WITHOUT YOU

About

WITHOUT YOU is a single player simulation game. It was developed by Aleksey Izimov and was released on February 24, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Without You" is a story-driven visual novel set in Moscowia State University, following the life of a student named Maels who dreams of freedom. After his sister Alpha falls into depression, Maels' heart hardens as he tries to escape the harsh realities of poverty and rejection. The game features live2D sprites, CGs, and original soundtracks in 4k resolution.

Genres & Tags

Simulation

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 59 reviews

story20 positive mentions

The game features a gripping storyline that captivates players from start to finish, exploring deep themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of freedom.
Stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.
Character development is exceptional, allowing players to invest in the characters' journeys and making choices feel meaningful in the non-linear plot.

Some players found the dialogue confusing and the character relationships to be unrealistic or poorly developed.
The music and sound design, while functional, were described as unmemorable and lacking emotional depth.
There are complaints about repetitive visuals and a desire for more variety in character designs and backgrounds.

story
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
45%
7%
The story of "Without You" is a deeply engaging narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams through the journey of a student facing life's harsh realities. Players are immersed in a non-linear plot that emphasizes meaningful choices, supported by stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack. While the characters are well-developed and contribute significantly to the story, some players feel that additional dialogue could enhance the emotional connection and clarity of the narrative.
- “The gripping storyline, coupled with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack, immerses players into a world of love and loss.”
- “A heartfelt story of a student in the fight for his dreams and freedom, excellent graphics and music create the mood, and difficult choices make you think seriously.”
- “The storyline is engaging and emotionally impactful, leaving a lasting impression long after the game is finished.”
- “I think the developer could improve massively if they added extra dialogues to hint as to which direction the story is going based on your choices, which in turn would also help the player grow closer to the characters as well.”
- “5) The drawing of 2D sprites I did not like; they feel like they do not fit the style of the atmosphere of the story.”
- “In principle, it's like an ordinary short story, far from summer, but quite suitable.”
graphics
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
64%
36%
The graphics in "Without You" are widely praised for their stunning visuals and charming chibi-style illustrations, enhanced by 4K resolution and captivating background art. The beautifully melancholic art style complements the gripping storyline, while the sound design further immerses players in the emotional journey of the characters. Overall, the combination of excellent graphics and music creates a superb atmosphere that enhances the game's non-linear narrative and meaningful choices.
- “The graphics and sound design create a superb atmosphere.”
- “Without You is a captivating experience with stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and a gripping storyline.”
- “The art style is beautifully melancholic, complementing the story perfectly.”
music
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
25%
15%
The music in the game is generally praised for enhancing the atmosphere and complementing the stunning visuals, with many noting its ability to evoke emotions tied to the storyline of love and loss. While some reviewers find the music not particularly memorable, it effectively sets the right mood throughout the gameplay. Overall, the original soundtrack and pleasant melodies contribute positively to the immersive experience, despite some mixed opinions on its distinctiveness.
- “The gripping storyline, coupled with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack, immerses players into a world of love and loss.”
- “The game features charming illustrations, computer graphics, background art, and chibi-style computer graphics in 4k resolution, along with original soundtracks.”
- “Thanks to the 4k resolution, the game looks even more impressive, and the original soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
- “The music is not distinguished and not memorable, but during the gameplay, it performs its function by providing the right mood.”
- “The music, to be honest, is on top, but the models move a little strangely, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “The graphics and music create the atmosphere, but the music lacks uniqueness and fails to leave a lasting impression.”
atmosphere
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
19%
6%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its beautiful graphics and original soundtrack, which together create an immersive experience. While the non-linear plot and meaningful choices enhance the emotional depth, some users feel that the 2D sprite art does not align with the overall aesthetic. Overall, the game is described as a captivating visual novel that evokes positive emotions through its engaging narrative and atmospheric design.
- “The graphics and music create the atmosphere; the non-linear plot and branching make every decision made important and meaningful.”
- “Thanks to the 4K resolution, the game looks even more impressive, and the original soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
- “The graphics and sound design create a superb atmosphere.”
- “The 2D sprites are poorly drawn and do not fit the style of the atmosphere of the story.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
"Without You" is praised for its emotional depth, offering a heartfelt narrative that follows a student's struggle for dreams and freedom. The game's engaging storyline, combined with excellent graphics and music, creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates with players, making it a memorable experience that lingers long after completion. The intuitive controls enhance the emotional journey, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the touching themes presented.
- “Without You is an emotional rollercoaster that captivates from start to finish.”
- “A heartfelt story of a student in the fight for his dreams and freedom, excellent graphics and music create the mood, and difficult choices make you think seriously.”
- “The storyline is engaging and emotionally impactful, leaving a lasting impression long after the game is finished.”
gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
33%
11%
The gameplay in "Without You" is characterized by smooth mechanics that enhance realism, alongside immersive and atmospheric elements that contribute to its captivating experience. While the visuals and gripping narrative are praised, some users note that the gameplay is minimal, drawing comparisons to adult content. Overall, it is regarded as a hidden gem on Steam, offering a heartfelt and unforgettable experience.
- “The gameplay mechanics are smooth, adding a layer of realism to the experience.”
- “With its poignant themes and engaging gameplay, 'Without You' offers an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact.”
- “'Without You' is a hidden gem on Steam that captivates with its heartfelt narrative and atmospheric gameplay.”
- “Very similar to all these games, but this is not a game here; minimal gameplay.”
humor
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the cute and funny character designs, particularly the main character's sister, who adds a comedic touch. While the voice acting is appreciated, some lines can come off as odd, which may affect the overall comedic impact. Overall, the humor contributes positively to the game's charm.
- “Besides the fact that the music here is cool, the girls are funny and cute.”
- “It's funny that each character has voice acting, but sometimes the lines are strange.”
- “Oh, well, there's the funny sister of the main character; I think that's enough for a good game.”
character development
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development in the game is highly praised, with players feeling a strong investment in the characters' journeys. The combination of appealing visuals, engaging dialogues, and a captivating plot enhances the overall experience, contributing to a wealth of positive emotions.
- “The character development is impeccable, making you truly invest in their journey.”
- “A pleasant visual novel with good artwork and character design, interesting dialogues, a fascinating plot, and a captivating atmosphere that evokes a lot of positive emotions.”