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The Way of Life Free Edition

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2016

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Quick resume

The Way of Life makes the player relive the same life's experiences from the point of view of three characters of different ages: an adult, an old man and a child.

Global score

74/100

Genres

Free To Play, Indie

Pros

  • Thought-provoking narrative
  • Unique artistic style
  • Free to play
  • Short and accessible
  • Emotional and philosophical themes

Cons

  • Very short gameplay
  • Limited interactivity
  • Some bugs reported
  • Unfinished content in free edition
  • Lack of depth in mechanics

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make meaningful choices affecting outcomes in each life stage, indicating personal control over decisions."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Gameplay is simple and short with limited challenges; some platforming elements exist but overall low skill demand."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements or player comparison; focus is on personal experience and reflection."

  • Continuation
    -3

    "Very short play sessions (5-10 minutes); players generally do not engage in long or habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players explore different perspectives and make choices, but within a fixed narrative and environment."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is introspective and personal."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players engage in an artistic, emotional experience that offers a break from reality and provokes thought."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and curiosity; no obligation or external pressure noted."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration of different life stages and choices, but limited novelty due to short length and linear design."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Players explore three different perspectives of the same environment, but locations are limited and familiar."

  • Expression
    1

    "Minimal customization; expression mainly through choice of character perspective and decisions."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Child perspective includes imaginative elements like dragons and lava, contrasting with realistic adult and old man views."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly single-player experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players reflect on life stages and personal development through narrative and choices."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; sedentary experience."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during short sessions; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional and personal themes encourage introspection and connection with life experiences."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management; purely individual experience."

  • Progression
    -3

    "Limited progression; players complete short scenarios without item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Calm pacing, minimal stress, and soothing audio contribute to a relaxing atmosphere."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Simple but effective visual style and music create emotional and sensory engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative focus on life stages and philosophical themes; story drives the experience."

  • Strategy
    -3

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay is straightforward and linear."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Low risk and tension; experience is contemplative rather than suspenseful."

  • Value
    5

    "Free to play with meaningful content; players perceive good value for short time investment."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence or destructive gameplay; focus on peaceful, reflective experience."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some elements of overcoming obstacles (e.g., crossing roads), but low threat level and simple mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026