"Nothing" is a unique anti-game that challenges players to simply do nothing as a timer counts up. Performing any action results in defeat, testing players' self-control and patience. A minimalist experience that invites contemplation and introspection, it dares you to embrace the art of doing nothing.
The game offers a unique and introspective gameplay experience, encouraging players to reflect on existence and purpose.
The graphics and atmosphere are stunning, creating an immersive environment that enhances the overall experience.
The emotional depth of the story and character arcs resonates with players, often leaving a lasting impact.
The lack of traditional gameplay elements and mechanics can frustrate players, leading to feelings of boredom or confusion.
The game is criticized for its excessive grinding, which can make the experience tedious and unfulfilling.
Stability issues and bugs have been reported by some players, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.
gameplay
1,296 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The gameplay of "nothing" is characterized by its minimalist approach, often stripping away traditional mechanics and objectives to create a unique experience that encourages introspection and reflection. While some players appreciate the innovative and engaging aspects of this design, others find the lack of conventional gameplay elements frustrating or boring. Overall, the game has sparked a wide range of opinions, with many praising its depth and emotional impact, while others critique its simplicity and repetitive nature.
“The gameplay loop is so riveting, so much so that I never want to stop playing this.”
“The gameplay is both refined and innovative, offering a zen-like, meditative experience.”
“In a world saturated with complex narratives and intense gameplay, 'nothing' emerges as a beacon of simplicity, inviting players to embrace the sublime art of doing absolutely nothing.”
“The mechanics were clunky, the controls were unresponsive at times, and the overall experience felt more frustrating than enjoyable.”
“The gameplay is very simple and easy for beginners to understand while also having a very high skill ceiling for advanced players.”
“The absence of traditional gameplay elements may leave some players initially perplexed or even frustrated.”
story
1,020 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The game's story is widely praised for its depth, emotional impact, and innovative approach to storytelling, often leaving players in tears and deeply engaged with its characters and plot twists. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke introspection and personal connection, with some describing it as a masterpiece that challenges traditional narrative structures. Overall, the storytelling is considered a standout feature, making it a compelling experience that resonates with players long after they finish the game.
“The story was so good, I cried when John died.”
“The innovative gameplay and incredible story of this game brought me to tears.”
“The storyline is a masterpiece in itself, weaving a narrative so compelling that it felt like I was living an epic adventure.”
“You are being put right into the game with zero background story or explanation.”
“There is no story to unfold, no world to explore, no characters to meet or fight; instead, there is only the void, an unyielding nothingness that stretches infinitely in all directions.”
“Instead, I found myself trudging through yet another generic storyline with predictable plot twists and forgettable characters.”
graphics
818 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
57%
1%
The graphics of "nothing" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning and immersive quality, often described as breathtaking and visually captivating. Many players appreciate the minimalist aesthetic, which enhances the game's atmosphere and allows for deep introspection, while others highlight the impressive detail and realism that rival high-end titles. Overall, the visuals are celebrated as a significant strength of the game, contributing to a unique and engaging experience.
“The graphics are on another level and the plot runs deep.”
“The visuals are absolutely stunning.”
“Whether you're exploring a bustling urban jungle or a desolate wasteland, the graphics pull you in and make every scene memorable.”
“The graphics were another letdown.”
“Graphics are alright but they are lacking huge detail.”
“The graphics are nonexistent, the sound is a blissful void, and the gameplay is a masterclass in minimalism.”
music
254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
68%
3%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric qualities, with many players praising the soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the overall experience. Some reviews highlight the deliberate absence of traditional sound effects, which creates a meditative and introspective environment, while others celebrate the emotional impact of the music, describing it as a "symphony of serenity." Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a crucial element that complements the game's unique gameplay and visuals, making it a memorable auditory experience.
“The ambient soundtrack, composed of haunting melodies and ethereal tones, perfectly complements the game's philosophical undertones.”
“The music is not just a background score; it's a symphony that elevates the emotional impact of every scene.”
“The soundtrack, a melodic masterpiece, seamlessly intertwined with the digital universe, creating an immersive auditory experience that resonated at the core of my being.”
“It sent nothing down my spine hearing the final song in the official soundtrack for the first time.”
“The absence of music and ambient sounds intensifies the feeling of nothingness, creating a haunting and immersive environment.”
“The soundtrack, if you can even call it that, is a collection of silence and the occasional ambient noise.”
emotional
194 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly powerful, with players frequently expressing deep feelings of sadness, joy, and reflection throughout their experience. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke tears and provoke introspection on themes of existence and purpose, often describing it as a transformative emotional journey. The combination of a rich narrative, compelling characters, and immersive sound design contributes to a profound emotional resonance that leaves a lasting impact on players.
“An emotional roller coaster that will change you forever.”
“Nothing is not just a game; it’s an emotional odyssey that challenges players to explore the depths of human resilience.”
“The emotional journey that 'nothing' offers is profound.”
atmosphere
108 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
54%
3%
The atmosphere of "nothing" is characterized by a hauntingly beautiful and meditative quality, enhanced by minimalistic sound design and serene visuals that invite introspection. Players are drawn into a tranquil yet thought-provoking environment, where the absence of conventional gameplay elements fosters a deep sense of engagement and contemplation. The game's ethereal soundtrack and carefully crafted aesthetics create an immersive experience that resonates long after gameplay, making it a standout in atmospheric design.
“The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, and the ambient sounds and subtle visuals create an immersive experience that lingers long after you’ve finished playing.”
“From the moment you start, the game captivates with its serene and immersive atmosphere, pulling you into a world that feels both vast and intimate.”
“The ethereal melodies weave themselves seamlessly into the fabric of the experience, enveloping players in an atmosphere of introspective reverie as they navigate the boundless expanse of 'nothing.'”
“The absence of complex graphics and sound effects serves to amplify the sense of emptiness, creating an atmosphere of serene desolation.”
“The silence, the absence of background music, and the lack of sound effects create a meditative atmosphere, almost like a digital zen garden.”
“The muted, dull, neutral color, which I would sometimes humorously call 'mental illness gray,' becomes a large component of the general atmosphere of the game.”
grinding
104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
25%
69%
The grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly criticized, with many players stating that it requires an excessive amount of time and effort, often likening it to needing a "second life" to manage the grind. While some find the gameplay fun initially, the repetitive nature of grinding quickly becomes tedious, leading to frustration and a lack of rewarding progress. Overall, the consensus is that the game is too grind-heavy, which may deter casual players despite its appealing graphics and storytelling.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding till the end of time.”
“No tedious inventory or weight management.”
“I don't recommend this game for most people, as it requires a crap ton of grinding, but the graphics are very good.”
“Only fun for the first 3 hours, then everything onwards is mindless grinding.”
“Even after 1 day, 12 hours, 24 minutes, and 38 seconds of grinding, I have nothing to show for it.”
humor
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
89%
11%
The humor in the game is polarizing, with many players finding it genuinely hilarious due to its wacky characters, absurd side quests, and the irony of doing nothing, which leads to unexpected laughter. However, some users criticize the humor as lowbrow or unfunny, citing excessive profanity and a lack of depth in comedic content. Overall, while some players experience joy and laughter, others feel disappointed by the game's attempts at humor.
“Beautiful graphics, wonderful storyline, absolutely hilarious side quests, wacky characters.”
“Best game of 2024, had me crying and laughing throughout the journey.”
“The irony of pressing a key to start doing nothing, only to see how long you've been successful at it, is both hilarious and oddly satisfying.”
“This is such a waste of time for an unfunny joke.”
“Not funny, I didn't laugh.”
“This sets the bar for the lowest hurdle for an ironic game and it's not funny or interesting.”
replayability
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
51%
4%
The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, with many players highlighting the infinite challenges, unlockable upgrades, and rich storytelling that encourage repeated playthroughs. While some find the constant gear updates and progression systems to be less enjoyable, the overall sentiment is that the game offers a depth and variety that keeps players engaged for hours. Overall, it is regarded as having astronomical replay value, making it a compelling choice for those seeking long-term engagement.
“Unlockable upgrades, hidden secrets, and side quests add layers of replayability that keep you coming back for more.”
“The replayability factor is off the charts – each playthrough unveils new layers of meaning, like peeling an onion of existential angst.”
“The replayability is incredible by allowing you to refight the same boss as it automatically gets stronger and uses new attacks based on the power of your tools and skills, giving you a consistent challenge without getting bored.”
“Whenever new weapons and armor are released, they'll most likely substitute the current gear you may already have, which causes an incentive to continue playing in order to keep min-maxing loadouts. Although it encourages replayability, it's not fun.”
“While 'nothing' may not offer the same level of replay value as traditional games, its profound simplicity invites players to revisit its empty landscapes time and time again.”
“The replay value is entirely dependent on the player's internal experience and their reflection on the passage of time with each session.”
monetization
54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
53%
41%
The monetization aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising it for being completely free of microtransactions and false advertising. Players appreciate the straightforward nature of the game, describing it as a passion project rather than a cash grab, although some suggest that a few optional in-game purchases could enhance the experience. Overall, the game is celebrated for its honesty and lack of predatory monetization practices.
“Finally, a free game with no microtransactions.”
“Game of the year, bug free and no microtransactions.”
“No predatory monetization.”
“It's a cheaply made cash grab.”
“Laughable cash grab.”
“There are no microtransactions, no luscious art to trap the player into forgiving a lack of mechanics, and no story to distract from the meaninglessness of the experience.”
optimization
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
50%
7%
The game's optimization is widely praised, with many users reporting excellent performance across a range of hardware, including high frame rates on lower-end systems. While the graphics are noted as impressive and well-optimized, some players experienced minor performance issues and stuttering. Overall, the game is considered accessible and efficient, allowing for extensive gameplay without significant resource demands.
“Very optimized, I was able to get 500+ fps on ultra settings with my GTX 1050.”
“The graphical quality and optimization is simply on another level compared to anything seen before.”
“Finally, the content for such a small game is plentiful, allowing for hours upon hours of gameplay on one single run, all optimized finely to allow for the least storage usage, while not sacrificing any of the actual game.”
“Got no settings, no optimization (~60mb for just a timer on black screen!?), no point, no entertainment, just bad experience.”
“This game caused my PC to blow up due to how optimized it is, now I'm homeless, look what you've done.”
“Way too performance heavy.”
character development
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
34%
8%
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its depth and complexity, particularly in the portrayal of villains and emotional arcs that resonate with players. Some players appreciate the freedom to create their own narratives due to the absence of dialogue, while others feel the game lacks sufficient character development and storytelling elements. Overall, it is highlighted as a strong aspect by many, contributing significantly to the game's immersive experience.
“The character development is beyond incredible while the arc of the villain is so well written, it's gone past incredible at this point.”
“It's so captivating and the character development is so complex and in depth.”
“This game is truly a masterpiece, the character development, the NPCs, everything!”
“If you’re looking for a game with more action, story, or character development, 'nothing' might leave you wanting more.”
“No real character development; the storyline was worse than Fallout 76, terrible controls/keybinds formatting, and textures looked like a microwaved version of The Sims 2 on potato graphics.”
“The absence of dialogue or character development allows players to construct their own narratives based on their experiences.”
stability
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
6%
67%
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting significant bugs and server crashes, while others claim it is nearly bug-free and stable. Many users express optimism about upcoming updates that promise to address existing issues. Overall, the game's stability appears to vary widely among players, with some experiencing a smooth experience and others facing frustrating technical problems.
“This game is perfect, no glitches.”
“Game of the year, bug free and no microtransactions.”
“No bugs, no glitches, just the good old fashioned timer.”
“It's really buggy and the servers are constantly crashing, but the gameplay can be worth it if you can look past that.”
“Too buggy”
“Other 2 games the dev has posted are extremely buggy development games for tiles, cards, etc.”