Viewer discretion is advised!
The Terrible Whiteness of Appalachian Nights ❤︎❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Exploitation level: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Notes: While the game can be jarring to play, the themes and messages explored are unique and impactful
A Shower Story ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Notes: Despite its short length, the writing is impactful and effective
My Eyes Deceive ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Notes: While normally I would have more of a problem with content like this, but the focus on the victims emotions and lack of exploitative shots separates this piece from others with similar plots and themes. My only critic is of the marketing and the (debatably) unintentional references to a real life case
Postal 2 ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Notes: While it definitely earns it reputation, the game is also very well built and it definitely makes its point about anti censorship
Postal ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★★★☆☆
Notes: A complete 180 from the tone of its better known sequel, taking a much more grim and dark atmosphere. My main critique is actually when it breaks its disturbing feel, and the ending is bound to leave a strong impression
Themes/messages: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Notes: The game is clearly well researched and manages to strike the delicate balance between being gorey and still well writen.
Pumpkin Eater ❤︎
This War of Mine ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Notes: A deceptively simple game, but the character interactions and bleak gameplay create a unique experience
Doki Doki Literature Club ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Notes: A game that has earned its reputation with a solid story, gameplay, soundtrack, and writing.
Paratopic ❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Notes: An incredibly poignant game with a powerful warning about how we consume media
No means nothing ❤︎❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Intentionality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
Exploitation level: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Notes: a very real and honest look at sexual abuse, though it can be preachy at points it still shares a powerful experience
The underground explorer ❤︎❤︎
Themes/messages: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Art/cinematography/etc: ★★★★★★★★★★
Intentionality: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Exploitation level: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Execution: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Notes: a trippy art project with some gameplay elements, and it has a different effect on everyone who plays