Actual Sunlight

It's interesting how much software like RPGmaker has leveled the playing field when it comes to game development. Originally, these programs seemed to be doomed to yield pedestrian, dated efforts that can't compete with games newly programmed from the ground up, and that is probably true of strict RPGs. With titles like To the Moon, though, the software has found its true calling, granting almost anyone the ability to put their story in a graphic adventure game. No longer would programming knowledge or budget be a barrier to entry, and we've seen a host of personal takes that otherwise would have just been twinkles in their authors' eyes. On the consumer end, the struggle then becomes finding titles that are worthwhile, as there is certainly a flood of adventure games in this style. I am pleased, then, to report that Actual Sunlight is one of the stand out titles in this genre. It's hard to say too much without spoiling the entire game, so this review is going to be brief, but this is a psychologically complex adventure with simple audiovisuals and excellent writing. For some, it may be too bleak, but I found it to be honest and raw and gripping, like a great novel. As one who has worked under similar circumstances to the protagonist, the content felt immediately recognizable, and though incredibly dark and morbid, I found this to be an unflinching portrayal of mental illness that could contend with similar stories found in other media, and I think were this a novella or a movie, it would have received considerable acclaim for its raw honesty. For video games, this is mostly an unexplored niche, and you can't help but appreciate the pioneering effort. There isn't much gameplay here, so some not enjoy it, but for fans of interactive fiction who can tolerate or appreciate RPG-maker style visuals, Actual Sunlight absolutely deserves a look, and I think, if there is any justice, there is a bright future ahead for its creator Will O'Neill.

a game which you play as the heavily depressed protagonist. This might just be one of the heaviest games i have played, and it shows the facets of depression much better than say Depression Quest. Its very basic as a game, as there is little interactivity and no choice. However, it completly suceeds on what it set out to do. That said, the negativity that emanates from this game means that its definitly not for everyone. Some of the thoughts of the main protagonist are so extreme, that they are hard for a healthy person to relate to. A brutally honest game.

Its made on rpg maker, and takes just a couple of hours to beat. It will ruin your entire day though