CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience

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"CHANGE: A Homeless Survival Experience" is a rouge-like survival game set in a randomly generated city, where players must explore, earn perks, find items, and experience acts of kindness to help their character escape homelessness. The game offers depth with hundreds of perks, items, and events, and is inspired by the developer's personal experiences. 20% of profits will be donated to charities focused on homelessness.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,258 reviews

gameplay53 positive mentions

grinding25 negative mentions

The game provides a unique and immersive experience that raises awareness about homelessness and the struggles faced by those in that situation.
Gameplay is engaging and challenging, with a variety of characters and scenarios that keep each run feeling distinct.
The developers are responsive to feedback and regularly update the game, adding new content and fixing bugs.

The game can become repetitive after a few playthroughs, as the core gameplay loop doesn't change significantly.
There are several bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as freezing during events or losing progress when reloading saves.
Happiness and other resource management mechanics can feel punishingly difficult, making it hard to progress without relying on drugs or alcohol.

gameplay
164 mentions
32 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this rogue-like title is characterized by its unique mechanics and emotional storytelling, which effectively highlight the struggles of homelessness. While many players appreciate the variety of perks and random events that keep each run feeling distinct, there is a consensus that the core gameplay can become repetitive and grindy over time. Despite some bugs and balance issues, the game offers an engaging experience for those who enjoy strategic survival mechanics, though it may not appeal to players seeking fast-paced action or a traditional plot.
- “The perks, items, and different starting conditions are varied enough that each run does tend to feel somewhat distinct, like an unfolding story, even though the core gameplay elements remain the same.”
- “Came for the survival time management gameplay, stayed for the realization of what homeless people have to deal with.”
- “The gameplay is fascinating and you can really fall into the character.”
- “The gameplay is very grindy and boring, and the rogue-like elements are very poorly implemented.”
- “The initial novelty wears off quickly, leaving a gameplay loop that lacks engagement and depth.”
- “It's an alright roguelite game, but I wish there were more differences in gameplay between characters; the game doesn't really encourage playing another character when the only difference is what type of debuff you want to choose at the start.”
story
83 mentions
27 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its emotional depth and ability to provide varied experiences through multiple storylines, allowing players to engage with the struggles of homelessness in a compelling way. While some players find the narrative powerful and immersive, others note that the replayability can diminish after completing a storyline, and there are calls for more character development and random encounters to enhance the experience. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a strong point, though some players express a desire for more content and balance in gameplay.
- “The story was very touching, and I definitely lost track of the time playing the game.”
- “The storytelling aspect is phenomenal; I appreciate how it humanizes the experience.”
- “This game provides more story and character development than most AAA games nowadays.”
- “This game is too hard and unreasonable; there was a part in the story where I was framed for having a knife and booted from the residence, which revoked my bank account that had quite a bit of money in it that you do not get back even once you get residence again. It's a lot of BS in this game that the creators need to fix in order to make it enjoyable.”
- “After you finish the story of one character, the drive to play again is low.”
- “The main problem here is... no story, no character building, and no immersion.”
graphics
61 mentions
44 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a simple yet beautiful art style, often reminiscent of retro 16-bit visuals, which effectively convey the game's gritty themes and emotional depth. Players appreciate the charming pixel art and atmospheric design, noting that while the graphics may be basic, they enhance the overall experience and align well with the game's serious subject matter. Overall, the visuals are praised for their ability to evoke feelings of despair and hope, making them a significant aspect of the game's appeal.
- “This game has a beautiful unique art style and is a new experience every time you restart based on the decisions you make during the game. 10/10.”
- “A beautiful game with graphics that are both simple and elegant; it brings a taste of realism with every step.”
- “The game has some really bleak and depressive environments, and the graphics are really well designed and laid out, hitting the nail right on the head with what it sets out to portray.”
- “The aesthetics of change are simple and clearly taking on the techniques of far older games (I suspect it uses 16-bit graphics?), but this works for the gritty haziness of the poverty environment the character is in.”
- “The graphics are simple, but the game itself is by no means easy. It really tries to highlight how tough it is for the homeless even if they are actually trying hard.”
- “The effects on the visuals depending on how your character is (drunk, drugged, depressed) are good.”
emotional
52 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game "Change: A Homeless Survival Experience" is widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling and impactful portrayal of homelessness, evoking strong feelings of empathy and reflection among players. Many reviewers noted the game's ability to create a deep emotional connection, often leading to tears and a greater appreciation for life's simple comforts. However, some critiques mention that while the game tackles serious themes, it may oversimplify the complexities of homelessness, leading to a somewhat romanticized view of the struggles involved.
- “The story was very touching and I definitely lost track of the time playing the game.”
- “Give this game a try, it's difficult and heartfelt, and when you're done with it...think sometime about what the experience is like when a person finds themselves having lost everything, and what a difference hope and aid can make.”
- “This game is a very honest and emotional portrayal of homelessness.”
music
48 mentions
27 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its emotional depth and ability to enhance the atmosphere, with a mellow lo-fi soundtrack that complements the gameplay and themes of despair and hope. While some players appreciate the immersive quality of the music, others find it repetitive or overly dramatic, suggesting that it can detract from the experience at times. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant element that contributes to the game's emotional impact, though some players recommend alternative music for a more enjoyable experience.
- “The soundtrack seems to use the same song with slight variations repeatedly, but it's such a mellow lo-fi tune that it seeps into the background and helps influence the mood without seeming irritating.”
- “The music and graphics tugged at my heartstrings perfectly, making me feel despair, hope, and anger in equal measures.”
- “The atmosphere, the music, and the painful honesty is what really sets this game apart in some of the few that should truly be remembered and played for such an experience.”
- “The music makes the experience too jarring and melodramatic for me.”
- “I did not exactly find the emotional part of the game other than the music which can be toggled but it is a really good little indie game.”
- “It plays only when something bad happens to you or if the weather changes, and yes it is creating the right mood and conveys emotions of despair, but I miss music accompaniment in regular day-to-day gameplay.”
replayability
37 mentions
41 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the variety of scenarios, characters, and unlockable content that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some users note that the core conditions for winning remain consistent, leading to a potential lack of long-term engagement, the game's rogue-like elements and random events contribute to its addictive nature. Despite a few criticisms regarding controls and the need for more randomness, the general consensus is that the game offers a compelling and immersive experience that invites players to return frequently.
- “There are so many small details that I love about this game - so many different ways to fall, and to pick yourself back up again... especially for such a simple game, the replayability is impressive.”
- “Besides that this game is fantastic and has a great amount of replayability due to the different storylines and how when you finish a story (whether it's from getting a new life, or your happiness reaching zero and you giving up on returning to a normal life) you get experience which unlocks new items to be added to your next playthroughs.”
- “The game has so many different outcomes and scenarios, so it's 100% replayable.”
- “My only true gripe is that the replay value is a bit low due to the fact that the conditions for winning never change.”
- “I like the game, just no replayability.”
- “Replay value is practically zero.”
grinding
25 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that the game features significant grinding, particularly in the late stages, where players often find the experience tedious and repetitive. While some enjoy the grind as part of the gameplay loop, many feel it detracts from the overall experience, especially due to bugs and RNG elements that can undermine progress. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable but requires a tolerance for grinding to fully unlock its content and achieve objectives.
- “I love grindy games, but there's way too little content and it's like they tried to compensate for it by making it *too* grindy.”
- “The game is tedious and the 'true ending' was not worth the effort needed to get it.”
- “Biggest problem is that after some struggling in the beginning, it wasn't very hard to survive anymore and it just begins to feel very grindy and repetitive, making you feel like you've seen everything the game has to offer.”
stability
25 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game is plagued by numerous bugs and stability issues, including frequent freezes and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players appreciate the concept and the developers' responsiveness to feedback, the overall consensus is that the game's current state is too unstable for a satisfying experience, making it difficult to recommend.
- “I love this game, but unfortunately it's way too buggy.”
- “I will say though that the more I play this game, the more it freezes.”
- “It has gotten to the point where it just freezes as soon as I load the game and it has become unplayable.”
atmosphere
20 mentions
70 % positive mentions
15 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions, effectively capturing themes of depression and loneliness while remaining engaging and immersive. Players appreciate the combination of compelling music, stunning artwork, and a setting that resonates with the struggles of homelessness, making the experience both relatable and impactful. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay and leaving a lasting impression on players.
- “Generally, change: a homeless survival experience is a good game: it sets atmosphere excellently, is fun to play and unceasingly brings interesting challenges, and makes a meaningful change in the perceptions of the player.”
- “Side scrolling yet it still gives off a sad and lonely atmosphere.”
- “I love this game, its atmosphere really sells the desperation and difficulty of homelessness.”
- “The atmosphere, the music, and the painful honesty is what really sets this game apart in some of the few that should truly be remembered and played for such an experience.”
humor
7 mentions
86 % positive mentions
14 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of absurdity and unintentional comedy, with players finding amusement in quirky city layouts and dialogue mix-ups. While some reviews note that the humor can be silly or far from reality, others appreciate the lightheartedness it brings to gameplay, making it enjoyable despite its simplicity. Overall, the humor is seen as a notable aspect, contributing to the game's charm.
- “I've seen some kind of funny layouts though, like two laundromats, a bar, and two police stations... I just wish the code for generating the cities was a little refined so it would make starting a new playthrough simpler.”
- “Fun little game, not much to it but it's funny to try to beat your own score and try the different scenarios.”
- “I thought it to be funny as hell, yet very stupid, and far from reality.”
character development
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game offers more story and character development than many contemporary AAA titles, but it lacks depth, with limited interactive options that reduce engagement to mostly walking and clicking.
- “This game provides more story and character development than most AAA games nowadays.”
- “There's no real depth to the character development, and with the very limited options you can actually do inside buildings, there's not much to do here but walk and click.”
optimization
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Users report issues with optimization, noting instances of poor performance and stuttering during movement, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “Although there is some poor stuttering when I move from one place to another, which is slightly annoying.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
The game's monetization is perceived as frustrating, with players often feeling unable to afford items in the store, which adds to the overall somber experience. The mechanics of picking up trash and begging for resources contribute to a sense of struggle, making the in-game economy feel challenging and reflective of the game's themes. Despite this, players recommend the game for its unique emotional experience.
- “The monetization system feels exploitative, as it often pushes players to spend money to progress or enjoy the game fully.”
- “I find the in-game purchases to be overpriced and unnecessary, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The constant ads and prompts to buy items make the game feel more like a cash grab than a genuine experience.”