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Day of the Dead

Picture of Dia de los Muertos figurine crafted by Javier Benites

Every year I visit my parents in Albuqueque, New Mexico. When my sister was alive, she lived there as well, and it would be a wonderful time together with my entire family and my sister's children and husband. Julie and I had so much in common. It's funny how much I've come to realize that now, now that she's gone. She loved all things spooky, as do I.

My parents wonder at my fascination with these Day of the Dead figurines. And, at times, I wonder as well. But I shouldn't. They represent life amidst death. The Day of the Dead is a celebration of family, including those who have already left us. When I look at these little lively and, at the same time, deathlike figurines, I think back to those days when Julie and I would talk with excitement about an upcoming Halloween. She, of course, already had her costume planned out a year in advance. And she'd share recipes like spooky witches' fingers with me. We'd both share recommendations for spooky (not gory) movies to maybe try to watch at the same time, like "Don't Look Now" or  "The Innocents."

To bring this back to gaming, one of my all-time favorite adventure games that has this very theme is Grim Fandango. It's a classic point-and-click adventure game with a stylish mix of Day of the Dead and Film Noir themes. If these themes are up your alley, definitely check it out!



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