You're Not Family

About

You're Not Family is a single player action game. It was developed by Atiya Nova and was released on September 29, 2023. It received very positive reviews from players.

You’ve been invited to a week of family dinners with your parents and brother. Hopefully things will go well? Navigate tense social dynamics in this (really short) narrative rhythm game by Atiya Nova. Keep the flow of conversation going by pressing keys at the right time to fill up the family's heart meter. Fill it up all the way before time runs out to progress to the week. But at what cost... …

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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92%

Audience ScoreBased on 51 reviews

story5 positive mentions

The game features a deep and moving story that resonates with many players, effectively conveying themes of family and emotional struggle.
The charming art style and music enhance the overall experience, creating a unique atmosphere that complements the game's narrative.
It's a short, free game that can be completed in under 10 minutes, making it accessible and easy to recommend to others.

The lack of a tutorial and vague gameplay mechanics can lead to confusion, making it difficult for some players to fully engage with the rhythm aspect.
Some players found the rhythm gameplay disjointed from the music, which detracted from the overall experience.
The game is very brief, which may leave some players wanting more content or a more challenging experience.

story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
43%
21%
The story is described as deep, moving, and emotionally impactful, effectively conveyed through simple yet fitting gameplay and beautiful visuals. While some find the narrative vague, many appreciate its relatable themes and the unique way it integrates with the rhythm game mechanics. Overall, the storytelling is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions, making it a standout aspect of the game.
- “The story is very deep and moving, and the gameplay is simple but works well and fits the story.”
- “Really nice art and chill gameplay that set the stage for some interesting and fairly heavy storytelling/themes that most people can probably relate to directly in one sense or another.”
- “The story itself that Atiya conveys is very thought out from the music to the tone set from the dialog at the end of each of the days.”
- “The vague story tells you nothing, and the rhythm game isn't challenging at all.”
- “This did make it seem a little weird when I beat a stage by only hitting the player-character's notes and the story still progressed as if the father had talked, but I don't think that's something anyone other than me would try to do anyways.”
- “So the first part - impact of the story.”
music
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
The music in the game has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating its beautiful and enchanting qualities that enhance the storytelling and art style. However, others noted a disconnection between the rhythm gameplay and the music, particularly in terms of synchronization. Overall, the choice of music effectively complements the game's themes, with notable changes that contribute to the atmosphere, especially towards the end.
- “This game is exactly how I like my coffee in the morning - with some light classical music and existential dread on the side.”
- “I really enjoyed it, especially combined with the beautiful music and enchanting art style.”
- “The song choices and visuals are also great, and the subtle ways things change by the end is very well done.”
- “I found the actual rhythm gameplay a bit disjointed from the music I was listening to.”
- “Although, my one gripe is that the music didn't exactly sync up with the gameplay.”
- “There is no penalty for letting the arrow pass through the box entirely, the music and pattern repeats itself as much as you need... I think.”
gameplay
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The gameplay is generally praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in complementing the deep narrative, though some players found the rhythm mechanics disjointed from the music. While the art and chill gameplay enhance the storytelling experience, there are concerns about the lack of clarity in mechanics and the need for a keyboard or gamepad, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “The story is very deep and moving, and the gameplay is simple but works well and fits the story.”
- “Really nice art and chill gameplay that set the stage for some interesting and fairly heavy storytelling/themes that most people can probably relate to directly in one sense or another.”
- “Short narrative game, was interesting to see how the story was presented both in the gameplay and visuals.”
- “I found the actual rhythm gameplay a bit disjointed from the music I was listening to.”
- “Although, my one gripe is that the music didn't exactly sync up with the gameplay.”
- “It wasn't immediately clear to me that the bunnies' heads were arrows, and I'm not a big fan of the gameplay needing a keyboard/gamepad, while everything else had me use mouse.”
graphics
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
23%
33%
The graphics are praised for their charming art style and cute aesthetics, which effectively contrast the game's deeper themes of toxic family dynamics. Players appreciate the beautiful visuals and music, noting how they enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of the game. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's enchanting atmosphere and narrative presentation.
- “I really enjoyed it, especially combined with the beautiful music and enchanting art style.”
- “An emotional little piece of art with a cute aesthetic.”
- “The charming art style makes for a cutesy atmosphere that does well to hide the game's main focus.”
- “Short narrative game, was interesting to see how the story was presented both in the gameplay and visuals.”
- “The graphics, and setting fit very well too.”
emotional
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is widely praised for its emotional depth, effectively evoking feelings of helplessness and anxiety while intertwining these emotions with its narrative. Reviewers highlight its ability to deliver a touching story, often leading to tears, and commend its unique blend of cute aesthetics with heart-wrenching themes, making it a memorable experience. Overall, it stands out as a powerful example of emotional storytelling in gaming.
- “The most emotional part for me was the impending feeling of helplessness that looms closer and closer each coming day; I feel as though that aspect of the game was represented perfectly.”
- “Rhythm games can be pretty anxiety-inducing when trying to decipher the fast-paced arrow directions, and I loved how this game tied that emotional response to the overall narrative.”
- “Maybe the most effective emotional storytelling you'll ever see in a game about bunnies.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The game's charming art style creates a cutesy atmosphere that effectively masks its underlying themes and focus.
- “The charming art style creates a delightful atmosphere that effectively conceals the game's main focus.”
- “The immersive sound design envelops you in a haunting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- “The richly detailed environments contribute to a captivating atmosphere that draws you into the game's world.”
- “The charming art style creates a cutesy atmosphere that effectively masks the game's main focus.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking any real depth or engagement.”
- “Despite the game's potential, the atmosphere is dull and fails to immerse players in the experience.”