

[Scott Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have solved Device 6! About 7 excruciating hours of headaches, "ah haa" moments, and sitting relieved to see the black screen with white circles popping out in front of my face. I think what makes this game so fantastic is its ability of incorporating this mystery and a puzzle all within one chapter of a mystery novella. Its ability to tie everything together in the last few chapters with player 247 (the predecessor), and seeing the same questions that were asked me in the laboratory then making the connection I was player 249, it was trilling. And in the end, when you had to buy the doll, I had a little mini heart attack truly believing that in 2 days I would have received the doll, but after a few minutes of rationalizing that the app did not know my address, I was relieved. I have never been so relieved of not receiving a gift in my life. The story too was trilling.

[Alejandro Jimenez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This revolutionary book is difficult to review. Personally, I loved how the text was laid out and it was very interactive and caused you to rotate your device. This helped me stay focused to the storyline. For example, the elevator and spiral staircase were my favorites. The main story about Anna was very slow-moving and it seems that everything happened within a day. The puzzles at the end of each chapter grew increasingly harder and were very frustrating. This "book" was also very hard to put down in the middle of a chapter. By that I mean if I was in the middle of a chapter and came back a few days later, I was completely lost. Overall, I love the direction in which the book is going but it is definitely not perfect quite yet.

[Jacob Talamante · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way to interact with this book was challenging at first because there are no insturctions. You jump right in to the story with no knowledge of how to navigate your way. Once you figure this out, you then realize that you cannot complete a chapter without solving a puzzle. These aspects are just minor hurdles you have to overcome before you get the full Device 6 experience. Device 6 is a very challenging, difficult, and causes you to think. It really pushes the reader to solve the puzzles at hand and pay attention to the clues sprinkled throughout the chapter and then putting them together to advance to the next chapter. Overall, Device 6 is an experience and possibly the future to how stories are told.

[Bailey Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a interesting game to play because of all the different features it brings to the table which have never been tried before, and I like this because it really pushes the boundaries of reading as we traditionally think of it by adding this whole new dynamic though audio, visual and even various puzzles. I didn't like the puzzle aspect of it to much though because it was fairly challenging and even annoying because it really took a long time to solve the puzzles, and sometimes you had to go way back to almost the beginning of the chapter of the book to solve the puzzle which I didn't care for.

[Max Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 is one of the most entertaining and frustrating book/game/puzzle that I have completed. As a matter of fact, it is the only one known to me at the time, but I hope that more stories will be released using this setup. Device 6 took roughly 6 hours to complete; most of this time was used trying to decipher each puzzle at the end of a chapter. Luckily, there are numerous walkthroughs available online to aid the reader/gamer on their journey throughout the mysterious island. Overall, Device 6 is one of the most thrilling and addicting books I have read, and I highly encourage others to complete it as well.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puzzling as well as frustrating, Device 6 is not like anything that I have ever done. It is the first book that has really come alive. Incorporates sound and visuals to an already mysterious book. What I really like the most is the detective part of the story. You have to put yourself into the book to be able to get through the chapter. I still wanted more from the ending of the book as it was kind of frustrating (not going to spoil it). I did get frustrated with it a t some points and had to look up some stuff on the internet. Regardless, this book captures a whole new genre that has yet to be further explored.

[Ben Maltbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Device 6 was an interesting "book" to read. Being interactive, it definitely kept me focused on what was going on during the book. However, often times when a voice was playing in the background noise, it was hard for me to realize what clue it was hinting at as I was still reading the text. It felt like bit of a hassle to stop reading so that I could listen to the voice just to pass on to the next bit of text. I enjoyed the sound effects which thoroughly improved the experience – they made it seem more creepy than I would've imagined in my head. The text itself was quite simple, definitely not an advanced level, but I believe that was the point.

Overall, very good "book."

[Lt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 was different, to say the least. It was a video game, but not quite. It was a book, but not quite. From the beginning, you are introduced to this realm in the body of a young adolescent named Anna. In the six chapters, you explore different "devices" in which you can only surpass by solving clues tied into the text itself and the eccentric props that lie around the setting of Anna's world. I didn't have the opportunity to finish the game. Not only was it very challenging, (I didn't use any walk throughs that were available on YouTube) but it was extremely odd and very creepy. I would recommend this "book" for the sake of how the story is told rather than the story itself.

[Joseph Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have found that I don't like stories that aren't told through all text or through a medium like T.V. or a movie. The idea behind Device 6 was good, but the actual story just seemed like a jumbled mess with one chapter having very little importance on the next. This would have been an interesting story if it was a bit more cohesive. Personally, after completing the puzzles, I completely forgot what the last chapter was about. This story telling method has potential, but Device 6 did not do a good job with what it set out to do. Despite its flaws, the music, voice acting, and typography of the story really engaged the reader.

[Jack White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent my whole car to and from my Christmas vacation. It kept me focused on the story and made the 6 hour drive go by quickly. I loved the numerous ways in which the text was presented. My personal favorite was the staircase in the 6 level. I think that this platform for reading is very interesting and could be the future for books. I found it very difficult in the beginning and did not understand what I had to do. I quickly discovered that the audio files were the key to solving almost every puzzle. Each of the puzzles were creative, sophisticated, and very complicated. I think that it is great because it keeps the wandering minds of a reader very focused.

[Walker Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 was a fun yet difficult read, the creators of the book/app did a good job with correlating the text with the feeling of how the text shaped and moved at the touch of your fingers. It did a lot with the character development so that the author could really leave it to the book to really let Anna take shape. Personally the underlying thoughts and the interjections of what I assume was her subconscious routinely through the text really added an involved feeling to it. I feel like the puzzles at time over-shadowed the text and took away from what would have been a pretty good read without the additives.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interactive book, embodying the spirit and essence of both House of Leaves and S., this book-turned-app exhibits only the finest of interaction, mystery and problem-solving.

The music and audio mimics your place in the story.

The words dance around as you move your device every which way to continue reading.

The interactive puzzles require your solution in order to advance in the story.

If anyone is looking for a non-traditional, experimental novel or story - choose Device 6. It's price is modest for the power of the story (coming in at only 3.99 on itunes) and Device 6 truly takes advantage of telling a tale through a handheld device (an iPhone in this case).

[Grant Gillem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 is an interactive novel app that I found very interesting. At times, the game was one of the most frustrating ways to spend my nights. I'd have my phone out, typing constant notes while playing the game on my iPad to help finally solve the puzzles. Of course, finishing the game was a very successful payoff. This app really was able to captivate my attention, and keep me playing, and reading at the same time. Honestly, I would be excited for sequels of the story/app, or more from the developer (writer?).

[Nick Briguglio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 is a great game/book that intrigues not only the player with the story, but with the challenges as well. For me, it was fun to attempt to think beyond what was written on the page to solve the challenges at hand. It caused me to think, and after solving a certain section of the app, gave me a sense of reward and accomplishment. Some of the challenges are a little hard, but all are definitely fair to the player. All in all, this is a great app which I recommended for many others to put their mind to the challenge of getting through it.

[Maanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This app/book/game put a new twist on storytelling. It really encouraged reading actively and having the reader think about what was happening in the story. Making it so that the reader has to move the iPad of iPhone around really makes the rear more attentive, and doesn't make people fall asleep when looking at the same cookie cutter page over and over again of every book. It offers graphics throughout, but they are advanced and don't make the game seem childish or not serious. Overall, it puts a new meaning to the phrase, "text adventure," and I hope that more is made in the future.

[Matt Mcmurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 is a mentally challenging thriller with a fun new way of telling a story. The developer's suck you into the story by making use of creepy music and sound affects, shifting text, pictures, and a well written story. They puzzles and riddles in each chapter make you feel as if you really are the protagonist. I would give this novella a five star rating if the riddles weren't quite as challenging because when you become too frustrated it detached me from the story and made my experience less enjoyable.

[Lmcshane16 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Device six adventure was challenging and innovative expirence, I say that because I have never experienced a book like it before. With its immersive story and voice acting tied in with its challenging and chilling puzzles. You get the full deal of immersive multi-media with this book that really ties the plot together. It has the feel of a choose your own adventure book but lacks the "you choose" and because of that adds to more of the complexity of the story and its "Mind Control" devices.

[Max Sarver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 proved that the future of story telling lies in interactive stories. Utilizing all features in an app gives you the visualization of what Anna was doing throughout the text. This gave me the feeling that I was actually playing a game, rather than just reading a book and solving a few puzzles. Forcing you to pay close attention to details in order decipher the hidden puzzles throughout the story enhances your active reading ability and reading comprehension skills. Overall, I believe this was a really good read and I hope that students are assigned more "books" just like this one.

[Marvin Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

Device 6 was a very cool way to give people an approach to reading. Because you were limited to one chapter until you could solve it, comprehension was increased because it forced you to read again and again and again until you finally understood what was going on. As a high school student, I felt as if the book was challenging and not something you could skim through. I feel that with most traditional books, you were allowed to skim through and because of that you couldn't really get to KNOW the story. You have to get to know the story to be successful in completing this game.

[Nicholas Johnsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Device 6 in all of the aspects except for one, which was the puzzles. The story of Anna and how she arrived at the island was extremely enthralling and I did not want to stop reading, except the app forced me to through the puzzles. The puzzles in the app would have been enjoyable for me but I simply did not want to stop reading. Other than that, the app was as a very freaky and captivating experience which I will probably never forget due to superb writing from a very interesting perspective.

[Samuel Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This "book" was intriguing and interesting but also very very confusing. I had a very hard time with the puzzles and at many points had to resort to online walkthroughs. This was an interesting way of telling a story and I would like to see if other app developers create a similar product.
I was however very very confused with the storyline of the book. I like the format quite and bit but would like to see this style of story telling with other stories. Less creepy dolls and weird animal robots and this could be a much better story/game.

[Dmintz16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was definitely different than any other story. I feel like this will lead to even better interactive stories with new mind games and ways to "finish" the book. The story itself was pretty absurd at first, but as you keep progressing you find out that everything has a purpose in the story/puzzles. The only thing that bugs me is that the replayability value is not what it should be because you already know the answers to all the puzzles and would not have to "read" the story to "finish" it.

[Jose Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the most interesting and revolutionary game of the year. The setting and story is interesting, the technological uses of the iPad are well integrated throughout the experience without feeling gimmicky, and the visuals and sound aesthetics are both chilling and glorious to admire. It has a wonderful theme and ending that keeps me up at night and has interesting things to say about free will and choice. The song "Anna" is wonderful and the artistic direction is superb. Worth every virtual dollar.

[Tommy Zachar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings a new sense of involvement with the story to any reader. The interaction of story with game creates something between the enjoyment of half book and half movie at the same time. I was interested in getting this app, but didn't think it was going to be worth the price. Thanks to my English teacher for gifting this to the class, I see that this was definitely worth money I would have spent myself. This story has made me enjoy reading more than ever before, and has me reading several books now. I would recommend this to anyone with an ipad.

[Joe Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "book" engages a very interesting concept of imbedding a puzzle within a short narrative. The protagonist, Anna, wakes up in a foreign place and her objective is to find out where she is and how to get out. To complete the story and game, the reader must look very closely at the text and listen very closely to the narrator to find the clues to solve the puzzle. The game was very frustrating at times, but was, overall, a fun and engaging game.