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you're just imagining it
2024
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Quick resume
A chronic illness simulator. You think you have a chronic illness, but you don't know what. All you know is you are always in some state of pain. You've been to too many doctors to count... but you still have to live your life.
Global score
97/100
Genres
Adventure, Indie, Simulator, Free To Play, Visual Novel
Pros
- Accurate and emotional portrayal of chronic illness
- Short and accessible gameplay
- Free to play
- Relatable narrative for many players
- Effective art and sound design
Cons
- Limited gameplay depth
- Minimal player agency
- Not designed for fun or relaxation
- Linear and short experience
- Lack of social or cooperative features
Motivations
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Autonomy3
"Players manage their own actions and decisions balancing pain, energy, money, and activities, reflecting personal control over daily life despite constraints."
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Competence1
"Gameplay involves managing stats and making choices but outcomes are mostly predetermined, reflecting limited skill challenge but some engagement."
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements; focus is on personal experience and individual struggle without comparison to others."
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Continuation-3
"Short playtime (~20 minutes) and linear experience suggest low habitual play or long sessions; players can disengage easily."
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Cooperation-5
"Single-player experience focused on individual management and narrative; no cooperative or multiplayer elements."
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Creativity-2
"Players choose from limited predefined options to manage stats; no creation or modification of game elements."
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Domination-5
"No social interaction or power dynamics; emphasis on personal vulnerability and equalizing experience."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to understand and emotionally process chronic illness, providing distraction and emotional relief."
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Expectation-4
"Engagement is voluntary and motivated by personal interest or empathy rather than obligation or external pressure."
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Experimenting-3
"Limited choices and repetitive cycles reflect routine management rather than exploration or novelty."
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Exploration-4
"Game is short and linear with no new areas or secrets to discover; focus is on narrative rather than exploration."
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Expression-4
"No character customization or personalization; presentation is standardized to convey the story."
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Fantasy-5
"Grounded in realistic depiction of chronic illness and medical system; no fictional or fantastical elements."
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Fellowship-4
"Minimal social connection; narrative centers on solitary experience with limited depiction of community or support."
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Growth2
"Players learn about chronic illness and medical struggles; some personal development through emotional insight."
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Health-5
"Focus on managing illness and pain rather than promoting physical activity or rehabilitation."
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Idle3
"Short sessions and simple mechanics allow for casual play and intermittent engagement."
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Intimacy-3
"Emotional connection is present but limited to internal narrative; no social or close relationship building."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management roles; experience is personal and individual."
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Progression1
"Some stat changes and incremental progress toward diagnosis, but overall limited advancement or upgrades."
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Relaxation-2
"Emotional tension and frustration are core themes; game is not designed for relaxation or flow."
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Sensation1
"Simple visuals and sound provide moderate sensory input; not highly stimulating but effective for mood."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems; focus is on private experience."
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Story5
"Strong narrative immersion focused on emotional and realistic portrayal of chronic illness journey."
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Strategy0
"Minimal strategic depth; players make basic resource management decisions but no complex planning."
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Thrill-4
"No suspense or risk-based excitement; experience is steady and emotionally heavy rather than thrilling."
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Value5
"Free, short, and emotionally impactful; players perceive high value for time invested."
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Violence-5
"No combat or destructive elements; focus on constructive management of health and wellbeing."
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Survival3
"Players manage pain and resources to avoid failure and maintain stability, reflecting survival challenges."
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Last update: 06/03/2026