Home: A Quarantine Story
- September 25, 2020
- Kyle Muntz
Get on SteamA young woman visits her family for the first time in four years—and accidentally infects them with COVID-19. Now, trapped at home in the midst of a pandemic, with her grandmother close to death, accusations and old tensions rise to the surface. Explore her family home, get to know her family members, and, if you’re lucky, attempt to survive the only thing more dangerous than the virus: her mother…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The writing is top-notch, with a relatable and well-crafted story that explores complex family dynamics and emotional manipulation.
- The game features detailed descriptions of items and well-developed characters, enhancing the narrative experience.
- It's a free visual novel that offers a unique and familiar setting, resonating with players who have mixed feelings about their childhood homes.
- The artwork, particularly the head-shots, is unappealing and reminiscent of low-quality graphics, which can detract from the overall experience.
- The game ends abruptly, leaving players feeling unsatisfied and without closure, as if more content was planned but not delivered.
- Some players may find the dialogue-heavy gameplay and short length limiting, as it primarily consists of exploration and conversation.
- story11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story of "Home: A Quarantine Story" revolves around a woman returning to her childhood home just before the COVID-19 lockdown, inadvertently bringing the virus with her. It explores themes of family, the duality of "home" as both comforting and toxic, and features a dialogue-driven narrative that resonates with players reflecting on their own connections to home. Overall, the game is praised for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, making it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a compelling narrative.
“A realistic narrative that builds a unique yet somehow familiar setting, Home: A Quarantine Story will softly resonate with anyone who can’t decide if their heart is with the home they’ve made for themselves or the home they grew up in.”
“It's a terribly depressing story of a woman who was living in an apartment and he comes to visit her family home.”
“It's the story of a woman returning to her childhood home right before the COVID lockdown and unknowingly bringing the disease to them.”
“A relatively short story about how family and the concept of 'home' can be as poisonous as it is comforting.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics received a score of 7, with some users noting that the artwork resembles older titles like Dink Smallwood, which may not appeal to everyone. However, many emphasize that the visual style should not deter players from experiencing the game's narrative, as it functions more as a visual novel than a traditional RPG.
“I’ll admit it doesn’t look like games I’m normally drawn to, but it’d be a mistake to judge this visual novel by its graphics.”
“The problem I had with it was the artwork.”
“The graphics and interface immediately reminded me of Dink Smallwood, but this is more of a short story in game form than an RPG.”
“I'll admit it doesn't look like games I'm normally drawn to, but it'd be a mistake to judge this visual novel by its graphics.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a blend of humor and deep emotional resonance, particularly through the unsettling dynamics of the protagonist's relationship with her mother, which highlights themes of manipulation and hardship. The detailed environmental storytelling enhances character depth and relationships, making the emotional experiences feel authentic and engaging.
“It's sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, but always interesting enough to propel you forward.”
“Detailed descriptions of items throughout the house breathed more life into the characters and character relationships, and the relationship between the main character and her mother in particular was quietly unsettling from start to finish—especially because it leaned into believable emotional manipulation tactics.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received a mixed response, with a score of 7 indicating that while it offers enjoyable elements, there are areas that could be improved for a more engaging experience. Players appreciate certain mechanics but note inconsistencies that may affect overall enjoyment.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a blend of funny and emotional moments, effectively maintaining player engagement throughout the experience.
“It's sometimes funny, sometimes emotional, but always interesting enough to propel you forward.”
“The humor is cleverly woven into the storyline, making every twist and turn a delightful surprise.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and absurd situations the characters found themselves in.”
