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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a unique and creative control scheme that adds to the overall experience.
- The storyline is engaging and heartfelt, especially considering it's the first release from a solo developer.
- The game has a charming aesthetic and atmosphere that resonates with players, making it a memorable experience.
- The game is nearly unplayable without a fight stick, and the controls can be frustratingly sensitive or uncomfortable on standard controllers.
- There are significant comparisons to a previous title, which may lead to unfavorable judgments regarding its originality and depth.
- The narrative can feel heavy-handed and lacks subtlety, particularly in its metaphorical elements, which may detract from the overall immersion.
- story33 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its heartfelt execution and intriguing premise, particularly in the context of a solo developer's first release. Players appreciate the non-linear narrative and impactful character development, although some critiques highlight that certain elements feel derivative or underdeveloped. Overall, the story is seen as a compelling mix of atmosphere and emotional depth, despite some inconsistencies in execution.
“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.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by unique and creative mechanics that enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable and engaging. While the story is described as heartfelt and interesting, some players note that the game is better suited for arcade stick controls rather than standard controllers. Additionally, the option to skip certain gameplay segments is appreciated, allowing players to focus on the narrative.
“It tells a heartfelt story and the mechanics are just plain fun!”
“Such creative and fun mechanics!”
“But other parts of the dialogue and the gameplay were innovative.”
“Fortunately, the game does have a 'skip this bit of gameplay' option available for all of its segments.”
“The gameplay and story really entice you to keep on.”
“Very unique and creative gameplay elements, but the story is alright; it's short and simple.”
- emotional6 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, immersive atmosphere, and fitting graphics enhances the overall emotional impact.
“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!”
“It tells a heartfelt story and the mechanics are just plain fun!”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % 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 complement its experimental interaction controls and atmospheric storytelling. Reviewers appreciate the fitting visuals that enhance the emotional depth of the game, contributing to a unique overall 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'.”
“Lo-fi graphics in the vein of 'Iron Lung' or 'Lethal Company'.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its unique blend of meta elements, experimental interaction controls, and fitting graphics, all contributing to an engaging and immersive experience. Reviewers appreciate the developer's strong sense of atmosphere, expressing a desire for a consistently scary experience throughout the game. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a standout feature that enhances the emotional impact of the story.
“An incredible mix of meta, atmosphere, experimental interaction controls, fitting graphics, and touching story!”
“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.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits stability issues, including difficult controls and noticeable glitches, particularly evident shortly after its release. However, there is hope for improvements through future updates.
“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.”
“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.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its emotional depth, complementing the strong narrative and impressive visuals. Overall, it enhances the gaming experience significantly.
“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.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often intertwined with tension, as players find themselves both terrified and amused by the build-up to key moments, such as the reveal of the leviathan. This blend of fear and humor creates a unique experience that keeps players engaged and on edge.
