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When the Darkness comes

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

When the Darkness comes is a walking simulator whose glitchy and dark tale tries to illustrate the hardships of depression and anxiety through a variety of imaginary digital landscapes.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Free To Play, Indie

Pros

  • Deep, meaningful narrative addressing mental health
  • Multiple endings encouraging replayability
  • Free to play
  • Strong atmospheric audio and visuals
  • Emotional and philosophical impact

Cons

  • Can be triggering for players with mental health issues
  • Some players find platforming sections frustrating
  • Lack of localization limits accessibility
  • No traditional gameplay challenge or variety
  • Some repetition in multiple playthroughs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players make meaningful choices affecting multiple endings and gameplay experience, reflecting personal decisions and control."

  • Competence
    1

    "Gameplay involves some skill in navigation and puzzle-like platforming, but overall focuses on narrative and emotional experience rather than technical challenge."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and introspection without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players often replay multiple times to explore different endings and deeper meanings, showing attachment and habitual engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

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

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players explore different narrative paths and endings, with some freedom in choices; creative expression mainly through interpretation."

  • Domination
    -5

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

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strongly used as a means to explore and process difficult real-life emotions and mental health issues, providing psychological escape and reflection."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and intrinsic motivation to understand themes and experience the narrative."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Multiple playthroughs with different choices encourage exploration of new narrative outcomes and game mechanics."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new areas, secrets, and endings through repeated playthroughs, driven by curiosity."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; expression mainly through player choices and interpretation rather than avatar or environment modification."

  • Fantasy
    2

    "Abstract and metaphorical narrative with some surreal and horror elements, but grounded in realistic mental health themes."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Primarily a solitary experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    4

    "Encourages personal reflection, emotional growth, and understanding of mental health through narrative and gameplay."

  • Health
    -5

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

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and emotional engagement; not designed for background or casual play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional intimacy through narrative and themes of personal struggle, though limited direct social interaction."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; experience is individual."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through narrative and unlocking endings and achievements rather than item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Experience is emotionally intense and sometimes stressful rather than purely relaxing or cathartic."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Strong atmospheric audio-visual design evokes emotional and sensory responses, including tension and unease."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative-driven experience with deep philosophical and psychological themes central to gameplay."

  • Strategy
    0

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay focuses on exploration and narrative."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Contains suspenseful and unsettling moments that create tension and emotional thrill."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for meaningful content and free availability, providing excellent return on time invested."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violent or destructive gameplay; focus is on emotional and psychological themes."

  • Survival
    0

    "No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; experience is narrative and exploratory."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026