Gender Dysphoria
- April 6, 2023
- exodrifter
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Get on itch.io Store"Gender Dysphoria" is a 20-minute, non-linear narrative game simulating negative experiences after coming out as transgender. The game aims to provide cisgender people insight into the transgender experience and validate the pain of those who are transgender. It offers customization for dyslexic font and descriptive audio, with a warning for its heavy emotional content.
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Reviews
- The game provides a deeply personal and relatable experience for those who have experienced gender dysphoria, effectively conveying the emotional struggles faced by transgender individuals.
- The voice acting and sound design are praised for enhancing the overall atmosphere, making the narrative feel more immersive and impactful.
- Despite its short length, the game is considered a valuable tool for educating others about the experiences of transgender people and the microaggressions they face.
- The choices in the game do not significantly affect the outcome, leading to a feeling of linearity despite claims of non-linearity.
- The game is criticized for its short duration, with many players feeling that it ends abruptly and leaves unresolved story elements.
- Audio issues, such as a constant ringing sound and poor voice acting choices, detract from the overall experience and immersion.
- story52 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story is a poignant, albeit brief, exploration of the experiences of a transgender woman, conveyed through a series of non-linear vignettes that highlight various challenges she faces. While the narrative resonates deeply with some players, particularly those familiar with the subject matter, many feel it lacks depth and concludes abruptly, leaving them wanting more. Despite its shortcomings, the game is praised for its heartfelt writing and potential as a tool for understanding transgender issues.
“It's very clear to me the author had a story they wanted to speak from their heart and share their personal experiences, and I appreciate the effort that she has gone through to do so.”
“In summary, I think this game is excellent for what it is: a chilling story for cheap that can be beaten in a short time frame with a narrative that either hits home for most people, or can be used as a tool to teach people how most transgender people are treated/how they feel when they're treated that way.”
“Outside of the audio crackle with the phone calls being kind of grating (which I assume was intentional, though I could not tell you why), this is exactly as described: a short and not at all sweet, harrowing little nonlinear story of all the little papercuts you can experience while trans.”
“Of course, when choosing to do so in such a direct way, you are going to have a short story - but I finished this game in 14 minutes, and the ending was unsatisfying.”
“Story contradicts its own message frequently; the main character berates his mother for assuming some people she saw were transgender yet assumes other people's genders frequently.”
“Story frequently shifts locations with little warning, which was jarring. It had no visuals to support this, and the story was not chronological in the slightest.”
- emotional12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as deeply impactful, eliciting a range of feelings such as heartbreak, disappointment, and exhaustion, which vary based on personal life experiences. Reviewers emphasize the game's ability to provoke significant emotional responses, likening it to art that fosters personal development, while also cautioning players to engage with it only when in a stable emotional state.
“And it's heartbreaking and disappointing and enraging and exhausting all at the same time--and more.”
“There are some choices in the stories that are extremely personal, and I can almost guarantee the emotional impact of each choice will be highly dependent on your personal life experiences.”
“If art is work that can provide personal development and elicit emotional response on the audience, then I feel this game clearly falls under the category of art.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is primarily a linear, 20-minute text-based experience that involves pressing a button to advance conversations, which some find lacking in depth and variety. While the pacing can feel jarring, the sound design and voice acting are praised as standout features, contributing to an overall simple yet effective gameplay experience.
“The gameplay is well done.”
“It's sound design is excellent, its gameplay simple yet effective, and its voice acting is phenomenal.”
“It's a 20-minute not-really-branching text game that costs money and doesn't offer anything in terms of the gameplay.”
“The gameplay consists of pressing a button to progress to the next phase of the conversation while jumping between scenarios at a jarring pace.”
“Gameplay sucks in real life.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics in this game are minimal to the point of being almost non-existent, which some players feel enhances the psychological impact of the narrative. However, the lack of visual support for the frequently shifting and non-chronological story can be jarring and disorienting. Overall, the sparse graphics contribute to a unique experience, though they may leave some players wanting more clarity.
“In this particular situation, less is more - and with little to no graphics, if it had been any more gut-wrenching I would have thought I was playing a psychological horror game.”
“Story frequently shifts locations with little warning, which was jarring; it had no visuals to support this, and the story was not chronological in the slightest.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for more ambient soundscapes to enhance the emotional impact of the game's music, particularly in tense moments where shifts in the score could heighten feelings of dread and anxiety. While the music is appreciated, there is a consensus that additional auditory elements could deepen the player's connection to the game's atmosphere.
“The music has a way of creating a deep connection, making players feel emotionally invested in the experience.”
“The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, effectively conveying the character's emotions and the tension of the situations.”
“The combination of music and gameplay creates a unique experience that resonates with players on a personal level.”
“All this considered, I do feel as if there could have been more ambient noise to truly make the player feel a sense of dread during some of these more lively situations, like the music stopping suddenly or even picking up rapidly to convey the anxiety the character is feeling in that situation.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as oppressive and heavy, creating a genuinely scary experience that feels real and impactful, despite its short length and limited gameplay. Reviewers appreciate its artistic qualities, suggesting it stands out in the gaming landscape and warrants a sequel.
“The atmosphere it builds throughout the game was scary; it felt oppressive and heavy, something I haven't really seen in my short time on Steam and watching other YouTubers. I truly think it's a piece of art in gaming.”
“The game felt real and immersive, creating a unique atmosphere that left a lasting impression on me.”
“Despite its short length and limited gameplay, the atmosphere was haunting and captivating, making it an unforgettable experience.”
“The atmosphere it builds throughout the game was scary; it felt oppressive and heavy, something I haven't really seen in my short time on Steam and watching other YouTubers.”
“The game felt real, creating an atmosphere that was both immersive and unsettling, which I found to be quite unique.”
“While the gameplay was lacking, the atmosphere was intense and left a lasting impression, making it feel like a true art piece.”
