When the Darkness comes similar games & best alternatives
When the Darkness comes
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
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Autonomy4
"Players make meaningful choices affecting multiple endings and gameplay experience, reflecting personal decisions and control."
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Competence1
"Gameplay involves some skill in navigation and puzzle-like platforming, but overall focuses on narrative and emotional experience rather than technical challenge."
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and introspection without comparison to others."
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Continuation3
"Players often replay multiple times to explore different endings and deeper meanings, showing attachment and habitual engagement."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."
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Creativity3
"Players explore different narrative paths and endings, with some freedom in choices; creative expression mainly through interpretation."
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Domination-5
"No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; experience is personal and introspective."
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Escapism4
"Strongly used as a means to explore and process difficult real-life emotions and mental health issues, providing psychological escape and reflection."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and intrinsic motivation to understand themes and experience the narrative."
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Experimenting3
"Multiple playthroughs with different choices encourage exploration of new narrative outcomes and game mechanics."
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Exploration3
"Players discover new areas, secrets, and endings through repeated playthroughs, driven by curiosity."
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Expression-3
"Limited customization; expression mainly through player choices and interpretation rather than avatar or environment modification."
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Fantasy2
"Abstract and metaphorical narrative with some surreal and horror elements, but grounded in realistic mental health themes."
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Fellowship-5
"Primarily a solitary experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."
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Growth4
"Encourages personal reflection, emotional growth, and understanding of mental health through narrative and gameplay."
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Health-5
"No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; sedentary experience."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention and emotional engagement; not designed for background or casual play."
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Intimacy2
"Emotional intimacy through narrative and themes of personal struggle, though limited direct social interaction."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements; experience is individual."
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Progression2
"Progression through narrative and unlocking endings and achievements rather than item or power accumulation."
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Relaxation-2
"Experience is emotionally intense and sometimes stressful rather than purely relaxing or cathartic."
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Sensation3
"Strong atmospheric audio-visual design evokes emotional and sensory responses, including tension and unease."
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Status-5
"No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."
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Story5
"Narrative-driven experience with deep philosophical and psychological themes central to gameplay."
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Strategy0
"Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay focuses on exploration and narrative."
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Thrill3
"Contains suspenseful and unsettling moments that create tension and emotional thrill."
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Value5
"Highly praised for meaningful content and free availability, providing excellent return on time invested."
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Violence-5
"No violent or destructive gameplay; focus is on emotional and psychological themes."
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Survival0
"No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; experience is narrative and exploratory."
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Last update: 06/03/2026