Blank Space

Name: [Blank] Space

Developer: Muffle

Story: I almost didn't want to review this. This is a story about what depression feels like, and it makes me want to just hug the dev and tell her everything's going to be alright. It's another one-room game, similar to #4. It's also a bit more of a complete thought than #4 was. You play as a young girl who is plagued by awful memories that have caused her to spiral into depression.

Writing: We get a very complete picture of what's going on as you go through her room, and learn the things that are bothering her. I feel like this very thoroughly goes through, not just how a person feels, but how everything can add up and put tremendous weight on a person. Admittedly, I have yet to encounter a better expression of depression than I've seen here. People may have difficulty seeing past the graphics and the superficial container, but the substance of the text, the story that's told and how you're only able to come to one conclusion is what's most important in this narrative.

Gameplay: As with #4, you simply look at everything your room until there's only one thing left to do. Then you walk through a hallway simply reading what NPCs have to say. When the game is over, the developer has a section where she describes her reasons for making the game.

Graphics: RTP, and hardly worth mentioning since the only serve to the story.

Sound: Three mournful pieces from Incompetech that only serve to increase the depressing tone of this game.

Conclusion: It's hard to not recommend such a soulful presentation. I'd say, it's worth it if you want a clearer understanding of who the developer is. This isn't to be played for fun or enjoyment, but perhaps a bit of personal education. I wasn't going to rate this game, but as I sat there thinking about it, I eventually changed my mind.