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Narcissu 1st & 2nd

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2015

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Quick resume

This is a story of disease and suffering; of medication and adverse effects; of thoracotomy scars and cellular poisons; of the living who cannot help but to die and of the dying who cannot help but to live; of a resting place other than "on 7F" or "at home".

Global score

96/100

Genres

Indie

Pros

  • Deep and emotional story
  • Beautiful and fitting soundtrack
  • Free to play
  • Thought-provoking themes
  • Voice acting enhances immersion

Cons

  • No player interaction or choices
  • Minimalistic and repetitive visuals
  • Short length
  • Some translation typos
  • Limited replay value

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "The game is a kinetic visual novel with no player choices, but the story centers on characters making their own decisions about life and death, emphasizing personal freedom in a constrained situation."

  • Competence
    -4

    "Gameplay involves reading and clicking through text with no skill challenge or variation, representing predictable, routine engagement."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or social comparison; the experience is solitary and introspective."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players tend to engage in a single long session to complete the story, with some replay value due to dual translations and voice options, but no habitual or repeated play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience focused on individual reflection without cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    1

    "While the visual novel format is linear and minimalistic, the story invites imaginative engagement and interpretation from the player."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative and empathetic."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strongly used as an emotional escape and reflection on mortality, providing distraction and immersion from real-life stress."

  • Expectation
    -5

    "Engagement is voluntary and motivated by personal interest in the story and themes, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    -3

    "The experience is linear and scripted with no exploration of alternate paths, but the dual translations and voice options offer some novelty."

  • Exploration
    -4

    "The setting and narrative are fixed and familiar each playthrough, with no discovery or new areas to explore."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Minimalistic art style and limited character visuals reduce opportunities for player expression or customization."

  • Fantasy
    -5

    "The story is grounded in realistic, somber themes of terminal illness and death without fantasy or improbable elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "While the story involves relationships, the player experience is solitary with minimal social connection."

  • Growth
    3

    "The narrative encourages reflection and emotional growth, offering insight into mortality and personal meaning."

  • Health
    -5

    "Focuses on terminal illness and decline rather than physical activity or health promotion."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention to read and absorb the story; not suited for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    3

    "The story explores deep emotional connections and vulnerability between characters, fostering intimate engagement."

  • Leadership
    Insufficient data
  • Progression
    2

    "Narrative progression through chapters and story development, but no in-game item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "The music and pacing create a contemplative mood that can be relaxing, though the emotional content is heavy."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Music and voice acting provide emotional stimulation, but visual stimuli are minimal and subdued."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status elements; the experience is private and personal."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with deep emotional and philosophical themes; story is the core of the experience."

  • Strategy
    -5

    "No strategic or problem-solving elements; linear reading experience."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "No suspense or risk elements; the story is somber and steady in tone."

  • Value
    5

    "Free to play with high emotional and artistic value; players perceive strong return on time invested."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; focus is on emotional and narrative content."

  • Survival
    4

    "Themes center on coping with terminal illness and the struggle to live meaningfully despite impending death."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026