The road trip structure highlights what individuals must do to survive when they have lost everything, including their home and family. Literary and Cinematic Influences
Parallels are drawn between the brothers and Steinbeck's displaced migrant workers, George and Lennie.
The player’s choices as Sean do not just affect the immediate plot; they shape Daniel’s morality and their relationship. For instance, teaching Daniel to lie or use his powers for personal gain can lead to darker outcomes, illustrating that the "power" in this story is actually the influence an older sibling has on a younger one.
The developers drew inspiration from classic "road trip" and survival media, weaving these influences into the game's atmosphere:
The brothers' journey to Mexico is driven by a fear of a justice system they feel will not protect them due to their Hispanic heritage.