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The Sad Story of Emmeline Burns

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

A short lesbian / yuri visual novel set in England. Our heroine, Toma Andrews, meets a ghost girl wearing an old-fashioned nightgown in a graveyard who calls herself Emmeline. Just who is she, and how did she die?

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Visual Novel

Pros

  • Beautiful and unique art style
  • Emotional and well-written story
  • Soothing piano soundtrack
  • Free to play
  • Easy achievements

Cons

  • Very short length
  • No gameplay or interactivity
  • Linear with no choices
  • Some players find story predictable
  • Sound effects occasionally jarring

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    -5

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

  • Competence
    -5

    "There are no skill challenges or gameplay mechanics; the experience is purely reading a linear story."

  • Competition
    -5

    "The game is single-player with no competitive elements or social comparison."

  • Continuation
    1

    "Some players report emotional engagement and replays for achievements or extra scenes, but overall the game is short and linear."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "The experience is solitary reading with no multiplayer or cooperative features."

  • Creativity
    1

    "While the story is fixed, the game features unique art style and narrative, but players do not create or modify content."

  • Domination
    -5

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

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in an emotional, fictional story that provides distraction and emotional experience."

  • Expectation
    -4

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

  • Experimenting
    -5

    "The game offers no mechanics for experimentation; the story is fixed and linear."

  • Exploration
    -5

    "No exploration of new areas or secrets; the narrative is straightforward and linear."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or personal expression options are available."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The story includes supernatural elements (ghosts) and Victorian-era romantic fiction, providing imaginative experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "The game is a solo experience without community or social interaction."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players experience emotional growth and reflection through the story's themes of identity and love."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game involves sedentary reading with no physical activity."

  • Idle
    3

    "The game can be played in short sessions and is suitable for casual reading."

  • Intimacy
    4

    "The story focuses on close emotional relationships and romantic intimacy between characters."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements are present."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players unlock achievements and extra scenes as they progress through the story."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "The game provides a calming, melancholic atmosphere with soothing music and art."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visuals and music provide emotional and sensory stimulation, though not intense or thrilling."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems are involved."

  • Story
    5

    "The game is entirely focused on narrative immersion with a strong, emotional story."

  • Strategy
    -5

    "No strategic or problem-solving gameplay elements exist."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "The story is emotional but not suspenseful or thrilling; it is calm and reflective."

  • Value
    5

    "The game is free with high-quality art, music, and story, providing excellent value for time invested."

  • Violence
    -3

    "While the story includes tragic death, the gameplay does not focus on violence or combat."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics are present."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026