Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Battlefield and others have shown us war through the eyes of the soldier. While there is no short supply of WW2 titles, what is fascinating is the lack of representation of who is the most affected by war- civilians. Torn Away takes place on the Eastern Front of the Second-World-War through the eyes of a little girl, Asya. Living in Stalingrad, Asya eagerly awaits for her father’s return from battle to celebrate her mom’s birthday. Fate would have other plans.
The dreaded air siren blares, as Stalingrad is bombed into oblivion. Asya and her mother are kidnapped by the Nazis and sent to Germany for forced labor. During a bombing raid, her mother is killed and the labor camp is in chaos. With nothing but hope and an imaginary friend, Comrade Mitten, she seizes her opportunity and makes her escape.
A Story of Innocence Lost and Survival
Torn Away is not your typical action-packed World War II game. It’s a narrative-driven side-scroller with elements of stealth, exploration, and emotional storytelling. The gameplay reflects Asya’s vulnerability — rather than fighting, players rely on stealth, patience, and creativity to survive.
Early in the game, you perform mundane yet touching tasks — cleaning your small apartment, knitting a mitten, fixing boots, or peeling potatoes. These moments highlight the fragile normalcy of Asya’s life before it’s shattered by war. Later, as she escapes the camp, every step feels tense and purposeful. The presence of Nazi patrols transforms the environment into a constant struggle for survival.
This clever blend of mechanics symbolizes the helplessness of a child caught in the brutality of history. It’s an interactive portrayal of hope amid despair — a place where the skin has been torn away, metaphorically exposing the raw pain of human suffering.
A Beautifully Grim Visual Experience
What truly sets Torn Away apart is its art direction and atmosphere. The game feels like a Russian folk tale come to life — hand-painted textures, haunting silhouettes, and poetic narration transport players to a world filled with loss and lingering humanity.
The concentration camp visuals are bleak, depicting soulless surroundings that reflect the moral decay of war. The forests and bombed cities feel almost alive, filled with shadows of soldiers — ghostly phantoms representing fear itself. This storytelling style doesn’t glorify war but rather humanizes its victims, reminding players that behind every statistic lies a story like Asya’s.
Light in the Darkness: Acts of Humanity
One of the most memorable moments in Torn Away comes when Asya, after escaping the camp, finds herself in a lively German city. For the first time, color and warmth return to the screen — children playing, people laughing, homes lit with evening glow.
When Asya, exhausted and starving, sneaks into a kitchen, she’s caught by a German woman. Instead of turning her in, the woman offers kindness and protection. This small act of compassion becomes a turning point, showing that even amidst unspeakable cruelty, humanity still endures.
It’s a message rarely explored in war games: that empathy can exist on both sides of conflict, and that survival isn’t just physical — it’s emotional and moral, too.
Why Torn Away Matters
Games often entertain, but few make players feel. Torn Away is a quiet, powerful reminder of the cost of war — especially for children. It doesn’t rely on combat or glory, but on storytelling, art, and empathy to leave its mark.
For players who enjoy narrative adventures like This War of Mine or Valiant Hearts: The Great War, Torn Away offers a similar emotional depth with its unique Eastern European lens.
It’s a must-play for anyone interested in history, human psychology, or simply a moving story about hope and perseverance.
Where to Experience Torn Away
You can learn more about the game’s reception and critical reviews on OpenCritic.
To purchase or download Torn Away, visit its Steam page.
FAQ About Torn Away
Q1: What is Torn Away about?
Torn Away follows a young girl named Asya during World War II as she struggles to survive after being separated from her family. It’s a story-driven game focused on emotion and atmosphere rather than combat.
Q2: What kind of gameplay does Torn Away feature?
The game is mainly a side-scrolling adventure with interactive mini-games and stealth mechanics. It emphasizes exploration, survival, and storytelling.
Q3: Is Torn Away based on true events?
While Asya’s story is fictional, it draws inspiration from real historical events and the experiences of millions of civilians affected by World War II.
Q4: What platforms is Torn Away available on?
Currently, Torn Away is available for PC via Steam.
Q5: What does the phrase “how far away is the tornado from me” mean here?
While unrelated literally, it can symbolize how close destruction or chaos can be — echoing Torn Away’s theme of sudden devastation and uncertainty in war.
Conclusion
Torn Away is more than just a video game — it’s a haunting story about childhood, loss, and the power of hope. Through Asya’s eyes, we see the emotional side of war rarely explored in gaming. Its beauty lies not in action, but in empathy — reminding us that even when the world seems torn apart, compassion can still find a way through.
Sincerely yours,
Fil
Verdict: 9/10
