Whether science ever proves to itself that other universes exist is of little importance to me. I know they exist. I have visited them, and at times even tried my hand in creating them. It does not take god-like powers for either and in fact, travelling to them requires little effort. Watch a good movie and I think you’ll see what I mean. I escape to these far off places because there are times when my own world cannot satisfy the voracious appetite of my mind. And yet, I always return. I exist here, in this universe, and no other place is substantial enough for my mind to survive. It would simply whither away if it remained elsewhere.
What happens though, if I can’t come back? Indeed, that is a frightening thought, and I think I may have glimpsed the answer. The Lost Experience, a so called alternate reality game, offers people a new and different portal into the world of Lost. There is something terribly wrong with that portal though. It fails to fully transport its passengers, in either direction, leaving them in the ether between and in worse shape than the castaways of the show. The Experience is constant, grinding away and making itself visible at any and every tick of the clock. There is no page to save with a bookmark, no power button, no theme song or credits to signal the end. What drew me in, the idea of melding worlds, has become the games greatest flaw.
The game is hardly a game at all, for in a game I wield power…and have control. Within the Experience, I feel insignificant and slog along with the rest of the minions. Even if I were one of those who rise above, following each clue to the end and solving the riddles, I wouldn’t be satisfied. One thing does not lead to the next in this half-created world; it is simply a string of disconnected events with the next only coming when the creators allow it. They have failed in their duty to make us truly a part of the universe and yet no one can leave. We are not held captive by clever design, by interesting characters, or even a well told story. What has ensnared us is the intrigue, the prospect of meaning to be lent to the show. Lost is a magnificently crafted universe, but I am afraid it may only be soured by the poor Experience.