Essays on Empathy

68%
Game Brain Score Based on 90 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • music
Essays on Empathy Game Cover
I’ve always said that the best and most interesting games are being made at the experimental level in game jams and Essays on Empathy proves that. If you’re skipping Essays, at least check out Deconstructeam’s itch.io page.
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"Essays on Empathy" is a narrative-driven game that explores the theme of empathy through a series of interactive vignettes. Players will confront ethical dilemmas and make choices that challenge their perspectives on complex social issues. The game encourages self-reflection and introspection, making it a thought-provoking and immersive experience. However, please note that the game contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all players.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

68%
Audience ScoreBased on 90 reviews
gameplay7 positive mentions
stability5 negative mentions
  • Essays of Empathy is a unique collection of short games that showcase the emotional depth and innovative storytelling of Deconstructeam, with standout titles like 'Behind Every Great One' and 'De Tres Al Cuarto'.
  • The inclusion of developer commentary and behind-the-scenes videos adds significant value, providing insight into the creative process and the evolution of the studio's work.
  • The games tackle complex themes and real-life issues, making for thought-provoking experiences that resonate with players on a personal level.
  • Many of the games suffer from bugs and lack polish, which can detract from the overall experience and make gameplay frustrating at times.
  • The absence of a save feature and inconsistent game sizes can lead to a cumbersome experience, especially for players looking for a more traditional gaming structure.
  • Some players may find the collection's experimental nature and focus on narrative over gameplay to be less engaging, particularly if they prefer more polished and conventional gaming experiences.
  • gameplay37 mentions

    The gameplay across this collection of games is generally described as simplistic and often flawed, with many titles suffering from janky mechanics and bugs that hinder the experience. While some games offer unique narrative-driven mechanics that enhance storytelling, others feel unfinished or lack engaging gameplay elements. Overall, the collection is recommended for those who appreciate innovative narratives, but players seeking robust gameplay may find it lacking.

    • “These insights are really fascinating, but from a purely entertainment and gameplay perspective, there is a lot on offer in each of these games.”
    • “The characters are pretty decent, and the gameplay does a really nice job of making you feel like you're struggling to keep up, sort of like 'Behind Every Great One.'”
    • “I love the story and the gameplay of building bouquets; the flowers you pick completely determine the meaning of each bouquet and influence how the story goes.”
    • “Some of these games have game-breaking glitches and very unnecessary mechanics.”
    • “The game's design overall isn't great either; I get what they were going for, but the gameplay just isn't there.”
    • “Honestly, I don't think there's anything more I can say about it; the mechanics are janky and feel bad to control.”
  • story35 mentions

    The collection of games showcases a diverse range of emotionally impactful stories, often blending innovative gameplay mechanics with deep narrative themes. Each game offers unique storytelling experiences, from poignant reflections on life and relationships to experimental and ambiguous narratives, all while highlighting the growth of the small studio behind them. Overall, the stories are well-crafted, engaging, and resonate with players, making the collection a compelling exploration of artistic expression in gaming.

    • “Whether it’s picking a gift for your father or picking possibly the last flowers on earth for a memorial, every story packed a punch emotionally.”
    • “I only played three of the games yet, but each of them is incredibly unique both in game mechanics and in telling a story that really makes you care about the characters.”
    • “A very heart-touching and cute story.”
    • “However, the visuals, story, and themes are much better developed in my opinion.”
    • “This is the game I enjoyed most of all; it’s monotonous and is emotionally draining as a story/game experience.”
    • “I'd say only one or two of these has actual game design, and the rest are just here to tell a story, which is actually something I love to see; but just like a movie needs film language and books need... well language, interaction needs to work on a mechanical level.”
  • music15 mentions

    The music in this collection is consistently praised for its quality and ability to enhance the gaming experience, with standout tracks that complement the narratives and atmosphere of each game. Reviewers highlight the impressive integration of music with art and storytelling, noting that the soundtrack significantly contributes to the emotional depth and engagement of the gameplay. Overall, the music is described as top-notch, adding a rich layer to the unique and experimental nature of the games.

    • “The music never fails.”
    • “Also multiple choices to choose from and the music is top-notch for this particular atmosphere.”
    • “It's grim and the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.”
    • “The music is top-notch for this particular atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics together with the music and the sound design work together perfectly with the narratives.”
    • “The banging soundtrack is a standout feature of the collection.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the games is highlighted through their exploration of sensitive real-life issues, such as emotional abuse and anxiety, which resonate deeply with players. Titles like "Behind Every Great One" and "De Tres Al Cuarto" are particularly noted for their impactful storytelling and ability to evoke strong feelings, making the gaming experience both thought-provoking and emotionally draining. Overall, these games are praised for their innovative concepts that intertwine gameplay with complex emotional narratives.

    • “Whether it’s picking a gift for your father or picking possibly the last flowers on earth for a memorial, every story packed a punch emotionally.”
    • “Behind Every Great One: a life sim about being stuck in an abusive relationship and the emotional strains that come with it.”
    • “This is the game I enjoyed most of all; it’s monotonous and is emotionally draining as a story/game experience.”
  • graphics8 mentions

    The graphics in these games are praised for their unique 8-bit pixel art style, which effectively balances the portrayal of intense themes with a reduced grotesque factor. Reviewers highlight the seamless integration of visuals, music, and sound design, enhancing the emotional depth of the narratives and making the characters feel genuine and relatable. Overall, the artwork is celebrated for its ability to evoke strong emotional responses while addressing real and relevant issues.

    • “Love the artwork and videos included with each game.”
    • “The graphics, together with the music and the sound design, work together perfectly with the narratives.”
    • “Art style and music are fantastic across the board.”
    • “While some graphic scenes of self-mutilation and PTSD were shown, the 8-bit pixel sprites reduce the grotesque factor.”
    • “Each of it has solid concept and able to touch our heart or tickle our brain even with minimal gameplay, artwork, and sound design.”
    • “However, the visuals, story, and themes are much better developed in my opinion.”
  • stability5 mentions

    The stability of the game collection is notably poor, with users reporting numerous game-breaking glitches, bugs, and unfinished mechanics that hinder gameplay. Many players find themselves getting stuck in the environment, and the overall experience feels more like a collection of demos rather than polished titles.

    • “The game functions but it's super buggy and it's easy to get stuck in a wall or the floor.”
    • “The game is buggy and it's hard to figure out what the next step would be.”
    • “A collection of unfinished extremely buggy games.”
  • atmosphere5 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is marked by a haunting sense of dread as characters barter their lives for desires, enhanced by a striking blend of ancient technology and cyberpunk elements. This contrast, coupled with engaging music and meaningful choices, creates a thought-provoking and immersive experience that captivates players. Overall, the mood is well-crafted, contributing significantly to the game's depth.

    • “The mood and the atmosphere of the story are neat.”
    • “Using life as a vessel of currency adds a dreadful atmosphere to the game as you watch these characters barter even with their kin to gratify their wishes.”
    • “Integrating ancient technology with the futuristic cyberpunk atmosphere creates a deep contrast between the freelancer’s intent of unveiling mysteries—and the thrill of scheming via futuristic manipulation methods such as voice changing, quick information hacking, and more.”
    • “The music is top-notch for this particular atmosphere.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Players appreciate the high replayability of the game, citing the exploration of various concepts and satisfying mechanics as key factors. The presence of multiple dialogue options and six possible endings further enhances the incentive to replay the game.

    • “I love the exploration between different concepts in each game, many of which were very satisfying to experiment with and leave room for replayability.”
    • “The different dialogues provide a lot of replayability, with six possible endings you can achieve.”
    • “The different dialogues provide a lot of replayability, with six possible endings you can come up with.”
    • “I love the exploration between different concepts in each game, a lot of which were very satisfying to mess around with and leave room for replayability.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by self-deprecating jokes, particularly through the comedic duo of Garzo and Bonachera, which adds a lighthearted touch to the experience. However, some players found themselves so engrossed in the gameplay that they lost track of the main objective, indicating a mixed reception regarding the humor's effectiveness in enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The phrase 'three for a quarter' showcases self-deprecating humor about how Garzo and Bonachera view their comedic duo.”
    • “The funny thing is, I really did get lost in the game; I don’t think I ever found the aliens. It's been a little while since I played this one, but it's not something I'm super into.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    While some games feature tedious and unfulfilling grinding mechanics, the majority are well-received and enjoyable.

    • “The grinding in this game feels endless and monotonous, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “I find myself doing the same repetitive tasks over and over, which really drains the fun out of the experience.”
    • “The amount of grinding required to progress is overwhelming and takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
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Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

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