non-binary

About

non-binary is a single player survival role playing game. It was developed by owof games and was released on July 19, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Non-Binary" is a video game that mixes text choices and bullet hell to tell the story of two non-binary people's journey of self-discovery. Make your choices. Dodge words. Go through things that hurt without breaking down. If you can.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 232 reviews

story21 positive mentions

music3 negative mentions

The game features stunning and heartfelt stories that resonate deeply with non-binary experiences, making players feel seen and understood.
The unique combination of bullet hell mechanics with narrative storytelling effectively conveys the emotional struggles of gender identity.
It's a short, free game that provides a powerful and relatable exploration of non-binary lives, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Some players found the gameplay mechanics awkward, particularly the inability to move while making choices, which can lead to frustration.
The story can be confusing at times, with unclear dialogue and character transitions that may disrupt the flow of the narrative.
There are instances of homophobic and transphobic slurs used in the dialogue, which may be triggering for some players.

story
62 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
61%
5%
The game's story is a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and the experiences of non-binary individuals, resonating deeply with players through its personal and relatable narratives. While the gameplay features a unique bullet hell mechanic that complements the storytelling, some players found the pacing and clarity of dialogue challenging. Overall, the emotional depth and creativity of the story have been praised, making it a meaningful experience for those navigating similar identities.
- “A sweet story about the lives of two non-binary people figuring out who they are.”
- “That said, this is mostly a story game, and that aspect is real, tragic, sad, and inspiring all at once.”
- “When I'm not narrowly dodging bullet hells that are actually just societal gender norms, the game tells a deeply emotional and painfully relatable story that resonates with me on so many levels.”
- “This game is bad, the bullet hell part is badly designed and way too easy, the story lacks any kind of entertainment value, being extremely boring for a game with a very interesting subject to argue about, that being the social interpretation of gender.”
- “I wish they would have said who was talking before people just started saying things; it's really hard to tell which characters are talking at points, and sometimes characters just show up after a time skip without explaining who they are until later, which messes up the flow of the story for me.”
- “I thought the story was pretty good even with its poor grammar sometimes and sometimes having a hard time understanding who is talking between dialogue.”
emotional
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly positive, with many players expressing that it deeply resonated with their personal experiences, particularly those identifying as non-binary. Reviewers frequently mention being moved to tears by the heartfelt narratives and relatable themes, highlighting the game's ability to evoke strong feelings and foster a sense of understanding and connection. Overall, players describe it as a touching and impactful experience that effectively combines gameplay with emotional storytelling.
- “The emotional weight builds gently, and by the time I got to customize my circle at the end, I was genuinely moved.”
- “This game made me cry... I opened it today knowing it was going to be powerful, and as a non-binary person, I welcomed it, but it made me cry and feel so happy all at the same time.”
- “Using bullet hell mechanics to portray the sensation of being emotionally overwhelmed is very creative and powerful, and a bullet hell game with visual novel elements is interesting in its own right.”
gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
36%
21%
The gameplay combines bullet hell mechanics with visual novel elements, creating a unique experience that reflects the emotional challenges faced by nonbinary individuals. While some players find the mechanics a bit awkward and the text difficult to read, many appreciate how the gameplay effectively ties into the story, enhancing the overall narrative experience. The game is accessible for beginners, offering a balance of challenge and storytelling that resonates with its themes.
- “Has simple mechanics yet also a deep story.”
- “The gameplay and the story tie together in a very simple but effective way.”
- “Using bullet hell mechanics to portray the sensation of being emotionally overwhelmed is very creative and powerful, and a bullet hell game with visual novel elements is interesting in its own right.”
- “Gameplay is a little awkward; you can advance text without being able to move while an obstacle hits you.”
- “The gameplay is mostly reading the story and dodging these pink and blue elements that are being thrown at you.”
- “I would caution that the gameplay is a bit rough, but if you're into the story, I think you'll enjoy it.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The graphics of the game are described as simplistic yet aesthetically pleasing, contributing positively to the overall experience. While some players find the visuals overwhelming, they appreciate how the simplicity allows for a focus on the narrative. Overall, the graphics enhance the storytelling, making it impactful despite their minimalistic design.
- “The graphics are very simple and aesthetically pleasing, the stories are sweet and relatable, and the controls are quite intuitive.”
- “It's a simple bullet hell game with sort of overwhelming visuals, but somehow that adds so much to the story and makes it feel so much more impactful.”
- “I enjoy the simplicity of the visuals and gameplay; it allows for the player to be distracted just enough without breaking too far from the narrative.”
- “While it may look bad at first, with simplistic gameplay and simplistic visuals.”
- “The story itself is fine, the visuals are a bit much though.”
- “It's a simple bullet hell game with sort of overwhelming visuals but somehow that adds so much to the story and makes it feel so much more impactful.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The music in the game has received high praise, with players expressing a strong desire for the soundtrack to be permanently memorable and impactful.
- “I want this soundtrack implanted in my brain.”
- “The soundtrack is forgettable and lacks any memorable tunes.”
- “The music feels repetitive and doesn't enhance the gameplay experience.”
- “I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and lacking variety.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is appreciated for its unique blend of themes, particularly the comedic juxtaposition of a non-binary coming-of-age story set within a bullet hell genre. Players find the concept both amusing and engaging, contributing to an overall positive reception of the game's humor.
- “I initially picked up this game because I thought the idea of a story about a non-binary character's coming-of-age journey that is also a bullet hell seemed funny and interesting enough.”
- “I found this game funny.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the game's replayability to be high, thanks to multiple branching storylines, diverse character builds, and various difficulty levels that encourage experimentation. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of unlockable content and seasonal events, which provide fresh experiences on subsequent playthroughs. However, some note that certain gameplay elements may become repetitive over time, potentially diminishing long-term engagement.