My Friend The Spider

About

A small "horror" narrative game about isolation and depression. My Friend The Spider is a 10-15 minute walking simulator where the player finds themselves voluntarily locked in a room to escape and isolate due to their current emotional state and befriending a spider that grows in size with the story's progression. I originally worked on the game for a month and a half around October 2…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 55 reviews

story5 positive mentions

The game offers a meaningful and introspective exploration of themes like depression and isolation, resonating with players on a personal level.
Despite its short playtime of 10-15 minutes, it effectively conveys a powerful message and emotional journey, enhanced by good voice acting and atmospheric sound design.
It's a free game that serves as a unique and relatable experience, making it a worthwhile play for those interested in narrative-driven stories about mental health.

The game is very short and may leave players wanting more depth and content, as some felt it didn't fully develop its themes.
Some players found it boring or generic, feeling detached from the characters and their struggles despite having similar experiences.
The representation of the spider and its symbolism was confusing for some, leading to a lack of clarity regarding the game's message.

story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
43%
21%
The game's story is praised for its heartfelt and relatable themes, effectively conveying deep emotions in a brief 10-15 minute experience. Players appreciate the simple yet evocative storytelling, enhanced by atmospheric sound design and strong voice acting, which resonates particularly with those facing personal struggles. Overall, it is regarded as a touching narrative that leaves a lasting impact, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of story-driven games.
- “Since its initial release, 'My Friend the Spider' has touched the hearts of players, garnering acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes.”
- “The stories in games like this are often approached from a gameplay mindset, which can make them feel uninterested. From a story or writing perspective, they may come off as too personal or lacking.”
- “It takes 10-15 minutes to finish the game, but within that really short amount of time, it's able to tell the story it wants to tell in a convincing and engaging way.”
- “The game's simple yet evocative storytelling, complemented by atmospheric sound design and minimalist visuals, creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its powerful storytelling and relatable themes, which resonate deeply with players, evoking feelings of depression and companionship. The protagonist's journey, supported by heartfelt voice acting and a strong narrative, emphasizes the importance of connection and empathy, ultimately leaving a lasting impression and offering a wholesome experience. Overall, it is praised for its ability to touch hearts and provide emotional support through its simple yet profound message.
- “Set within the confines of a small room, the game follows the protagonist's journey of emotional discovery and unexpected companionship with a growing spider.”
- “Since its initial release, 'my friend the spider' has touched the hearts of players, garnering acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes.”
- “It serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and empathy in times of struggle, leaving a lasting impression on those who embark on its emotional journey.”
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
40%
20%
The gameplay is generally praised for its simplicity and visual appeal, providing a fun and relatable experience with a meaningful message. However, some users note that certain games lack substantial gameplay elements, leading to a mixed reception regarding depth and engagement. Overall, the gameplay is seen as enjoyable yet variable in its execution across different titles.
- “The work is well done; visually it looks great, and the gameplay is simple and understandable. It's a fun discovery with a powerful and simple message that everyone can relate to, possibly helping people along the way, which in the end is wholesome.”
- “Despite its brevity, 'My Friend the Spider' offers a meaningful gameplay experience.”
- “As for the game, there is no real gameplay.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The music in the game enhances the emotional experience, featuring atmospheric soundtracks and voice acting that reflect the protagonist's mental state and isolation. Players appreciate the integration of music into the gameplay, with some highlighting specific songs that resonate with them. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's immersive quality.
- “With a playtime of around 10-15 minutes, players are taken on a journey through the protagonist's mental state and isolation, accompanied by atmospheric soundtracks, voice acting, and one unlockable achievement.”
- “Eat and do nothing all day besides play games, watch YouTube, and listen to music.”
- “Boris the Spider is the best song from The Who.”
- “The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “The soundtrack doesn't match the game's tone, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “I found the music to be forgettable and uninspired, failing to enhance the gameplay.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its immersive soundtracks, evocative storytelling, and minimalist visuals, effectively conveying the protagonist's mental state and isolation within a brief playtime of 10-15 minutes. Players appreciate the combination of atmospheric sound design and voice acting, which together create a lasting emotional impact.
- “With a playtime of around 10-15 minutes, players are taken on a journey through the protagonist's mental state and isolation, accompanied by atmospheric soundtracks, voice acting, and one unlockable achievement.”
- “The game's simple yet evocative storytelling, complemented by atmospheric sound design and minimalist visuals, creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's minimalist visuals, combined with evocative storytelling and atmospheric sound design, contribute to an immersive experience that resonates with players.
- “The game's simple yet evocative storytelling, complemented by atmospheric sound design and minimalist visuals, creates an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.”