21 Days
Hardtalk Studio · 2017 · Simulation, Indie, Adventure, Pixel Graphics, Singleplayer
PC
Mostly Positive79% · 53
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About 21 Days
21 Days is a simulation adventure game in which you experience the life of a Syrian refugee. The main character is a Syrian man named Mohammed Shenu who escaped from Syria to Western Europe. Becoming Mohammed Shenu for 21 days, you have to manage money, time, hunger and your mental status. You may experience the life of refugees who hold on to their body and soul with only a faint hope. From now on, you are Mohammed Shenu.
Mohammed Shenu is a Syrian who just arrived in Western Europe. He has luckily been granted 'refugee status'. However, this is not where story ends. His wife Warda and his son Abdul are also on their way to Europe. Fortunately according to 'The Principle of the Unity of the Family' (UNHCR), he and his family can both live together in Europe with refugee status, but only if they can arrive there. So, Mohammed now has learn to handle himself in this foreign society, and to earn money, so he can help his wife and son escape.
You will have to manage many things:
There are about 15 locations you can visit. At each there are many NPCs that you can interact with. Some are kind and honest people, who's reaction to you depends on your relation to them and the current political climate towards refugees, but some will have prejudices and spread hate, and some will even try to lure you into a dishonest life. Each of them has their own story, and will help you better understand this foreign country you've arrived in.
Story
Mohammed Shenu is a Syrian who just arrived in Western Europe. He has luckily been granted 'refugee status'. However, this is not where story ends. His wife Warda and his son Abdul are also on their way to Europe. Fortunately according to 'The Principle of the Unity of the Family' (UNHCR), he and his family can both live together in Europe with refugee status, but only if they can arrive there. So, Mohammed now has learn to handle himself in this foreign society, and to earn money, so he can help his wife and son escape.
Gameplay
You will have to manage many things:
- Keep Mohammed fed, so he has the energy to work and go about daily tasks
- Find work, so Mohammed has money for food and other necessities
- Don't let your mental status deteriorate, or Mohammed will not have the will to continue on
- Learn the country's language, so you can communicate and get things done
- Support your family with money, so they can survive on their dangerous trip to safety
There are about 15 locations you can visit. At each there are many NPCs that you can interact with. Some are kind and honest people, who's reaction to you depends on your relation to them and the current political climate towards refugees, but some will have prejudices and spread hate, and some will even try to lure you into a dishonest life. Each of them has their own story, and will help you better understand this foreign country you've arrived in.
What Steam players say
Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.
Interesting premise, not that great of a game.1 found this helpful
An interesting look at the difficulties of being a refugee.
I have to admit it felt almost perverse to play this game. I know it is supposed to encourage empathy, which it did, but it was grim making the choices on behalf of a refugee. They made it very hard.
21 Days puts us in the shoes of a Muslim man fleeing the war in Syria and trying to start a new life in the United States. The story confronts us with a harsh reality where discrimination, bureaucracy, and lack of opportunities become constant obstacles. Throughout the game you must manage hunger, mental health, money, jobs, language learning, and relationships. At first it seems like a simple game, but over time it reveals more depth and ends up being more interesting than it initially appears. Although the game offers several choices and multiple endings, the experience still feels quite linear, which reduces the motivation to replay it. 21 Days does a great job of conveying the desperation and daily struggle of its protagonist. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth playing at least once.
Honestly a fair game for its price. I plan to use this game for English teaching cause its a good mix of medium difficulty language and visual story telling
Depressing but good game.
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