To Make a Game

About

"To Make a Game" is a meta visual novel, inspired by Nikita Kryukov's work, that retells the developer's personal experience of creating this game. The game features pixelated graphics, atmospheric audio, and a short playtime of 13-24 minutes. It is intended to be experienced as a form of art rather than just a game.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 51 reviews

story9 positive mentions

replayability2 negative mentions

The game offers a relatable and introspective narrative that resonates with those struggling with procrastination and creative blocks.
The atmospheric music and storytelling create an engaging experience that feels personal and heartfelt.
Despite its short length, the game effectively motivates players to reflect on their own creative struggles and encourages them to pursue their projects.

Some players feel the game is too short and lacks depth, with limited replayability and minimal gameplay mechanics.
Critics argue that the narrative can come off as self-indulgent, resembling a glorified blog post rather than a fully developed game.
The simplicity of the game may not appeal to everyone, as it primarily consists of dialogue choices with little variation in outcomes.

story
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
The game's story is widely praised for its relatability and emotional depth, resonating with players through themes of procrastination and personal growth. Many reviewers highlight its autobiographical elements and effective storytelling, noting that the narrative encourages introspection and connection with the characters. The simplicity of the visual novel format enhances the impact of the story, making it both fulfilling and poignant, especially with multiple endings to explore.
- “Well, it's a very relatable story, to me at least, and it kinda helped me to see some of my shortcomings from a different viewpoint.”
- “I am very proud of the storytelling, the development, and the emotional structuring that forms throughout the good ending.”
- “The creator did a great job of harnessing the emotions they went through for this story, and it ends up being very relatable and heartbreaking, but very fulfilling to get the good ending.”
- “One issue often found in games of lower price is they focus so much on graphics that they lose their story.”
- “The story is a meta narrative on overcoming procrastination and getting started on things you've wanted to do.”
- “Without spoiling too much, this game is a simple visual novel, whose simplicity is paramount to the story.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The graphics of the game are described as beautiful and fitting, enhancing the overall experience, though some reviewers note that they are not particularly complex. The visuals complement the game's autobiographical story and soundtrack well, making it a visually appealing choice for players.
- “Really beautiful game with which I related to greatly. The OST feels perfect with the game's graphics, which are also pretty neat.”
- “One issue often found in games of lower price is they focus so much on graphics that they lose their story.”
- “The graphics are fitting for the visuals, but there's not much to it.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable themes, particularly in addressing personal struggles. Players feel a deep connection to the narrative, finding motivation and understanding through the protagonist's journey, which culminates in a fulfilling resolution. Overall, the game is seen as a touching experience that resonates with those facing similar challenges.
- “I am very proud of the storytelling, the development, and the emotional structuring that forms throughout the good ending.”
- “I would recommend sending this to any friend that suffers from a similar issue as the narrator because this is one very heartfelt project.”
- “The creator did a great job of harnessing the emotions they went through for this story, and it ends up being very relatable and heartbreaking, but very fulfilling to get the good ending.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is highly praised for its atmospheric quality, effectively enhancing the mood and complementing the visuals. Reviewers find the original soundtrack beautifully aligned with the game's themes, contributing significantly to the overall experience.
- “The music is very atmospheric, sets the mood great.”
- “The soundtrack feels perfect with the game's graphics, which are also pretty neat.”
- “The music is very atmospheric and sets the mood great.”
- “The story is meta and extremely relatable, and the music is able to set the tone throughout the game.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its evocative music and sound design, creating a mood that is both immersive and slightly unsettling. It draws comparisons to the vibes of *Yume Nikki* while leaning more towards the surreal ambiance found in *Milk Inside a Bag of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk*, effectively blending realism with an otherworldly experience.
- “The music is very atmospheric, setting the mood perfectly.”
- “The mood resembles a lot of Yume Nikki vibes with its atmospheric yet slightly uneasy tone, leaning more towards the surreal experience found in Milk Inside a Bag of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk, thanks to its ambience, sound effects, and background music.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The replayability of the game is considered low, primarily due to its nature as a visual novel, which limits the variety of experiences available upon replaying. While it can serve as an enjoyable short-term pastime, players may not find much incentive to revisit it.
- “A fun little pastime for a short bit, though since it's a visual novel, there isn't really too much replayability.”
- “[*][b][u]Replayability[/u][/b]: low”
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the gameplay for its brevity and the motivation it provides to achieve the good ending, enhanced by its meta-narrative that reflects real-life events. This combination creates a satisfying experience that resonates with players on a deeper level.
- “The motivation to achieve the good ending comes not only from the gameplay being short, but also from the knowledge that this is a meta take on actual events. It feels rewarding to see the true outcome of real life reflected in the game.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game features no in-game purchases, indicating a monetization model that does not rely on additional spending beyond the initial purchase.
- “In-game purchases: none”
- “The game offers a fair monetization model that doesn't pressure players to spend money.”
- “I appreciate that there are no paywalls, allowing everyone to enjoy the game equally.”