The Crying Game

"The Crying Game" is a single-player anime simulation game with an intriguing and highly emotional storyline. Players can press the ↓ key or stroke the screen to cry, allowing for a unique and interactive way to engage with the game's emotional themes. The game has been featured in Rock Paper Shotgun and exhibited at Babycastles, highlighting its innovative approach to storytelling and player engagement.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 100 reviews

story11 positive mentions

The Crying Game features masterful writing and dialogue, exploring complex themes of love, guilt, and redemption.
The film's unpredictable plot and character development keep viewers engaged, with strong performances from the cast, particularly Stephen Rea and Jaye Davidson.
It is a thought-provoking film that challenges societal norms and perceptions, making it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences.

Some viewers found the film's plot twists and character revelations to be contrived or overly shocking, detracting from the overall experience.
The production values were criticized due to budget constraints, leading to some technical shortcomings in the film's execution.
A few reviews mentioned that the film's themes and messages may not resonate with everyone, particularly those uncomfortable with its exploration of gender identity.

story
53 mentions
21 % positive mentions
74 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The story is a complex exploration of themes such as guilt, redemption, love, and sacrifice, centered around a gripping narrative involving an Irish Republican Army kidnapping and a poignant love triangle. While some elements may seem implausible, the emotional depth and character dynamics resonate strongly, making it a memorable and impactful tale that remains relevant today. Critics praise its masterful storytelling and the way it intertwines personal and political conflicts, though some find the plot twists challenging to digest.
- “A story about guilt, redemption, love, and sacrifice.”
- “The storyline is heartbreaking and suspenseful, and it tugs at your heart too.”
- “Gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and also tugs at your heart in many unexpected ways.”
- “These positives prevail over a plot line that at times wobbles (but never topples over) with unlikely and implausible happenings and that also seems to bifurcate into distinct Ireland and London narratives that don't form a very close union with each other (perhaps an ironic reflection of the political divisions of that era).”
- “The story is about a very emotionally needy Dil who'll go with anyone who's 'nice' to her (from her very own mouth), no love needed.”
- “The gender story has all the shock value inherent in such a situation, lacking only a believable love story, without which the gender theme has only shock value.”
emotional
10 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the film is profoundly impactful, evoking deep connections with the characters and their struggles. Reviewers highlight its touching narrative about love and identity, which resonates on both personal and political levels, ultimately creating a heartbreaking yet insightful experience that lingers with the audience. The film effectively captures the tension between emotional needs and rational decisions, making it a powerful exploration of human relationships.
- “It is one of the most touching and insightful movies about love that I have ever seen.”
- “The storyline is heartbreaking and suspenseful, and it tugs at your heart too.”
- “It made me feel the same emotions that the actors were feeling.”
optimization
8 mentions
50 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The reviews do not directly address the aspect of "optimization" in terms of technical performance or efficiency. Instead, they focus on the film's narrative, character development, and performances, highlighting the emotional depth and engagement of the story. Overall, while the film is praised for its storytelling and acting, there is no specific commentary on its optimization in a technical sense.
music
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its appropriateness and quality, enhancing the overall experience with a wonderful soundtrack that resonates well with players. Many reviewers express a lasting affection for the music, highlighting its classic thriller elements and ability to surprise.
- “Another interesting note about the verses: Jordan's selection of music is appropriate on a variety of levels.”
- “It's a rather wonderful music soundtrack.”
- “Still love the music.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its subtlety, effectively complementing the emotional depth and strong performances. Reviewers appreciate the skillful blending of humor with other dramatic elements like suspense and action, enhancing the overall experience.
- “It is moving but not maudlin; it has subtle humor and great acting.”
- “The different dramatic elements -- suspense, humor, action, and plot movement are well-blended.”