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Ambre - a heartbreaking kinetic novel

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

A heartbreaking kinetic novel about the meeting of a depressed thirty years old man with a lost little girl he takes in his house.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Casual, Free To Play, Indie

Pros

  • Compelling and emotional story with a strong twist
  • Free to play
  • Well-done art and music
  • Short and accessible experience
  • Thought-provoking themes on mental health and societal pressures

Cons

  • No interactivity or player choice
  • Some players find early content disturbing or uncomfortable
  • Writing style can be repetitive or heavy-handed
  • Story pacing issues and lack of character depth
  • Lack of content warnings for sensitive topics

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -5

    "The game is a kinetic novel with no player choices, so players follow a fixed narrative without control over actions."

  • Competence
    -5

    "Gameplay consists solely of reading a linear story, with no skill challenges or variation."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or social comparison; experience is individual and narrative-focused."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Some players report emotional engagement and replaying the story, but overall it is a short, one-time experience."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Players engage with a fixed story and art, but the narrative and themes are creative and original."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power dynamics; interactions are narrative only."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game to experience a fictional, emotionally intense story, providing escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players choose to engage voluntarily for intrinsic interest in story and themes, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    -5

    "No experimentation possible; story is fixed and linear."

  • Exploration
    -5

    "No exploration of new areas; the experience is reading through a set narrative."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or self-expression; presentation is standardized."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "The story includes imaginative and metaphorical elements, though set in a realistic context."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No community or social interaction; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    1

    "Players may gain insight or emotional growth through story themes, but no skill development."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay."

  • Idle
    3

    "Short sessions with some players using skip mode for quick completion; can be casual."

  • Intimacy
    0

    "Some emotional connection to characters, but no social intimacy or relationships."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles."

  • Progression
    1

    "Narrative progression occurs through story unfolding, but no item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Some players find the story emotionally intense but also cathartic; overall mixed tension and release."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Art and music provide sensory stimulation and emotional impact."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with emotional depth, plot twists, and thematic exploration."

  • Strategy
    -5

    "No strategic or problem-solving gameplay elements."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense and emotional tension from story twists, but no gameplay risk or excitement."

  • Value
    4

    "Free game with good perceived value for time invested; some players appreciate the emotional payoff."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on narrative."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026