You Can Save Everyone
- January 22, 2024
- Caleb Draper
Get on Steam"You Can Save Everyone" is a puzzle-based game where players are trapped in a room and must communicate with allies in other parts of a mysterious facility to help them escape. Using a limited device, players interact with their surroundings, operating a computer and strange console that controls the locks in the facility. Players must pay close attention to their allies' clues to solve puzzles and uncover the facility's secrets, with the ultimate objective of saving everyone. The game features experimental gameplay designed for levered arcade sticks.
Reviews
- The game features unique and creative gameplay elements that provide a satisfying experience.
- The story is engaging and heartfelt, showcasing the developer's passion and creativity.
- Despite its short length, the game offers a fulfilling experience that encourages replayability.
- The game is primarily designed for arcade stick controls, making it difficult to play with standard controllers.
- The narrative and character development feel underwhelming and derivative, leading to unfavorable comparisons with similar titles.
- Some gameplay mechanics can be frustrating, with controls that may feel overly sensitive or janky at times.
- story17 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some praising its heartfelt execution and intriguing premise, particularly for a solo developer's first release. However, others criticize it for being derivative, linear, and at times, poorly integrated with gameplay, leading to a narrative that feels tacked on or falls apart under scrutiny. Overall, while the story has its moments of creativity and emotional depth, it often struggles with coherence and originality compared to its predecessors.
“Absolutely loved this game - the premise and storyline is well-executed, especially when you take into consideration that this is the first release from a solo developer.”
“It tells a heartfelt story and the mechanics are just plain fun!”
“You can save everyone is a chilling, non-linear story where the player is trapped with four strangers who they interact with entirely through instant messaging while desperately trying to find a way to escape a mysterious facility.”
“A sizable amount of the game's story is just lifted from that game (time-travel, importance of parrots/cockatiels, the facility caused the death of a character's family member but they didn't really die, etc.), but here most of them feel tacked on and half-baked.”
“In trying to be meta, it breaks its own story.”
“The former title has a tangible story and lore with real, impactful characters who you change your perception of as the non-linear tale unravels, the latter has an initially intriguing story which turns out to be a metaphor for depression that falls apart under scrutiny and undoes all the interesting story leading up to that point.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its unique and creative mechanics, which are both fun and engaging, complementing an interesting story. However, some players note that the game is designed primarily for arcade stick use rather than controllers, and it includes a "skip" option for segments that may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the combination of gameplay and narrative keeps players invested, despite some minor drawbacks.
“The gameplay and story really entice you to keep on.”
“Very unique and creative gameplay elements; the story is alright, it's short and simple, and overall I liked it.”
“It tells a heartfelt story and the mechanics are just plain fun!”
“Fortunately, the game does have a 'skip this bit of gameplay' option available for all of its segments.”
“But other parts of the dialogue and the gameplay were innovative.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, with players forming strong connections to the characters and experiencing genuine feelings, including tears at the satisfying conclusion. The combination of engaging mechanics, atmospheric design, and a touching narrative creates a memorable emotional experience.
“It tells a heartfelt story and the mechanics are just plain fun!”
“Even without a body, I fell in love with all the characters and I cried at the satisfying ending.”
“An incredible mix of meta, atmosphere, experimental interaction controls, fitting graphics, and a touching story!”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a lo-fi aesthetic reminiscent of titles like *iron lung* and *lethal company*, which effectively complement its experimental interaction controls and emotional storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the fitting visuals that enhance the overall atmosphere, contributing to a unique and immersive experience.
“An incredible mix of meta, atmosphere, experimental interaction controls, fitting graphics, and a touching story!”
“Even if there isn't an update, the game has a good story, unique controls, great visuals, and music that I can only describe as full of emotion.”
“Lo-fi graphics in the vein of 'Iron Lung' or 'Lethal Company'.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the developer's strong grasp of atmosphere, noting it as a standout feature that enhances the overall experience. The combination of meta elements, experimental controls, and fitting graphics contributes to a captivating and immersive environment, leaving players eager for future releases.
“Although I would appreciate a from start to end scary game as well, it really seems like this dev has a feel for things like atmosphere. I'll be keeping an eye on anything new that releases from them.”
“An incredible mix of meta, atmosphere, experimental interaction controls, fitting graphics, and touching story!”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often intertwined with suspense, as players find themselves both terrified and amused by the clever build-up to key moments, such as the reveal of the leviathan. This blend of tension and comedic relief enhances the overall experience, keeping players engaged and entertained.
“One other funny thing I wanted to mention was that I was so terrified until the Leviathan was revealed for the first time. The build-up to that moment was great, from what was said to the stuff written on the wall and the small sounds. I was really on the edge of my seat.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game exhibits stability issues, including difficult controls and noticeable glitches, though some users hope for improvements in future updates given its recent release.
“It's a little rough around the edges, with difficult controls and glitches being easy to find. However, I am only making this review two days after release, so maybe there will be an update.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times. I hope the developers address these stability issues soon.”
“I encountered several bugs that disrupted my gameplay experience, and the frame rate drops are quite noticeable, especially during intense moments.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its emotional depth, complementing the unique controls and engaging story, contributing to an overall immersive experience.
“Even if there isn't an update, the game has a good story, unique controls, great visuals, and music that I can only describe as full of emotion.”
