Depression The Game
- July 1, 2018
- DeepWorks Studios
Get on Steam"Depression The Game" is an interactive visual novel that aims to convey the experience of living with depression. The game features a non-linear narrative with multiple endings, encouraging players to explore the complexities of mental health. Despite its sensitive subject matter, the game uses humor and metaphor to provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on depression. However, it is important to note that the game is not a substitute for professional mental health support.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game effectively portrays the feelings and thoughts associated with depression, resonating with many players who have experienced similar struggles.
- The atmosphere and music contribute to a unique experience that captures the essence of living with depression.
- The developer's personal touch and willingness to tackle a sensitive subject matter is commendable, and the game has potential for improvement.
- The game is riddled with bugs, poor grammar, and spelling mistakes, which detracts from the overall experience and makes it feel unpolished.
- Gameplay is monotonous, consisting mainly of walking in circles and completing simple tasks, which can feel tedious and lacking in depth.
- The portrayal of depression is criticized for being superficial and unrealistic, failing to capture the complexity of the condition.
- story40 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story, while attempting to convey a personal narrative about mental health struggles, is criticized for its lack of depth and immersion, leaving players wanting more background on the protagonist's experiences. Many reviewers found the storytelling methods ineffective, with a short and unoriginal plot that fails to engage, despite some effective thematic elements. Overall, the narrative feels underdeveloped and poorly executed, detracting from the overall experience.
“The story itself was short but nice.”
“This game should not be advertised as a 'simulation'; rather, it should be labeled as the author's personal story and perspective on his own mental health and his struggles to cope in a world that seems exceedingly difficult.”
“This is all taking place in a game which is trying to tell a story about depression.”
“The story was just as bad as the rest of this.”
“This is the primary way in which the story is told, and it is very poorly done.”
“Story is not really existent.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the decent quality and customization options, especially given the price point. However, there are notable criticisms regarding graphical bugs and inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience, with some users finding the visuals inadequate or confusing. Overall, while the graphics contribute to a unique atmosphere, there is a consensus that improvements are needed to enhance clarity and realism.
“The graphics and soundtracks are able to make a unique atmosphere through the exploration.”
“The graphics are very good considering the price tag.”
“The graphics are actually pretty good, voice acting is on point.”
“The graphics are absolutely horrible - to the point you can't tell what is going on or where you are.”
“It was hilarious to run through this whole game finding all the graphical issues, bugs, grammar issues and more.”
“Meanwhile the graphics are alright and sound is okay and sometimes buggy, the content isn't representative of reality.”
- music22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as repetitive and monotonous, with a sad piano theme that some players found fitting for the game's atmosphere, while others considered it lackluster. Voice acting received criticism for being dull and quiet, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite mixed opinions, the soundtrack contributes to a unique atmosphere during exploration, though it may not resonate well with everyone, particularly those experiencing difficult emotions.
“Amazing soundtrack, awesome gameplay, but hard for everyone who's got bad times.”
“The graphics and soundtracks are able to make a unique atmosphere through the exploration.”
“Also the music and atmosphere were executed nicely.”
“The music is always the same, the voice actor is rather bad, sometimes he speaks too quiet.”
“Once you proceed through one door, it locks behind you, so if you missed completing your current quest you have to cycle all the way back through the house again while distraught dialogue and forlorn music plays.”
“Oppressive music.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Depression the Game" is widely praised for its painful accuracy in depicting the bleakness and intrusive thoughts associated with depression, enhanced by effective graphics and sound design. While the game excels in creating a unique and immersive atmosphere, many reviewers note a lack of substance and depth, leading to a mixed overall impression. Despite its shortcomings, the atmospheric elements are considered the game's strongest aspect, contributing significantly to its emotional impact.
“The graphics and soundtracks are able to create a unique atmosphere through the exploration.”
“Also, the music and atmosphere were executed nicely.”
“Cool game, very atmospheric.”
“The game was developed with stock features and not-so-great voice acting; however, the intrusive thoughts and bleakness of atmosphere very closely resemble what depression is.”
“Overall 6/10 - most points for atmosphere and accuracy, lacking in something of 'substance', quick play-through, easy 100% achievements, good for a small game with basic structure.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is largely criticized for its monotony, consisting mainly of walking in circles and performing simple tasks within a small apartment. While some appreciate the soundtrack and the intended emotional impact, many find the lack of engaging mechanics and the repetitive nature of the gameplay detracts from overall immersion. Overall, the experience feels limited and underdeveloped, leaving players wanting more depth and interaction.
“Amazing soundtrack, awesome gameplay, but hard for everyone who's got bad times.”
“If it had been done better, I would definitely be more immersed into the gameplay and story throughout than I already was.”
“There isn't much gameplay to speak of, other than wandering around somewhat aimlessly throughout a small apartment while being prompted to complete seemingly easy tasks such as getting dressed, washing up, and getting something to eat.”
“The gameplay takes place entirely in a small apartment, and consists of walking a full loop around the apartment; as you enter each room, the door closes and locks behind you, forcing you to proceed.”
“Gameplay wise it's pretty boring, but I guess this is intended to transfer better the feeling of depression.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its numerous graphical glitches, bugs, and poor execution, which players found unintentionally amusing. Many reviewers noted that the absurdity of these issues provided moments of genuine laughter, even if the overall experience was frustrating. Despite the game's shortcomings, the comedic value of its flaws led some to reconsider their ratings, highlighting a unique blend of humor and disappointment.
“The bubble column coming out of the fish food was funny as hell.”
“It was hilarious to run through this whole game finding all the graphical issues, bugs, grammar issues, and more.”
“It is so ridiculously poorly executed to the point of being involuntarily funny.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent glitches, bugs, and numerous grammar and spelling mistakes in the dialogue. While some users appreciate the effort of a one-man development team, the overall experience is marred by these technical shortcomings, making it difficult to recommend even at a low price.
“Awful/buggy game that isn't worth it for 2 euros.”
“There is a bunch of grammar and spelling mistakes in the dialogue, it was a bit buggy (walking on top of chairs when I don't think that action was intentionally put in the game), and there were some strange elements to the game as well.”
“It's interesting and tortured, and well done for a one-man team, but it is pretty buggy and riddled with typos.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits strong reactions, with some players expressing that it made them cry and resonated with their personal struggles. However, others criticize it for perceived emotional manipulation and melodrama, likening it to the angst of a troubled teenager rather than a genuine exploration of deeper themes. Overall, while it can evoke feelings of sadness and reflection, opinions on its emotional depth and authenticity are mixed.
“This game made me cry.”
“Look - I suffered from depression for many years (which helped me were antidepressants, therapy, and JBP videos - in that order) and I get it, it's the emotional pain and sense of misery and pointlessness.”
“Well, it does hit me with some emotional feelings.”
