That Dragon, Cancer similar games & best alternatives
That Dragon, Cancer
2016
Related articles
Quick resume
An immersive, narrative videogame that retells Joel Green’s 4-year fight against cancer through about two hours of poetic, imaginative gameplay that explores themes of faith, hope and love.
Global score
90/100
Genres
Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Simulator, Puzzle
Pros
- Deeply emotional and personal narrative
- Unique artistic and symbolic storytelling
- Authentic voice acting by family members
- Thought-provoking and impactful experience
- Short but meaningful playtime
Cons
- Minimal and clunky gameplay mechanics
- Linear and limited player agency
- Strong christian themes may alienate some players
- Short duration may feel insufficient for some
- Some confusing navigation and progression
Motivations
-
Autonomy2
"Players have limited control, mostly point-and-click exploration and interaction with narrative elements, reflecting some personal agency but within a linear story."
-
Competence-3
"Gameplay is minimal and simple, with few challenges or skill tests; focus is on narrative experience rather than technical mastery."
-
Competition-5
"No competitive elements; experience is personal and introspective without comparison to others."
-
Continuation-2
"Short playtime (~2 hours) and emotionally intense content may limit habitual or prolonged play sessions."
-
Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience focused on individual reflection; no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."
-
Creativity1
"Some creative narrative and symbolic elements, but limited player-driven creation or modification."
-
Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is empathetic and equal."
-
Escapism3
"Players engage in a deeply emotional narrative that offers a form of escape through immersion in a personal story."
-
Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection, not obligation or external pressure."
-
Experimenting-3
"Gameplay is linear and narrative-driven with limited exploration or experimentation."
-
Exploration2
"Players explore symbolic and narrative environments, discovering story elements and emotional content."
-
Expression-2
"Limited customization or self-expression; focus is on experiencing the creators' story."
-
Fantasy1
"Includes symbolic and imaginative elements (e.g., dragon metaphor), but grounded in a real-life story."
-
Fellowship-4
"Experience is solitary and introspective, with minimal social interaction."
-
Growth3
"Players gain emotional insight and personal reflection through the narrative experience."
-
Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."
-
Idle-4
"Requires focused attention and emotional engagement; not suited for background or casual play."
-
Intimacy4
"Strong emotional connection and sharing of intimate family experiences conveyed through narrative."
-
Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; experience is personal and individual."
-
Progression1
"Narrative progression through story chapters and emotional development rather than item or power accumulation."
-
Relaxation-3
"Emotionally intense and sometimes distressing; not primarily designed for relaxation or flow."
-
Sensation2
"Artistic visuals and music provide sensory and emotional stimulation, though subdued and reflective."
-
Status-5
"No social status or recognition systems; focus is on private emotional experience."
-
Story5
"Central focus on narrative immersion and emotional storytelling based on a true and personal story."
-
Strategy-5
"No strategic or problem-solving gameplay; experience is linear and narrative-driven."
-
Thrill-4
"Lacks suspense or risk; emotional tension is present but not thrilling in a traditional sense."
-
Value1
"Players perceive emotional and artistic value despite short length and limited gameplay."
-
Violence-5
"No combat or destruction; focus is on emotional and narrative experience."
-
Survival3
"Themes of coping with illness and mortality are central, reflecting a struggle to survive emotionally and physically."
Similar games
Last update: 06/03/2026