80 Days (2014 video game)

{{Infobox video game

| title = 80 Days

| image = 80 days (2014 video game).png

| caption = App Store icon

| developer = Inkle

| publisher = Inkle

| director = Joseph Humfrey
Jon Ingold

| writer = Meg Jayanth
Jon Ingold

| artist = Jaume Illustration
Joseph Humfrey
Alan Dukes

| composer = Laurence Chapman

| platforms = iOS
Android
Windows
Mac
Nintendo Switch

| released = iOS
July 31, 2014
Android
December 15, 2014
Windows, Mac
September 29, 2015
Switch
October 1, 2019

| genre = Interactive fiction

| modes = Single-player

}}

80 Days is an interactive fiction game developed and published by Inkle for iOS on July 31, 2014,{{cite web|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/80-days/id892812659|title=80 Days|website=App Store|date=30 January 2018 |publisher=Apple Inc.|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=August 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823210217/https://apps.apple.com/us/app/80-days/id892812659|url-status=live}} and Android on December 15, 2014. It was released for Microsoft Windows and OS X on September 29, 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.inklestudios.com/2015/09/10/once_more_around_the_world.html|title=80 DAYS is coming to PC and Mac on Sep 29th|date=September 10, 2015|website=Inkle|access-date=September 10, 2015|archive-date=August 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824101833/https://www.inklestudios.com/2015/09/10/once_more_around_the_world.html|url-status=live}} It employs branching narrative storytelling, allowing the player to make choices that impact the plot.{{cite web|url=https://www.inklestudios.com/2014/12/05/to-the-pole.html|title=To The Pole - And Bring a Robot!|date=December 5, 2014|website=Inkle|access-date=December 17, 2014|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919191700/https://www.inklestudios.com/2014/12/05/to-the-pole.html|url-status=live}}

Gameplay and plot

File:80 Days Dialogue Choices.jpg

The plot is loosely based on Jules Verne's 1873 novel Around the World in Eighty Days. The year is 1872 and Monsieur Phileas Fogg has placed a wager at the Reform Club that he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days or less. The game follows the course of this adventure, as narrated by Phileas Fogg's manservant Passepartout, whose actions and decisions are controlled by the player.

After leaving London on an underwater train to Paris or a mail carriage to Cambridge, the player can choose their own route around the world, travelling from city to city. Each city and journey contains unique narrative content. The developers estimate that on one complete circumnavigation of the globe players will see approximately 2% of the game's 750,000 words of textual content.{{cite news|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/games/80-days-jules-verne-inspired-mobile-game-is-all-over-the-map/|title='80 Days': Jules Verne-inspired game brings a more global perspective|author=Todd Martens|date=August 30, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831040548/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/games/80-days-jules-verne-inspired-mobile-game-is-all-over-the-map/|archive-date=August 31, 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.inklestudios.com/2015/09/17/new_adventures.html|title=New adventures in 80 DAYS!|date=September 17, 2015|website=Inkle|access-date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624193629/http://www.inklestudios.com/2015/09/17/new_adventures.html|url-status=live}}

In their role as valet, the player must manage their finances, their master's health, and time, as well as buying and selling items in different markets around the globe. The choices made by the player in story sections can also have a large impact on how the journey proceeds.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-reviews/11040336/80-Days-review.html|title=80 Days review|author=Phill Cameron|date=August 18, 2014|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=May 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201923/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-reviews/11040336/80-Days-review.html|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}

The game has several secrets, easter eggs and hidden endings, as well as several references to Verne's works, including Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas and From the Earth to the Moon.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/80-days/Tips_and_Tricks|title=Tips and Tricks|date=August 19, 2014|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114235123/https://www.ign.com/wikis/80-days/Tips_and_Tricks|url-status=live}} The game is partly inspired by the steampunk genre, featuring such elements as sapient mechanical transport, hovercraft, submersibles and a city that walks on four gigantic legs.

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| align = right

| MC = 88/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/80-days/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad|title=80 Days for iPhone/iPad Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Fandom|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617093724/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/80-days-2014|url-status=live}} (iOS)
84/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/80-days/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=80 Days (2015) for PC Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Fandom|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429120132/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/80-days-2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/80-days/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=80 DAYS for Switch Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=Fandom|access-date=April 6, 2020|archive-date=June 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612012645/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/80-days|url-status=live}} (PC, NS)

| GSpot = 8/10{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/80-days-review-a-man-and-his-fogg/1900-6417322/|title=80 Days Review - A Man And His Fogg (NS)|author=Hope Corrigan|date=September 30, 2019|website=GameSpot|publisher=Fandom|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001100118/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/80-days-review-a-man-and-his-fogg/1900-6417322/|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}} (NS)

| Gamezebo = 4/5{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/80-days-review-were-going-on-an-adventure/|title=80 Days Review: We're Going on an Adventure! (iOS)|author=Carter Dotson|date=July 31, 2014|website=Gamezebo|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005050/https://www.gamezebo.com/reviews/80-days-review-were-going-on-an-adventure/|url-status=live}} (iOS)

| IGN = 8/10{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/04/80-days-review|title=80 Days Review (iOS)|author=Mitch Dyer|date=December 4, 2014|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|access-date=May 29, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212413/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/04/80-days-review|url-status=live}} (iOS)

| NLife = 8/10{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/80_days|title=Mini Review: 80 Days - A Wordy But Wonderful Jaunt Around The Globe|author=Ollie Reynolds|date=October 2, 2019|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=May 29, 2021|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602212409/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/80_days|url-status=live}} (NS)

| NWR = 9/10{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/52022/80-days-switch-review|title=80 Days (Switch) Review|author=Joel A. DeWitte|date=October 21, 2019|website=Nintendo World Report|publisher=NINWR, LLC|access-date=May 29, 2021|archive-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826153450/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/52022/80-days-switch-review|url-status=live}} (NS)

| PCGUK = 91%{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/80-days-review/|title=80 Days review|author=Andy Kelly|date=October 13, 2015|magazine=PC Gamer|publisher=Future plc|access-date=May 29, 2021}} (PC)

| PG = 4.5/5{{cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/80-days/80-days/|title=80 Days|author=Harry Slater|date=July 31, 2014|website=Pocket Gamer|publisher=Steel Media Ltd|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114235120/https://www.pocketgamer.com/80-days/80-days/|url-status=live}} (iOS)

| RPGFan = 90%{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/80-days/|title=80 Days (PC)|author=Alana Hagues|date=September 29, 2015|website=RPGFan|publisher=Emerald Shield Media LLC|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115023747/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/80-days/|url-status=live}} (iOS)
85%{{cite web|url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/80-days-2/|title=80 Days (iOS)|author=John Tucker|date=July 31, 2014|website=RPGFan|publisher=Emerald Shield Media LLC|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115023737/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/80-days-2/|url-status=live}} (PC)

| TELE = 5/5 (iOS)

| TA = 4.5/5{{cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2014/08/01/80-days-review/|title='80 Days' Review – This Adventure Is More Than Just Hot Air|author=Shaun Musgrave|date=August 1, 2014|website=TouchArcade|publisher=TouchArcade.com, LLC|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135940/https://toucharcade.com/2014/08/01/80-days-review/|url-status=live}} (iOS)

| rev1 = National Post

| rev1Score = 8.5/10{{cite news|url=https://financialpost.com/technology/gaming/three-ios-games-that-were-able-to-get-us-through-the-summer?r|title=Three iOS games that were able to get us through the summer|author=Chad Sapieha|date=September 4, 2014|newspaper=National Post|publisher=Postmedia Network|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204103838/https://financialpost.com/technology/gaming/three-ios-games-that-were-able-to-get-us-through-the-summer?r|url-status=live}} (iOS)

| rev2 = Slant Magazine

| rev2Score = 4/5{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/80-days/|title=Review: 80 Days (PC)|author=Jed Pressgrove|date=October 1, 2015|website=Slant Magazine|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005047/https://www.slantmagazine.com/games/80-days/|url-status=live}} (PC)

}}

The game received "generally favorable reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Phill Cameron of The Daily Telegraph described the iOS version as "one of the finest examples of branching narrative yet created". AppleNApps said of the same iOS version, "The story is absolutely superb with the little twists, and nuances on the classic to keep you constantly engaged to press onwards."{{cite web|url=http://applenapps.com/review/80-days-embarking-wonderful-adventure#.U_2WKaMn4Zk|title=80 Days - Embarking On A Wonderful Adventure|author=Trevor Sheridan|date=August 1, 2014|website=AppleNApps|access-date=August 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528051908/http://applenapps.com/review/80-days-embarking-wonderful-adventure#.U_2WKaMn4Zk|archive-date=May 28, 2018|url-status=dead}} Pocket Gamer said, "It's rich with ideas, brilliantly written, and creates a world that you'll want to visit over and over again." Gamezebo said that the iOS version "has a solid amount of depth to it, [and] a great story...It's a challenge – but an intelligent one."

The iOS version was ranked #10 in Time{{'}}s 2014 Game of the Year list.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3582118/top-10-video-games-2014/|title=Top 10 Video Games|author=Matt Peckham|date=November 24, 2014|magazine=Time|publisher=Time USA, LLC|access-date=November 26, 2014|archive-date=April 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411035052/https://time.com/3582118/top-10-video-games-2014/|url-status=dead}} Despite being a game, The Telegraph newspaper also named it as "one of the best novels of 2014".{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/11245795/Christmas-Books-2014-best-fiction-to-read.html|title=Christmas Books 2014: best fiction to read|author=Tim Martin|date=November 23, 2014|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|access-date=April 4, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619041627/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/11245795/Christmas-Books-2014-best-fiction-to-read.html|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}} The lead writer, Meg Jayanth, won a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for her work on the project.{{cite web|url=https://writersguild.org.uk/writers-guild-awards-winners-announced/|title=Writers' Guild Awards: winners announced|author=Administrator|date=January 19, 2015|website=Writers' Guild of Great Britain|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121091003/http://www.writersguild.org.uk/news-a-features/events/564-writers-guild-awards-2014-winners-announced|archive-date=January 21, 2015|url-status=live}}

The game received four BAFTA nominations in 2015, for Best British Game, Best Story, Best Mobile Game and Game Innovation.{{cite web|url=https://www.bafta.org/games/news/games-awards-2015-nominees-announced|title=Nominees Announced for the British Academy Games Awards in 2015|date=February 10, 2015|website=British Academy of Film and Television Arts|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005057/https://www.bafta.org/games/news/games-awards-2015-nominees-announced|url-status=live}} It won the award for "Excellence in Narrative" at the 2015 IGF Awards, and was nominated for Excellence in Design and the Seumas McNally Grand Prize, both of which went to Outer Wilds.{{cite web|url=https://igf.com/article/2015-independent-games-festival-announces-main-competition-finalists|title=2015 Independent Games Festival Announces Main Competition Finalists|date=January 7, 2015|website=Independent Games Festival|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115005057/https://igf.com/article/2015-independent-games-festival-announces-main-competition-finalists|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://igf.com/2015|title=2015 Independent Games Festival Winners|website=Independent Games Festival|access-date=2023-01-15|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006205945/https://igf.com/2015|url-status=live}} During the 18th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated 80 Days for "Mobile Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2015&idGame=1367 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details 80 Days |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=28 November 2023}}

The game was featured in the British Library's Digital Storytelling Exhibit, 2023.{{Cite web |title=British Library |url=https://www.bl.uk/press-releases/2023/june/digital-storytelling |access-date=2023-08-26 |website=www.bl.uk |archive-date=2023-08-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826153455/https://www.bl.uk/press-releases/2023/june/digital-storytelling |url-status=live }}

It is (2025) listed as the #5 game in the Interactive Fiction Database Top 100."[https://web.archive.org/web/20231119084955/https://ifdb.org/viewlist?id=k7rrytlz3wihmx2o IFDB Top 100]" (archived), ifdb.org, 13 November 2023. File:80 days.png's Digital Storytelling Exhibit in 2023]]