Why Am I Dead At Sea

95%
Game Brain Score Based on 312 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Why Am I Dead At Sea Game Cover
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In "Why Am I Dead At Sea," you play as a spirit stuck on a cruise ship, trying to solve your own murder mystery by possessing and communicating with the living passengers. With no memory of your past, you must uncover clues, expose secrets, and expose the killer. The game features a unique blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, and narrative-driven gameplay.

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Reviews

95%
Audience ScoreBased on 312 reviews
story120 positive mentions
stability30 negative mentions
  • Engaging and well-written story with a compelling murder mystery that keeps players guessing.
  • Unique gameplay mechanics involving possession of characters, allowing for diverse interactions and character development.
  • Charming pixel art style and a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.
  • The game can be buggy, with characters occasionally getting stuck or causing game-breaking glitches.
  • Some players may find the dialogue options tedious, as it often requires exhausting conversations with multiple characters to progress.
  • The endings can feel rushed or unsatisfying, leaving some plot points unresolved and lacking closure for the main character.
  • story284 mentions

    The story of "Why Am I Dead at Sea" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, rich character development, and numerous plot twists that keep players invested throughout the experience. Many reviewers highlight the unique gameplay mechanic of possessing characters to uncover their backstories, which adds depth to the storytelling. While some players noted minor issues with pacing and occasional bugs, the overall consensus is that the game offers a compelling and immersive mystery that is well worth exploring.

    • “It was fascinating how the twists and turns of the plot turn this story into something really grim and dark.”
    • “This game is a wonderful mystery story full of twists and turning perspectives, literally!”
    • “The story is engaging, the characters are well-written with interestingly realistic backstories, and every time you think you're on the right path, you find out you're not.”
    • “The story truly felt like there was another layer and another chapter to go through which would turn some things on their head, but alas the conclusion hits you at speed and the finale is awkward.”
    • “The pacing of the story doesn't suffer much, but there's a relative lack of guidance and some of the things you need to do are accomplished in an unintuitive way.”
    • “The story is not very intuitive and you basically are forced to brute force your way to an ending.”
  • gameplay111 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a unique possession mechanic that allows players to interact with various characters and uncover dialogue, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. While the mechanics are inventive and contribute to the narrative, some players found the gameplay to be somewhat repetitive and unintuitive, often requiring exhaustive dialogue interactions to progress. Overall, the game combines clever mechanics with a compelling story, though it may frustrate those seeking more complex gameplay.

    • “The gameplay is engaging too.”
    • “The mechanics change as the player gains a better understanding of their former identity and the people around them, tying together narrative and gameplay in a way that feels satisfying and natural.”
    • “Awesome gameplay, very interesting mechanics.”
    • “Despite the engaging nature of the concept, the actual gameplay is rather unintuitive, and as one review pointed out, your only real strategy is trying to exhaust all your dialogue between every character, and with all the characters constantly moving around, this can be a pain, especially when you gain the ability to fully possess people, which unlocks even more conversation options.”
    • “The gameplay is not a unique concept, but it's one that is still fresh enough to feel new and engaging.”
    • “That being said, the actual gameplay is minimal; as a ghost, you are able to possess the other people on the ship, as well as use their unique special abilities.”
  • music91 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its engaging chiptune soundtrack, which complements the retro aesthetic and enhances the overall atmosphere. Each character features unique musical themes that reflect their personalities, contributing to a rich and immersive experience. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness and minor issues with music cutting out, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout element, with many considering it a masterpiece worth purchasing.

    • “The music is in the same style, nice and crunchy; different characters have different themes, which is cool.”
    • “Bill Kiley does an amazing job of staying on brand with the retro vibes while still creating complex musical compositions that do a whole lot of heavy lifting!”
    • “The music is phenomenal!”
    • “The music is simplistic and obnoxious, and I ended up turning off the sound about a half hour after I started the game each time.”
    • “Besides that, the music sometimes does not feel fitting for the setting of the game; it's not exactly bad, it just doesn't go with the mood.”
    • “The art felt derivative and simple; the chiptune soundtrack suggested a by-the-numbers approach to game design.”
  • graphics51 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming faux-retro pixel art style reminiscent of the Earthbound and Mother series, which many players find appealing. While the visuals effectively set the tone and enhance the storytelling, some reviewers noted that they can feel simplistic or drab at times, particularly in emotional scenes. Overall, the graphics are well-received for their nostalgic aesthetic and ability to complement the game's darker themes, despite some minor technical issues.

    • “The graphics are Earthbound-like, simple but beautiful.”
    • “All of this is accompanied by beautiful pixel graphics in the same style as Earthbound/Mother and a soulful, haunting soundtrack that is just as varied, engaging, and touching as the characters themselves.”
    • “The earthbound-style graphics really make this game feel special for some reason, and every character is presented well through their sprites.”
    • “Let down by the graphics a bit, especially in the endings, where characters can literally witness people being shot directly in front of them without a single emotion on their faces.”
    • “My low expectations must've stemmed from the visuals which, even for a retro low-res pixel style, are on the drab side—but this didn't turn out to be a hindrance to overall enjoyment.”
    • “I was looking for something more focused on complex gameplay, and was avoiding pixel graphic games like the plague considering how overused the style is.”
  • stability30 mentions

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with many players reporting frequent bugs and glitches that can lead to lost progress and frustrating gameplay experiences. Issues such as characters getting stuck, out-of-bounds glitches, and problematic NPC pathing are common, prompting players to save often to avoid setbacks. While some users experienced minimal glitches, the overall consensus indicates that the game's stability is a significant concern that detracts from the enjoyment.

    • “It's buggy and I lost all of my progress because I decided to possess the cat to go to the meeting on the second floor.”
    • “I encountered glitches where my character was stuck out of bounds after going up or down stairs, and lost progress several times.”
    • “There are a couple game-breaking glitches I ran across, so that was kind of a bummer.”
  • emotional13 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its well-crafted character-driven narrative that evokes a range of feelings, from sadness to introspection. Players appreciate the heartfelt moments and the depth of character backgrounds, which contribute to a haunting atmosphere that can be both disturbing and touching. While some found the endings abrupt and unresolved, the overall storytelling and emotional impact left a lasting impression, making it a memorable experience for those open to darker themes.

    • “What matters is that this game is a storytelling masterpiece; a simultaneously disturbing and heart-wrenching character study that examines the struggles and horrors that occur during our everyday lives that, more often than not, we are completely oblivious to.”
    • “I finished it in only a few sittings and it took that long purely because there were a couple parts so heartbreaking that I had to put it down for a bit; otherwise, I'm sure I would've pushed myself through it all in a day.”
    • “As you get to learn more about the characters, it also lets you learn new things about yourself and how you feel emotionally.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its captivating music, art, and sound design, which enhance the overall experience despite some gameplay frustrations. Reviewers highlight the tense ambiance, well-developed characters, and unique aesthetic that contribute to a gripping adventure, making it particularly appealing for fans of mystery and puzzle genres. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout element that elevates the game's narrative and engagement.

    • “Amazing game - great tense atmosphere, interesting characters, well-paced plot development.”
    • “The atmosphere in general was appealing, thanks in part to an excellent soundtrack.”
    • “Some parts of the gameplay mechanics were frustrating, but the music, the art, and the atmosphere make it more than worth it.”
    • “Moreover, the music and the speech sound add up a lot for the overall atmosphere.”
    • “Its influences are clear; Mother 3's art style, Phoenix Wright's murder mysteries, and Ghost Trick's possession mechanic, yet it still manages to stand on its own as a unique and immensely gripping adventure, with plenty of brooding atmosphere to spare.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The game's humor is characterized by a well-crafted balance between light-heartedness and darker themes, enhancing the connection to its quirky characters. While it features amusing dialogue and moments that elicit laughter, some reviewers feel it doesn't fully capture the eccentricity of similar titles, lacking in both character depth and consistent humor. Overall, the blend of comedic and serious elements contributes to an engaging narrative experience.

    • “I enjoyed the writing; it was a good balance of humorous and intense.”
    • “The game has a very light-hearted sense of humor but is serious when it needs to be, creating a perfect balance that really brings you close to the cast of quirky characters around you.”
    • “There's a near-perfect balance of dark and humorous, of realistic and paranormal.”
  • grinding6 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often involving backtracking and solving confusing puzzles. While the small map size mitigates some frustration, the need to exhaust dialogue options and hunt for specific items can lead to a tiresome experience. Overall, the grinding elements detract from the enjoyment for many users.

    • “It got tiresome and a bit tedious.”
    • “I disliked that the gameplay was rather tedious and involved walking around in circles in the same area.”
    • “Progression can be a little tedious or obtuse at times, mainly due to having to exhaust dialogue options with every character combination.”
  • character development6 mentions

    The game excels in character development, featuring well-crafted writing and a deep, engaging narrative that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the retro aesthetic and pacing, which, despite some minor frustrations, serve to enrich the plot and character arcs. Overall, character development is highlighted as one of the game's standout elements.

    • “If you like games with a story and character development, you will enjoy this.”
    • “The writing is very well done and character development has quite a bit of depth and pacing to it.”
    • “The character development is one of the best things about this game.”
    • “Players constantly going back to specific places when you're done possessing them, as well as certain characters walking really slowly, can get a little annoying, but it's in service to the plot and character development, and that is the main focus of the game, anyway.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers notable replayability through its five possible endings, encouraging players to revisit the story to uncover hints and details they may have missed during their initial playthrough. With a structured format of four investigation chapters followed by a conclusion chapter, players are motivated to explore different outcomes based on their investigative skills.

    • “There are also 5 possible endings to uncover, giving some replayability to the game.”
    • “Regardless, there is a certain replayability in the game, with hints and sentences you didn't quite understand during the first run; it was well thought-out.”
    • “Regardless, there is a certain replayability in the game, with hints and sentences you didn't quite understand during the first run. It was well thought-out.”
    • “This whole experience takes 5 chapters to wrap up - 4 investigation chapters and one conclusion chapter - and contains 5 different endings according to your ability to conclude the interrelation of all happenings during the last chapter, presenting you genuine replayability.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
5-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs

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