I doesn't exist - a modern text adventure
- October 5, 2023
- LUAL Games KIG
"I Doesn't Exist" is a modern text-based adventure game with handcrafted pixel art, offering a unique and introspective experience. The game's natural language processor allows for meaningful interactions and interpretation of a wide range of emotions and intents from player input. Players must explore and solve puzzles in a mysterious world, where the key to freedom lies beyond a closed door. Replay is encouraged for a richer experience.
Reviews
- Visually stunning with a beautiful pixel art style and immersive ambiance.
- Engaging and unique storytelling with multiple endings that encourage replayability.
- Innovative gameplay that combines text interaction with a meta horror experience.
- The dialogue system can be frustrating, often failing to understand player input and limiting meaningful interactions.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave players wanting more content and clearer guidance for unlocking different endings.
- Some players found the second act to be less coherent, with open-ended questions leading to unsatisfactory responses.
- story14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as fun and simple, featuring four potential endings and a focus on creating an engaging narrative through text adventure mechanics. While some players appreciated the atmosphere and plot twists, others felt that the limited options for interaction left them wanting more depth. Overall, the experience is best enjoyed organically, as revealing too much can spoil the surprises within the story.
“This is one of those games where anything you say about it, either mechanically or story-wise, ends up being a massive spoiler. So if the trailer was enough to interest you, then just allow yourself to experience the game organically and enjoy!”
“The devs implemented so many out-of-the-box plot twists, and it is truly worth playing until you get to the credits at the end.”
“Yet still, I think the game is great because it seems like an extensive list of possible commands wasn't the goal, but rather to create an interesting story with the typical text adventure mechanic being a core part of the story itself. I think the devs definitely succeeded in that direction.”
“It would be nice to see more options to flesh out the story more.”
“Maybe I shouldn't have expected more than just a game where most of the story is presented via 'mash your keyboard until stuff happens,' but I'm disappointed nonetheless.”
“This is one of those games where anything you say about it, either mechanically or story-wise, ends up being a massive spoiler.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their fun pixel art style and overall aesthetic, contributing to a satisfying visual experience. Reviewers appreciate the strong visuals and sound design, noting that they enhance the game's atmosphere.
“I love the idea, I love the art style, and I'd certainly recommend it.”
“The visuals and sound design are also really good.”
“The visuals and overall atmosphere were quite good; I give it that.”
“Yay ... it has graphics.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around a text-based adventure mechanic that emphasizes storytelling over an extensive command list, creating an engaging narrative experience. While the open-ended mechanics allow for creativity, they can also lead to some confusion, potentially detracting from the overall experience. Players are encouraged to explore the game organically to fully appreciate its twists and turns.
“This is one of those games where anything you say about it either mechanically or story-wise ends up being a massive spoiler, so if the trailer was enough to interest you, then just allow yourself to experience the game organically and enjoy!”
“Yet still, I think the game is great because to me it seems like an extensive list of possible commands wasn't the goal, but rather to create an interesting story with the typical text adventure mechanic being a core part of the story itself. If that makes sense, I think the devs definitely succeeded in that direction.”
“Sadly, all that is held back by the mechanics being... well too open, I guess?”
“At first, I thought the concept was cool and might be a spiritual successor to 'Stories Untold', a similar game where you use texting as core mechanics with twists here and there.”
“This is one of those games where anything you say about it, either mechanically or story-wise, ends up being a massive spoiler.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its beautiful, avant-garde visuals and ambient sounds, which together create a mesmerizing and immersive experience. Players appreciate how the responses enhance the narrative's sense of uncertainty and the meta interactions between characters and the player, contributing to a rich storytelling environment. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both captivating and engaging.
“Really loved this game-- beautiful and visually mesmerizing at every stage with kind of an avant-garde atmosphere.”
“It's cute and the sounds are quite ambient, which creates a good atmosphere.”
“But even with that, I felt like the responses added to the atmosphere of the story, of uncertainty and meta interactions between the characters and the player.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its introspective nature, exploring themes of self-acceptance and emotional depth, leading to profound player reactions, including tears. Its surreal and innovative design, combined with a heartfelt narrative, creates a short yet complex experience that resonates deeply with players.
“No game has ever made me cry like this game made me cry.”
“A short, but complex and emotionally wrenching experience.”
“This game is more introspective, touching on the psychology of accepting yourself.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music and ambience in the game are highly praised, with many users appreciating the quality of the sound design and its harmonious integration with the pixel art. Overall, the combination of music and visuals creates an engaging atmosphere that enhances the gaming experience.
“The music, the ambience, and the pixel art in the beginning are quite well done.”
“Loved the pixel art, sounds, and music as well.”