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, making it relatable for many players.
- The atmosphere and graphics create a unique experience that captures the essence of living with depression.
- The developer's personal touch and effort in tackling a sensitive subject matter is commendable, and the game has potential for improvement.
- The game is riddled with bugs, poor voice acting, and numerous spelling mistakes, which detract from the overall experience.
- Gameplay is monotonous, consisting mainly of walking in circles and completing simple tasks, which can feel tedious and unengaging.
- The portrayal of depression is criticized for being unrealistic and superficial, failing to capture the complexity of the condition.
- story20 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's story, while touching on themes of mental health and personal struggle, is criticized for its lack of depth and development, leaving players wanting more background on the protagonist's experiences. Many reviewers found the narrative to be short and poorly executed, with gameplay mechanics that detracted from immersion rather than enhancing the storytelling. Overall, the personal nature of the story is acknowledged, but its presentation fails to engage players effectively.
“The story itself was short but nice.”
“More specifically, the developer's own battle with mental illness and his personal story that caused the affliction to manifest itself to begin with.”
“The story was just as bad as the rest of this.”
“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 the primary way in which the story is told, and it is very poorly done.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the good quality relative to the price and the ability to modify settings, while others criticize the presence of bugs and inconsistencies that detract from the overall experience. Although the visuals can create a unique atmosphere, there are significant complaints about graphical issues that impact gameplay clarity. Overall, while the graphics are deemed decent by some, they fall short for others, leading to a varied reception.
“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.”
“Meanwhile the graphics are alright and the sound is okay, but sometimes buggy; the content isn't representative of reality.”
“It was hilarious to run through this whole game finding all the graphical issues, bugs, grammar issues, and more.”
“The graphics are absolutely horrible - to the point you can't tell what is going on or where you are.”
- music11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as repetitive and monotonous, with some players finding it fitting for the theme while others consider it lackluster. Despite mixed opinions on its effectiveness, the soundtrack contributes to a unique atmosphere, with some praising the sad piano melodies as pleasant. Overall, the music enhances the game's emotional tone, though it may not resonate with everyone.
“Amazing soundtrack, awesome gameplay, but hard for everyone who's got bad times.”
“Something positive about the game; the repetitive sad piano song was a pleasant listen.”
“The graphics and soundtracks are able to make a unique atmosphere through the exploration.”
“The voice acting is fairly monotonous, and the music is always there and repetitive, but maybe that's actually a good thing because it fits the theme.”
“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.”
“The music is always the same, the voice actor is rather bad, sometimes he speaks too quietly.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Depression" is described as hauntingly accurate, effectively capturing the bleakness and intrusive thoughts associated with the condition, despite the game's simplistic structure and voice acting. Players appreciate the atmospheric graphics and soundtrack, which enhance the overall experience, though some feel the game lacks deeper substance. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature, earning high praise for its emotional resonance.
“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 the 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.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its monotony and lack of depth, primarily involving repetitive walking and simple interactions within a confined apartment space. While some appreciate the soundtrack and the intended emotional impact, many find the overall experience boring and lacking in engaging mechanics.
“Amazing soundtrack, awesome gameplay, but hard for everyone who's going through tough times.”
“If it had been done better, I would definitely be more immersed in the gameplay and story 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.”
- humor6 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 find unintentionally amusing. Many reviewers noted that the absurdity of these issues elicited genuine laughter, making the experience entertaining despite the game's overall shortcomings. However, some felt that the humor stemmed more from frustration than intentional comedic design.
“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.”
- stability5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent glitches, unintended interactions, and numerous grammar and spelling errors in the dialogue. While some aspects like graphics and sound are acceptable, the overall experience is marred by these bugs, making it difficult to recommend.
“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.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed reactions, with some players experiencing genuine feelings of sadness and connection, while others criticize it for perceived emotional manipulation and melodrama. While it has the potential to evoke a strong emotional response, it may not resonate positively with everyone, particularly those sensitive to its themes.
“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.”
