The Black Whale

[spoiler]The Black Whale is a story you hear a thousand times, but for such a short game, there's a lot to unpack here if you really look too deep into it. Talking about how the capitalist system can alienate and neglect people, leading individuals to seek other matters to escape reality from losing hope for the future, so they take drugs to hallucinate or go into a blank state. Some drugs can be all well and good, but relying on them too much could cause them to be self-destructive to their body, mind and life with the possibility of losing everything. That's how I see the game, but I could be wrong on this.[/spoiler]

For what it is I can't complain. I did certainly enjoy my time with this game. If you go in 100% blind without watching the trailer and such it may not be received well but if you know what you're in for then it's not bad. Have to enjoy it for what it is.

I'll recommend it because it's free. This game is more of a walking simulator than anything resembling horror. It touches on topical issues (homelessness, addiction, corrupt government, etc.) but fails to expand on them beyond stating their existence, likely because it's so short and doesn't take the time to do so. It's really sad, and it creates empathy for the people suffering from those issues, but I found the story to be a little over-the-top to the point where it became melodramatic in the later half. It was just one bad event after another with no breaks and minimal character development. Characters with too much self-pity are hard to follow. I feel like the story would've been stronger if the main character started out with hopes and dreams he had to give up on when he became addicted. Because he begins the game with suicidal depression, he doesn't have much to lose since he's already at rock bottom, and his character arc feels flat. Something I thought this game did really well, though, was contrasting the harsh reality with the beautiful hallucinations. The drug-induced world is peaceful and pretty compared to the real world, and it's easy to understand why the main ch…

The Black Whale is a short psychological horror game intended to hit on topics such as drug abuse and mental health crisis. As well as touching subject such as political corruption and poverty. The MC has an implant in his head causing sever headaches and he actively is looking for a way to stop them. [spoiler] When he finds out there's a drug called "The Black Whale" he seeks it out, acquiring himself a sample. After his first experience with drug he finds that it ends all his pain and brings him a bliss he never wants to get away from. Thus, beginning his spiral into drug abuse. The MC sells all his belongings, steals from his neighbor, and even sells his wifes wedding ring all to feel the effects of the drugs again. [/spoiler] This game didn't go super deep into what its trying to portray but it definitely tried. I'd say its still worth the play if you're into these kind of games.

Game was pretty trippy and surreal. It represents the struggles of many people today. I heavily enjoyed it from start to finish, getting 100 percent achievements was fun! 10/10 =)

interesting story