[Bober Bros] No Means Nothing

Bober Bros has been getting stronger and stronger with balancing gameplay and story, and as of writing this review, this is their latest game and the strongest in this regard. It has a solid mini-game, placing the relevant items in a box, that fits well into the story, working in a warehouse, and doesn't feel jarring or as if it's added because the game *needs* more gameplay. And you only have to do it three times, so it doesn't wear out its welcome. The story is naturally its strongest point, and it does a good job of building tension with a character who, although its obvious is a bit abrasive, it doesn't necessarily become clear until later just how far this character might go. After playing this and Bober Bros' prior two games, and trying out the demo for their next game, I'm really excited to see where they go, as they seem to be only getting better with each release.

This was one of the scariest gaming experiences for me, because it depicts actual reality for so many people. That entire last part had me gradually leaning away from my monitor in disgust, discomfort and fear. Especially the section in Radek's apartment. In my first playthrough I got the worst ending, since I did not find the exit in time. When that illustration popped up, I felt so terribly sad and hopeless. Since then, I've gotten all the endings, and I just love the messaging in each of them. Beautiful illustrations, accompanied with moving text and this hauntingly wonderful soundtrack. I just love the environmental storytelling in this game. The shelfs that are arranged in a deliberately confusing order (I like to think Radek moved them this way to make us feel trapped), none of the barcodes are where you expect them to be. The posters with the sexualized bears, the beer cans lying around to signal Radek's alcoholism and increasing instability, and the destroyed power box. And finally Radek himself. The way he becomes more threatening with each day that passes. At first he's just a pushy ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. Then he gets extremely creepy and predatory and straight-up ignores our boundar…

The Bober Bros get better with each release.

This game is amazing. Luckily, nowadays I rarely feel the way this game made me feel, but it reminded me a lot of the days when my anxiety was in the driver's seat. Everyone and everything seemed like a threat. While playing, I felt that again (obviously not as intensely, since I wasn't in any actual danger). Every shift, I would constantly look behind me to make sure Radek wasn't there, trying to push me into a corner to do God knows what. This feeling extended to the choices I had to make, too. Do I say and do what he wants, ensuring that I'm safe, or do I risk it by telling him to leave me alone? This is also why I'd recommend being careful when trying this game. If you have experienced things like this, it may trigger some bad memories. But if you think you can handle it, then I recommend it. It can be a good experience and might even help some people understand how manipulation and fear can make you make decisions you wouldn't normally make.

my pants? shat.

One of the best cozy games out there.