Stilstand

I've played [i] (experienced?) [/i] a handful of games [i] (virtual art exhibits?) [/i] that lean towards themes of depression, anxiety, philosophies of self and the exploration of the human condition. Some have resonated with me more than others for a variety of reasons more nuanced than I have energy to explore here in this review. I don't quite remember how I came across Stilstand. You play as a young woman from a university spending a hot summer in Copenhagen trying to cope with isolation and the back-and-forth struggle of social anxiety, inner dialogue, self worth, and impulse. There is not really any "gameplay" as you are largely just clicking each hand-drawn panel forward, and there is a little under an hour of content with no achievements. The story is so genuine and authentic in its portrayal of this experience that it's sure to hit home pretty hard for some as it did for me, which, for some reason was surprising (and I didn't always like it!). I think there are just some fundamental aspects of being a living breathing person that transcend culture, geography, age, and gender (if you are receptive to seeing it). I also REALLY liked the scratchy graphite art style and …

I don't think I got along with the story very well, or maybe I just didn't understand what it was supposed to really mean. It was also very short, a little too upsetting. I also didn't like the art style much. Finished? Yes Steam Achievements? None. Steam Deck? Not attempted! Rating? 2/10 My curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45865425-CozyAriGames/ Full videos on Youtube

A gem of a game. I experienced everything with the main character—I felt lonely and awkward, went to parties and threw up afterward, dated creepy guys and mourned their disappearance. A wild trip, too real to fully enjoy and too lovable not to.

Хорошая, коротенькая игра буквально на 30-40 минут в формате интерактивного комикса. Справляется с тем чтоб показать сюжет и атмосферу через карикатурную рисовку и образы, ощутимо передано состояние глубокой депрессии героини. Однотипная в хорошем смысле этого слова, такой геймплей и должен быть в игре(?) с таким сюжетом. Ознакомиться рекомендую, особенно в случае если вы любите подобный жанр изначально. Игра лаконична, но тем и хороша.

Not for everyone, but it's a very genuine and well-made game about anxiety, depression and loneliness in current times. Actually not much of a game but an interactive graphic novel. Not much to play here, but a few things to see, and a lot to think about.

Europeans are so depressed bro, go for a walk