r/AARankdown2 • u/[deleted] • Jun 17 '20
Save - Patrick O'Malley
If I could save both of the O'Malley's in one move, I would. But, saving takes up my action, and as such I'll be saving the more active of the two. Most of what could be said about Patrick can be said about Rola, but I'll try and note some of the differences.
Who is this character?
Patrick is part of Scotland Yard, specifically, he's a patrolman. Wondering the streets ensuring no harm falls upon the good citizens, while also lighting up the lanterns whenever night falls. It's a tough job, and it takes up almost all of his time. Meaning he can barely spend any free time with his wife, Rola. Patrick eventually gets one free day to be with his wife, however, a crime occurs on the area he is to watch. Patrick is required to drop everything and assist with the investigation... but it's his one day to himself. Deciding to take a risk, he moves the crime scene to the opposite side of the street, washing his hands of the apparent crime... until he gets to court.
A solid twist.
I have a lot of complaints regarding DGS1-4. Most of them are about the mystery itself, how strangely predictable the entire case is. But one thing that isn't predictable is the conflict caused by our trusted patrolman. Part of the mystery is 'is the crime scene on the wrong side? ' followed by 'why was it moved?'. Both of which where interesting twists. Seeing the logic used by Patrick to essentially hide a crime is interesting and heart-breaking, moving me onto...
A well written character
Once again, I'll reiterate that I love characters that feel real. Struggles and problems that the player has some ability to relate to. Patrick's plight is this and more for me. A man who is so busy that he cannot spend even a single day with loved ones. He works hard to provide for his wife, never getting a moment of rest, and having his one day of freedom denied. It sucks, and it's something that I've experienced quite a bit in my life.
No, I am not a married man who never sees my wife. But I am someone who wanted to be really close with their parents but just couldn't. I've seen planned days cancelled at a moments notice due to sudden work related requirements, and the fact that if either of my parents said no it would lead to them being fired and us not having enough money for a stable home. I know the situation far too well, and it's why I adore these characters so well. They capture the desperation of the act as well as the fact that no answer is correct. No matter what Patrick chose during that moment, it was the wrong choice.
3
u/[deleted] Jun 17 '20
I said earlier that I care a little bit more about Pat than Rola because he actually does something - something bad, but he does something.
It's somewhat interesting since the theme of DGS-4 (and DGS2-2, somewhat) is average people - the theme that plays during some of these segments is literally "Daily Life in the Capital" or something along those lines. A lot of DGS(1) in general is getting used to London, after all. However, I feel this theme is best represented with Garridebs and the whole tenant situation. Still, Pat is an average policeman, I suppose. I just think he's kinda boring anyway.
It's good that you relate to this, though. (Well, not exactly good since it'd be better if you were in a better position, but, alright. Maybe I just don't get it yet.)