Life Tastes Like Cardboard similar games & best alternatives
Life Tastes Like Cardboard
2019
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Quick resume
A game about boredom and self-pity. It's about myself mostly. You walk around and press the 'interact' button. Sorry for making this.
Global score
95/100
Genres
Indie, Role-playing (RPG)
Pros
- Deeply personal and emotional storytelling
- Unique and creative art and sound design
- Free to play
- Relatable depiction of mental health struggles
- Immersive and introspective experience
Cons
- Slow walking pace and some tedious navigation
- Minimal gameplay challenge
- Some confusing puzzles
- Not suitable for players sensitive to heavy themes
- Lack of replay incentives beyond exploration
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players explore the world at their own pace, choosing where to go and what to interact with, though gameplay is simple and walking-focused."
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Competence-2
"Gameplay involves walking and exploration with some puzzles, but overall low technical challenge and some players found puzzles confusing or tedious."
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Competition-5
"No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and introspection."
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Continuation2
"Some players spent multiple hours and returned to find secrets, indicating moderate attachment and desire to continue playing."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative features."
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Creativity4
"Highly creative presentation with unique art styles, surreal imagery, and experimental sound design."
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Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and empathetic."
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Escapism4
"Strongly focused on emotional immersion and escaping into a surreal, introspective world to explore mental health themes."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection, not obligation."
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Experimenting3
"Players explore different areas, uncover secrets, and experience varied art and sound styles, encouraging experimentation."
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Exploration4
"Exploration of new, surreal environments and discovery of hidden content is a core part of the experience."
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Expression-3
"No character customization or player-driven visual expression; presentation is fixed by the developer's artistic vision."
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Fantasy3
"Surreal and dreamlike imagery combined with real-life mental health themes creates a blend of imaginative fiction and reality."
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Fellowship-4
"Experience is solitary and introspective with minimal social interaction."
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Growth2
"Players gain insight into mental health and emotional states, though gameplay skill growth is minimal."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention to explore and engage with narrative; not designed for background play."
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Intimacy3
"Emotional intimacy through personal and vulnerable storytelling, though no social relationship building."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; purely single-player narrative."
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Progression1
"Some collection of mementos and story progression, but no power accumulation or upgrades."
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Relaxation0
"Mixed emotional tone with moments of calm and moments of tension; neither strongly relaxing nor stressful overall."
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Sensation3
"Unique and varied audio-visual presentation provides strong sensory stimulation and emotional impact."
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Status-5
"No social status or recognition mechanics; experience is private and personal."
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Story5
"Narrative immersion and emotional storytelling are central to the game experience."
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Strategy-3
"Minimal strategic or problem-solving demands; some puzzle elements but mostly straightforward exploration."
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Thrill1
"Some suspenseful and unsettling moments, but overall emotional tone is contemplative rather than thrilling."
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Value5
"Highly praised for emotional and artistic value, especially given that it is free to play."
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Violence-3
"No combat; some disturbing imagery but no enjoyment of violence or destruction."
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Survival-5
"No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."
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Last update: 06/03/2026