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Without a Dawn

98%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
gameplay, replayability
98% User Score Based on 170 reviews

Platforms

PCWindowsSteam Deck

About

Without a Dawn is a dark, psychological, and philosophical visual horror novel featuring a hauntingly beautiful pseudo-ASCII art developed by award-winning Finnish solo developer Jesse Makkonen (DISTRAINT -series, Afterdream, Heal).

Without a Dawn screenshot

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 170 reviews
story34 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions

  • The game features stunning ASCII art and exceptional sound design that create an immersive and atmospheric experience.
  • Without a Dawn offers a deeply introspective narrative that resonates with players, particularly those who have experienced anxiety or mental health struggles.
  • The game is a unique artistic expression, blending visual novel elements with psychological horror, making it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
  • The gameplay is very linear, with choices that often feel illusory and do not significantly impact the outcome, leading to a sense of frustration.
  • The game is quite short, lasting around an hour, which may leave some players wanting more content and depth.
  • The dark themes and content warnings may not be suitable for all players, particularly those sensitive to topics related to mental health and self-harm.
  • story
    88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is a short yet gripping psychological horror narrative that explores themes of trauma, anxiety, and self-doubt, effectively immersing players in a tense atmosphere. While the linear gameplay limits meaningful choices, the writing and art create a haunting experience that resonates deeply, prompting players to reflect on its abstract and thought-provoking elements. Overall, it is praised for its emotional impact and unique storytelling, despite some critiques regarding its brevity and lack of interactivity.

    • “A very atmospheric psychological horror story with eerie vibes, great art and audio design.”
    • “When a game literally makes you stop to double check that you actually locked your real life door, because you are so immersed in the protagonist's paranoia and anxiety, then you know it's effective storytelling.”
    • “This was a great, short, thought-provoking story-driven experience.”
    • “You'll mostly click through dialogue options until you're locked into choosing the option that will progress the story; there is one slight puzzle, but I didn't find it terribly challenging.”
    • “You are constantly railroaded into what the story wants.”
    • “It initially gives the impression of your choices having weight (and potential for encountering multiple endings) but the game makes it clear it wants you to pick certain answers and if you don't the story will not progress.”
  • graphics
    54 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and beautiful art style, particularly the use of pseudo-ascii and pixel art, which effectively enhances the narrative and emotional experience. Players appreciate the customization options for colors and textures, as well as the immersive sound design that complements the visuals. Overall, the artwork and aesthetics are described as phenomenal, contributing significantly to the game's psychological horror atmosphere.

    • “The pseudo-ascii art is both aesthetically appealing and an effective way to not just convey and support, but enhance the narrative.”
    • “Look, it's an extremely well-crafted game, with unusual and beautiful visuals, clear and moody sound design, and solid writing.”
    • “A beautifully crafted psychological horror experience with a fantastic art style and incredible audio design.”
    • “That's just a personal nitpicky thing, it's your aesthetic and all that, but it's just another one of those things where it's like, the person we're playing as has no face.”
    • “The game’s visuals are minimalistic, relying on pixel art with a distinct animated twist.”
    • “Scenes play out in a square at the center of the screen, with the rest of the display used primarily for ambiance or aesthetic flair.”
  • atmosphere
    24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its eerie and suspenseful qualities, enhanced by exceptional art and audio design. Reviewers highlight the effective use of sound to create a rich, creepy environment that maintains intrigue without being overwhelming. Overall, the game is described as an atmospheric gem that successfully combines psychological horror elements with artistic expression.

    • “A very atmospheric psychological horror story with eerie vibes, great art and audio design.”
    • “The audio is amazing, creating a rich, creepy atmosphere for every step of the journey.”
    • “Despite (or rather, due to) the absence of any overtly frightening moments (besides maybe one occasion), the atmosphere remains suspenseful throughout the whole game.”
    • “You nail the vibe, you nail the atmosphere; it's downright eerie.”
    • “It builds a haunting world by using dream symbolism and an oppressive, paranoid atmosphere.”
  • gameplay
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Without a Dawn" is minimal and highly linear, typical of a visual novel, lasting around one hour with very light mechanics and only a brief puzzle element. While the artistic value and philosophical exploration are praised, the lack of depth and replayability may deter players seeking more substantial gameplay experiences. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate narrative and aesthetics over traditional gameplay elements.

    • “Overall, the game is a short, interesting exploration of philosophy with very light game mechanics.”
    • “If you appraise games based on number of hours of gameplay, replay value, or sheer amount of content, then stay away from this one.”
    • “The gameplay itself is highly linear, which suits the story’s introspective nature.”
    • “There’s a single light touch of puzzle-solving early on, where a dream asks you to respond with a set of correct numbers, but beyond that, the gameplay is straightforward and doesn’t require any mental exercise.”
  • replayability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers multiple completion paths, enhancing its replayability for players seeking varied experiences. However, those who prioritize extensive gameplay hours or content volume may find it lacking in replay value.

    • “There appear to be multiple ways to complete the game, which makes this easily replayable.”
    • “If you appraise games based on number of hours of gameplay, replay value, or sheer amount of content, then stay away from this one.”
  • music
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features no music, which is a deliberate choice that enhances the narrative experience. Players appreciate the emotional depth conveyed through the story, visual style, and sound effects, highlighting the overall love and care put into the game's design.

    • “Thank you Jesse Makkonen for this great game, it felt full of love from the story, visual style, music, and sound effects.”
    • “There is no music, but this is for effect in the narrative.”
  • emotional
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players report that the game evokes strong emotional responses, with many expressing that it brought them to tears. The depth of feeling experienced is significant enough that users feel compelled to share their emotional journeys to convey the game's impact.

    • “This game made me cry.”
    • “Instead, I'll try to share how it made me feel, so you can get a sense of it for yourself.”

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