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To Be or Not To Be

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2015

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Quick resume

Guide Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet Sr. to hundreds of hilarious deaths in Ryan North's chooseable-path edition of Shakespeare's Hamlet!

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie

Pros

  • Clever and humorous writing
  • High replayability with many endings
  • Strong narrative immersion
  • Engaging parody of hamlet
  • Well-executed choose-your-own-adventure format

Cons

  • Limited gameplay mechanics
  • Some repetition in text
  • Checkpoint system can be inconvenient
  • Narration synchronization issues
  • Price may be high for some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    5

    "Players make numerous choices that alter the story's course, embodying high personal freedom and control over narrative outcomes."

  • Competence
    1

    "Engagement is primarily through reading and decision-making with minimal skill challenge, but exploring many endings offers some cognitive engagement."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal narrative exploration without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replayability with many endings and branching paths encourages habitual and extended play sessions."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual choices; no cooperative gameplay or social collaboration."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players creatively shape the story through choices, exploring alternative narratives and humorous reinterpretations."

  • Domination
    -5

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

  • Escapism
    3

    "Provides humorous and imaginative escape from reality through parody and absurd scenarios based on Hamlet."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in humor, Shakespeare, or choose-your-own-adventure style; no obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Strong emphasis on exploring different story branches, testing choices, and discovering diverse outcomes."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Players discover numerous story paths and endings, uncovering secrets and alternative narratives."

  • Expression
    2

    "Limited character customization, but players express themselves through narrative choices and role selection."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Engages players in imaginative fiction with ghosts, time travel, and absurd reinterpretations of Shakespeare's Hamlet."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Experience is solitary with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn about Hamlet's story and literary humor, gaining knowledge and insight through multiple playthroughs."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary text-based gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused reading and decision-making; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or emotional social interactions."

  • Leadership
    Insufficient data
  • Progression
    3

    "Players unlock multiple endings, achievements, and artwork, reflecting accumulation and advancement."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Humorous and lighthearted tone provides a relaxing and enjoyable reading experience."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Some sensory stimulation from music and artwork, but overall moderate sensory input typical of visual novels."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and not publicly ranked."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with branching storylines, character perspectives, and meta-commentary."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Limited strategic challenge; choices affect narrative but do not require complex planning or problem solving."

  • Thrill
    0

    "Humor and parody provide light excitement but no sustained suspense or risk."

  • Value
    3

    "Players perceive good value from humor, replayability, and literary content, especially at sale prices."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Violence is present in narrative but portrayed humorously and not emphasized as gameplay focus."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; story-driven without resource or life management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026