The Parenting Simulator
- May 7, 2020
- Hosted Games
Get on SteamIn "The Parenting Simulator," a 189,000-word interactive novel by Matt Simpson, you navigate the challenges of raising a child from newborn to adulthood. Your choices determine the outcomes of various events, including potty training, bullies, and driving tests. This text-based game encourages players to use their imagination to create a unique and heartfelt story of patience, love, and parenthood.
Reviews
- The game offers a charming and engaging narrative that allows players to form a strong attachment to their digital child.
- It provides a wide variety of choices and customization options, making each playthrough feel unique and meaningful.
- The writing is well-crafted, creating an emotional experience that resonates with players and evokes a range of feelings.
- The game can feel repetitive, with many choices leading to similar outcomes, diminishing replay value.
- Some players found the mechanics frustrating, particularly the lack of options to change decisions after they are made.
- The game is heavily text-based, which may not appeal to those who prefer more visual or interactive gameplay.
- story15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The story is a captivating choose-your-own-adventure experience that blends heartfelt moments with charming vignettes, allowing players to explore the emotional journey of parenting. Users praise its ability to evoke strong feelings, from joy to sadness, while highlighting the impact of choices on character development. Although some feel it could benefit from a more fleshed-out narrative, the overall sentiment is that it is a beautifully crafted and engaging tale worth revisiting.
“But the game is a wonderful novel, a story which will make you cry at points, and warm your heart at others.”
“The writing and the story itself are captivating!”
“The added storyline about why you're a single parent was heart-wrenching, and I'm glad I didn't opt out.”
“More a series of vignettes than a fully fleshed out story but achieves its goals well.”
“Almost more of a complex choose-your-own story than a game.”
“Would love to see more story options and perhaps even a longer story in general.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players have found the emotional aspect of the game to be profoundly impactful, often describing it as heart-wrenching and capable of eliciting strong feelings, including tears. The simple yet poignant storytelling, particularly regarding themes of single parenthood, has resonated deeply, leading to memorable and touching experiences that many are eager to revisit.
“Only use words instead of fancy graphics, but more touching than any other game I have played so far, 9/10 for me.”
“The added storyline about why you're a single parent was heart-wrenching, and I'm glad I didn't opt out.”
“It sent me on an emotional roller coaster I won't soon forget and will gladly ride again.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed feedback, with some users expressing a desire for more visual elements like artwork or pictures to enhance engagement. However, others appreciated the game's emotional depth, suggesting that its narrative impact compensates for the lack of elaborate graphics. Overall, the graphics are seen as functional but could benefit from additional visual enhancements.
“It'd be a bit better in my opinion if there was any artwork or pictures of any kind to keep me interested.”
“Only use words instead of fancy graphics, but more touching than any other game I have played so far.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and emotionally resonant, allowing players to form a bond with their digital child while making impactful parenting choices that influence their relationship over time.
“The story is charming, and it's easy to grow fond of your digital child. The mechanics allow you to see how your parenting choices impact whether your 'child' will still want to speak to you when they're grown.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Many users feel that the game lacks replayability, stating that while it may be enjoyable on the first playthrough, there is little incentive to revisit it afterward.
“It's okay the first time, but in my opinion, there is absolutely zero replay value.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's no incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
