Please Knock on My Door

Please Knock on My Door
N/A
Metacritic
93
Steam
76.426
xDR
Our rating is calculated based on the reviews and popularity of the game.
Price
$5.19
Release date
7 September 2017
Developers
Publishers
Steam reviews score
Total
93 (215 votes)

A summary of every emotion you'd rather lock away and forget.

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Please Knock on My Door system requirements

Minimum:

  • OS: Windows 7+
  • Processor: Intel Core i5
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: GeForce GTX 670
  • Storage: 4 GB available space
Updated
App type
Steam APP ID
613450
Platforms
Windows PC
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c_venzy
c_venzy

Please Knock on My Door sent me through quite the expierience. Like, hit with a truck full of hard feels type of experience. I was able to relate to the main charcter in the game fairly easily so that's why it was so immersive for me. But I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of learning about mental illness through other peoples' experiences. I think anyone who struggles with tolerating the repetitiveness of everyday adult life (work, eat, sleep, repeat) can also find interest in the story.

So far I've only played through "The Experience" once (best option for first playthroughs - choices are strictly based off of what you want, there's no stats to determine what is best) and that took me about two hours but I plan to go through the other two modes at some point.

thedivinehairband
thedivinehairband

The music is beautiful and haunting. Played only a short time but alreaady ccan see the writing adding a great depth to the story.
Gonna have to come back later though. Started to identify too much with the character. Need something a bit more cheerful.

AtBios
AtBios

This games does something that I personally haven't seen games do before. It tells the story how a person deals with depression. If you ever felt depressed, but can't find the right way to tell people about it. Sit them down and get them to play this game. It takes between 1.5 - 2 Hours.

This games tells incredibly well how it feels, what the person are dealing with and also forces you to make choices to deal with it.

Cowdoy
Cowdoy

I've only completed one playthrough but intend to give it at least a few more. excellent little game that i hope many people give the chance it deserves.

[StDb] Bubbles
[StDb] Bubbles

It's very hard to write a decent review for this game without spoiling the readers experience.

I've played a few narrative games that have depression as a theme and this is the first one I can actually relate to. I like that there is quite a lot of interaction and you have a lot of different choices that affect your character. It's not really that much of a game, more like an interactive experience. That being said, I highly recommend to choose "Experience" for your first playthrough, as it doesn't give you any hints what the "right choices" are. I also like that there is a narrator and not only text to read. Some of the things the narrator says were surprisingly well expressed and could actually be used as quotes to describe depression and the mental state of the people suffering from it.

It seems like a high price for the amount of time it takes to complete the game, but it has a high replayability and I'm looking forward to play it again.

EDIT:
After my second playthrough I have to add a few words. I would have never expected such a different outcome in my second playthrough. I won't spoiler anything, but be sure to play it a second and maybe even a third time. It's not that the narrator just uses a few other sentences depending on how you make your decisions, it's another experience with a very authentic feel of depression to it.
And to the creator Michael Levall:
Thank you for this very rare experience. This game kept me thinking about it and thinking about myself for a long time after I finished a playthrough.

Calvinio
Calvinio

Dealing with an depression isn't easy... know it by myself. And those remerging thoughts, also made audibile, are resonating with me.
For those wanting to learn something about people suffering from a depression.
Seeing that just saying: "It will be good in a matter of time" is not helping is well presented in this game.

Jaffaboika
Jaffaboika

10/10 It hit home really hard. I won't go into details about the game because it's short. I don't want to spoil anything, but I totally recommend this game.

FoyaBeninax
FoyaBeninax

It's a game about feeling, everyday life, and emotion. I don't know how it is just such a simple game but I do feel something. It is not perfect but good enough to tell something--not really a story but something about our life, our litty tiny trivial experience of life. I always belive that in a game we don't really need a hero, but just us, ourselves and a way to step back and observe it. And then we think, in a diffrent point of view from what we used to have. It is awesome. It is how a game supppose to work.

LDM
LDM

It's the first time I stopped playing a game because it kept pushing all the right buttons. Maybe one day I will be strong enough for it.

flibbyjibbits
flibbyjibbits

A hard hitting depression simulator where not being able to sleep because you feel guilty about lieing about why you didn't pick up the phone when your dad calls is a gameplay mechanic

hardest game i played this year

Vano
Vano

I seem to have a thing for only reviewing games that made me cry so good job we're at two so far

Anyway, if you're at least more or less interested in the subject this is about (or experienced it yourself and can deal with that, it might hit pretty close to home) I'd strongly recommend you give it a go.
I played through it 2 times this far, I'll probably throw in at least one more try, maybe more if I feel like it, and I think others should give it a chance too.
(Oh, and the voice acting sometimes really plays its part...)

Wulfric
Wulfric

There is nothing I can say to describe this game.
Probably the best short-story I have ever experienced in my life.
Thank you.

Ianforcements
Ianforcements

This game hurts. I wish I could afford to buy it for everyone I know.

Oniogi
Oniogi

A game about depression. A game that I needed to play. A game I think you should play.

Ninchilla
Ninchilla

Maybe it was because of all of the positive reviews, but I was slightly underwhelmed. Too expensive for 3 hours of gameplay.

Neilsaku
Neilsaku

I played this game on the experience mode and I can feel related to the protagonist.
I love how well this game tells the story, it gives you the experience of someone who suffered from depression and anxiety. Something that is not easy to describe and harder to find than scientific stuffs on internet.

This game might not give you a thrill or excitement but it has such a touching and realistic stroy.

I hope this game reachs out to more people in not just a term of video game but something more.
Thank you Levall Games for making this experience.

Sloths
Sloths

This game is so incredibly powerful...very, very intriguing and interesting to follow. 10/10. Captures everything perfectly.

Big Trader
Big Trader

This game is amazing but i do admit its not for everyone.But im glad i bought it at full price its one of those rare games that fill me up with melancholy and i love it.Also the narrator voice is Morgan Freeman type of amazing so soothing and great i want to hear his voice on other things now .The sadness will last forever

vindolf2014
vindolf2014

Please Knock on My door is more of an experience than an actual game. It is quite short for its price, but the effect it leaves on the player is not. It portaits depression very well as you play a depressed character going through one. The narrator puts words to feelings and problems other depressed individuals such as myself can't. Although it is short, the game helped to keep me holding on as it showed me that there is an end to it even though I can't see it right now. If you are going through depression, buy this game, it may look boring or depressing, but seeing that other people are going through the same thing as you are is reassuring. Thank you Levall Games for this gem!

10/10 such game, very depression, much relatable

Joseph
Joseph

Depression in its pure form.
FeelsBadMan
10/10

AlphaOmega
AlphaOmega

A hard hitting and emotional journey.

Primetime Crutches
Primetime Crutches

I just bought this game and already beat it. It's only been like 40 mins. It is a cool game but super short, although there are alternate endings so it requires more than 1 playthrough. But its short and cool, I'd recommend it only on sale. I dont think I would buy this for full price.

jcbvickers
jcbvickers

My first playthrough lasted 46 minutes and I honestly was on the verge of tears throughout most of it. I defintely won't play this game again right away because I honestly don't think I can. This is so powerful

Twonky
Twonky

This game hurt, because it strikes close to home. It's an unforgiving struggle.

ThePCGamer
ThePCGamer

DISCLAIMER: This is a full review, and NOT a first impressions review

Please Knock on My Door is a game developed and published by Levall Games AB

It is an interesting game that follows various aspects of depression and how to either cope with it, learn to deal with it, or even completely give up depending on the decisions you make within. I could relate so much to this game's story and situations at hand so much as I personally suffer with many of the issues

You play as the developer, earlier in his life, facing a lot of his fears and general issues as you sort through what was going through his mind at the time. The writing is very well written and simulates, quite well; utter boredom, disdain, regret, fear, and so on, but also equally successful in conveying the ultimate message of hope

Please Knock on My Door is fairly simple. You spend all your time either in your apartment or at work. While in your apartment, you can walk around and interact with points of interest. These interaction points can have either a positive or negative impact. All of these impact your general state of mind and the story arcs. While at work, you also have choices to make, and these likewise impact the story

The graphics in Please Knock on My Door are minimalist but nice and pleasing. Overall, the graphics are actually very well done and very effective in conveying mood.

The music and sound effects were mostly in the form of narration, which was done incredibly well. The music was more ominous in nature and designed to be part of the background. I think the audio tracks were effective in setting mood.

Overall, Please Knock on My Door is a relevant game that can be appreciated whether you suffer from depression or not. For those that do, I think you will find catharsis in playing this. For those that don't, you will be able to relate a bit more with people who do

Please Knock on My Door is quite good and probably should be considered a bit of a must play if you have a taste for more serious topic matters

RECOMMENDED :)

REVIEW SOURCES:
[list]
http://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198156446688/recommended/613450/
http://steamcommunity.com/id/robilar5500/recommended/613450/

the_googleguy
the_googleguy

It's difficult to talk about this game because the game itself is composed of difficult topics. If you're someone who has expeirenced anxiety/depression before, you will understand what this character is going through in their life, and it can be really upsetting when you struggle to help them improve their mental state. The easier mode that makes all options available is more positive and optimistic. For those who haven't experienced anxiety/depression, this is definitely the best game I've seen that simulates what it feels like and what it's capable of doing to you. It is well worth playing just for the added perspective on life. Highly recommend this game.

[FS] Ozzie
[FS] Ozzie

One of the most affective games I've played in awhile. I immediately related to and felt for the main character, and was talking aloud to him the whole game, trying to tell him everything is ok. He can do it. Not to listen. I've only played the story so far and had to walk away after. Even knowing the story, I wasn't ready to go back in and play the full experience. Absolutely beautifully crafted and a soundtrack to match it and accent it. Highly recommend.

Jack
Jack

Honestly just a really good game, don't expect too much gameplay or even more than an hour of playtime in a single run, but the game has 3 different modes, of which I would either recommend "The Experience" for exactly that, or "The Story" to discover your character a bit more. I cannot fault the Narrator at all, as well as the music, both of which contribute to the feeling and atmosphere of the game. 100% recommend.

SpaceSheep
SpaceSheep

Incredible game about depression!

ShiroNeko
ShiroNeko

I only recently bought this game and I was shocked to see how relatable and extreamly spot on it was. although this game is about depression, you don't need to have it to play it, looking into a mind of a depressed person can give you a totally new outlook on how people see things, and I hope people will give it a try. Please knock on my door is an experience that I hope gets the attention it deserves.

QuFiBa
QuFiBa

Please Knock on My Door is the most effective depression simulator I've come across so far, though I've only found three. It's more fully developed as a game than Depression Quest, though it uses many of the same mechanics. In this game, however, these mechanics are presented as a sort of form of Spoon Theory (Google if you don't know), modified in ways that add a lot of nuance I think Spoon Theory as it's often presented lacks. Actual Sunlight offers more competition because of its beautiful writing, but PKoMD surpasses that too, firstly because the gameplay doesn't allow the same kind of distance that Actual Sunlight does, but more importantly because PKoMD doesn't risk romanticizing these things the way Actual Sunlight does; instead of making depression look like a rich, sardonic interior life, PKoMD confronts the player with the mundanity of living with it, day in and day out. In doing so, it may come off as less artistic, but it is also far more mature.

I would not recommend this experience to everyone. Before you play this game, make sure you're ready to go to a very dark place. There are times when I know it's not for me, and I feel no shame in that. But other times, it's what I need: it forces me to look at what I'm feeling, and in so doing makes me take a broken thing apart. It doesn't, however, provide me with much of the glue required to put myself back together; I'm working on that. If you're someone who lives with depression but stuffs it down, and has some glue handy, maybe this game could help you too. If you're someone who lives with depression and needs to feel like someone else has been through what you're going through (which is why I played the other depression simulators), I have fewer guarantees about this one. It's probably worth trying, but make sure you take care of yourself when you play, and quit if it's making you feel worse. Whether or not you get something out of this game, you are valid. You. Are. Valid.

I most recommend this game to those who haven't experienced depression and aren't at particular risk of experiencing it, but interact with people who live with depression (hint: you do). In that group, I think this game has a lot of power to increase empathy. There are people in my life I would like to recommend this to so that maybe they'd understand some of the things I'm dealing with a bit more, but it feels a little too personal. But you, stranger on the internet, I encourage you to play this game. Just try it. Sit with the difficult feelings in this game for a little while. It just might make you kinder.

Feathers
Feathers

Really well made. Really realistic. 10/10. Be careful when playing it though if you relate to the situation. I can see how it could affect someone who has been through similar things negatively.

Miracle Nachos
Miracle Nachos

While this games depiction of certain kinds of depression can be quite acurate, the way you navigate it is a mess, particularly on the "Experience" mode, which I played on as I felt it must be the most authentic mode.

This lack of clarity is present throughout the entire game, with responses feeling so vague and the results so arbitrary as to make everything pointless. The end result of this is that I feel this game might actually pose a risk to people suffering from similar conditions due to reinforcing their unhealthy thoughts and feelings.

My playthrough ended with eviction and the narrator urging me to kill myself. I refused, at which point I was treated to a video of the devs enjoying a fucking barbeque.

It's a brave choice to try to explore the topic of depression and anxiety, but just because you try does not earn you instant kudos. This game fails in my opinion, which is not to be condemned in and of itself, but it is also quite irresponsible in it's handling of a very serious subject.

AlphaCommander42
AlphaCommander42

A very sad game about depression but a true masterpiece at the same time.
I cried more than once. Maybe there is even hope for me.

Phil
Phil

I found out getting into a routine and constantly ignoring your thoughts is good for depression

DefiledCorpse
DefiledCorpse

This one hit home...
Please Knock on My Door is a heatbreaking game that will help you realize that sometimes it's all just in our heads and you just need a little help to change everything.

I recommend you play it by making the choices you would in real life.
Completing it one time will take around 1h.

Fitsel
Fitsel

It took me about an hour to get through story mode and 40 minutes of it was me occasionally saying "Man I'm starting to hate this". Not because it's bad, but because it hit all the topics of depression I remembered going through. It's emotional, obviously- but relatable too if you've ever reached your lowest. The creators understand this feeling and they create art from it. An experience. I like it- but above that, I appreciate it. Definitely worth whatever they're asking.

Gameplay was nice, design was simple but pleasant, and the soundtrack was smooth. Everything complimented one another.

There is another "Your actions affect the story" mode but this is more a review on the base, linear story. The story I completed and learned to love.

Pancake
Pancake

I thought this would be some kind of mindblowing experience, but it's pretty much just an everday life simulator.

frontman12
frontman12

4/10

As a counselor I'm always interested in trying a new title that touches on mental illness, and "Please Knock on My Door" had received some high praise for its depiction. When you begin the title, there are three different "modes" available. I chose the "game" mode (which I thought was appropriate since I was playing a game). In this mode, your "mental fortitude" was visible and you could only make choices that you had enough "mental fortitude" to make.

The game resembles "Depression Quest," but with higher production values. As your character's "mental fortitude" declines, certain choices will be visible but unavailable, driving home that it is extremely difficult to make prosocial decisions when you suffer from depression and that perhaps you may not be able to even see a route of escaping your malaise.

Although I had difficulty entirely understanding the "mental fortitude" system, I believe that there is a stroke of genius underneath. At many points in the game you have the opportunity to ruminate, basically. Typically while sitting down for breakfast or lying in bed at night, you can choose to continue thinking about your problems and issues. Although this results in loss of time and an immediate loss of "mental fortitude," it seems that you are then given a "bonus" to subsequent relaxing actions (such as watching TV or playing games). Therefore, if you spend some time thinking about your problem, you will then get more benefit from relaxing. Although I'm not 100% sure that this is the way the system works, I really appreciated this idea - in therapy we often tell clients from the outset that they will need to approach painful feelings and past experiences, but that this is necessary for growth.

One of the big issues in the game, unfortunately, is that it is unclear exactly how long you'll ruminate (I think another reviewer mentioned this). There are two main times you'll want to keep track of - one is getting to bed on time, and another is getting to work on time. Often when you take some time to ruminate, you'll find that you're then late to work or that you're up until two in the morning. Therefore, in a way, the game incentivizes escapism and avoidance. However, too much escapism and avoidance continually lowers your "mental fortitude."

In addition, the game's graphics sometimes become pixellated and remove all choices but going to sleep. At one point in the game, your character loses his ability to wash dishes (irrespective of his mental fortitude), and at another he begins to take pills instead of brush his teeth. I attempted to ensure that my protagonist showered and ate daily, did the dishes, spoke to others when possible, and I tried to think about my issues from time to time without being late to work or losing too much sleep. However, my character simply spiraled downwards unceasingly.

After reading through the discussion boards, I realized that the developer intended you (the player) to represent depression, pushing this man around and making him think painful thoughts. However, this completely conflicted with how I felt playing the game. Here I am, begging my character to eat while he repeatedly fails because I know that this is what is best for him, but I'm apparently a negative force. I feel that if the developer wanted the player to embrace this role, perhaps there is some way to incentivize the player in this direction.

I thought about replaying the game in "story" mode to have all choices available and get a different ending, but this seemed to conflict with the spirit of the game, and there was much about the title I wasn't interested in revisiting. The game makes it abundantly clear that depression is horrible and debilitating, and perhaps this makes it a valuable tool for those who doubt the veracity of those suffering. However, this wasn't news to me, and perhaps I wanted the game to offer something more.

As a final note, I wanted to say that I appreciate the developer revealing so much of himself and demonstrating such vulnerability. It's clear that this team has talent, but perhaps more consideration can be given to player choice and motivation.

Hand Banana
Hand Banana

I bought this game after reading about it in an article on video games and mental health. Very pleased I found this!

It is beautifully made, in the simplest way possible. The narrator has such a warm silky voice, so it was very jarring when things became negative.

It deals with very personal and to the bone stuff, and is great at showing how bad/hopeless things can seem behind closed doors, and how even the most basic of tasks can seem pointless and all too easy to neglect.

The tiniest of niggles I have is the overephasis/focus on sleeping/wanting to sleep all the time. As someone who has first hand and ongoing experience with the subject matter, I get why it is there, but for me it just seemed too prominent. Totally on a personal level mind, as I know it affects people differently!

I found myself getting emotional in a short space of time whilst playing this game, and completely fell in love with the little dude you control ingame. It was hard to see him go through his problems and sink further into the hole, as I know what it feels like and it sucks so bad. Some of the choices you make/have to make (especially towards the endings) are extremely difficult and I hesitated more than once with a tear in my eye.

The music is amazing, haunting, and really adds to the game.

Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this game to anyone going through/having been through/is interested in the subjects of depression, anxiety and self hatred. Even after making the ultimate in bad choices, the game lets you know that it COULD actually be ok, you can start again if you wish, and try and do/see things differently in the end.

I can't thank the makers and developers of this game enough! Such a fantastic and heartbreaking (in a sweet way) job :)

Darcy
Darcy

Well no wonder this guy is depressed, the game wouldn't let me use the toilet for two whole weeks! I would fall into the pits of despair, too!

Trevor
Trevor

I saved this little black man's life, but I can't do anything with my own life. Nobody can understand me, I am tired...... We all know that we can't overcome those struggle things easily just like this game. Maybe one day I will gone,without any hesitation. It is not a fuss about an imaginary illness, I just wanna be remembered.

KALLE DER TRAKTOR
KALLE DER TRAKTOR

Please read the review to this game from "hitt.william". I agree in every single point with him.

s0rbet
s0rbet

| really enjoyed this game. It was very relateable and touching. A short experience that I could really identify with and enjoy.

Rintorikii
Rintorikii

basically depression simulator

Lane
Lane

Anything can be a struggle to get through, and it can get worse if you allow it.

Sanzey
Sanzey

I find myself lacking a word good enough to describe this game. But something like this:
It takes you on a ride.
It throws you in the dirt. It helps you back up.
It wraps its arms around you and hugs you tight.
Only to strangle you the second later.

But all of this is in your control and they are all your own choices.
So make the right ones, or don't. Or do both. Or do nothing at all.
Choices, choices, choices.

MiawTheKat
MiawTheKat

This game is so ♥♥♥♥ing great and valuable. Please Knock on My Door, my favorite, and I feel myself in this. This was the first game I immediately play again (twice) when I finished it. 10/10!

As the author mentioned, "A summary of every emotion you would rather lock away and forget". Anxiety, depression, exhaustion, hopelessness, pain, etc. - all those feelings came back to me in this game.

No matter what happens in your life that can be resolved and become better or worse than ever, it all depends on your choice.

Lemes EF
Lemes EF

Powerful. Not a game you play for the gameplay, more if you can empathise in any capacity with the guy you control, otherwise it might seem boring, as some of the negative reviews seem to indicate. The narration was direct enough I had to dry my face twice. I'd recommend this experience if you're already thinking of getting this but are currently on the fence about it.

AsaJingm
AsaJingm

This game made me cry and I can relate to the story so much

-⁧⁧Wifiaddicted
-⁧⁧Wifiaddicted

ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ʟɪᴇ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ, ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ꜰᴏʀ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅ ʀᴇᴀꜱᴏɴᴀʙʟᴇ...

amazing game, would recommend for anyone who is curoius how it is to live with anxiety and depression.

Zozomdo
Zozomdo

Something in this drawing me in, and i happy and sad at the same time.
This game is like that part of your life, the part that you always wonder what if you......

Yuki
Yuki

I have to say i like this this type of games and had a hard time choosing if i should recommend it to others or not, what we feel and how it changes is different from people to people and this game is what someone would imagine if you said the word "depression"

Overall it was a good game

Valstone
Valstone

Best Game I played in my life, Get it its great

00CandyMan00
00CandyMan00

This game is hauntingly beautiful and very realistic. I suffer from sever depression and playing this game made me realize, once again, that I'm not alone. The game is frustrating, because you know what you need to do but you may or may not be able to do it and that's how life is for me. Sometimes I lose track of time, so I like to be ready for things hours ahead of time and sometimes that's not possible, because I've been thinking of past events or even potential future events. (ie How things could go or how things could have been different) I respect each and every developer that really puts in the effort to make a solid game, even if it doesn't land, and I especially respect the developers that reveal themselves and make themselves vulnerable, in their work. This is a 9.5/10 for me and I think it's a very important game, if you want to understand the realities of mental illness.

Ruby Keys
Ruby Keys

This isn't a game to play if you are looking to have fun. It's a simulation for someone who has depression and anxiety. You will feel uncomfortable especially if you experience depression. If you experience depression, it will hit you home with the voice comforting you and the same voice that tears you apart. It can be emotionally draining. Despite that, this game is eye opening and amazing. Some of the lines will stuck to me for a long time.

I apppreciate the creator for sharing his experience and creating this game. This is a summary of someone who struggles with depression and struggles to go through their daily tasks and justify their reason to continue doing them while fighting with their thoughts.

There are 3 modes of the game: Story, game, and experience. Story is where you can explore all the possiblilites of the game, game is where points are scored, and experience is you play it as blind (scores are hidden). I recommend playing the experience mode first and for the second playthrough, play game mode.

One of the things I am frustrated is the best ending of the game is challenging to find. There isn't a clear guide for the best ending. Then again, it's not easy finding ways to cope depression in real life.

The game is pretty short, but the experience is surreal for me. It helps me cope and eventually I got out from depression. I recommend buying the game to understand how someone experience depression.

Lephtovermeet
Lephtovermeet

Was not expecting that Ending. Def worth a run through - very evoking emotional piece.

Depression Simulator AKA First World Problems Simulator 2018 is dark AF though - be warned.

Chaotic Kitty
Chaotic Kitty

TLDR - 11/10 - AMAZING! Wonderfully crafted story.

What can i say? Visuals aren't impressive but they don't need to be for this type of game.
As someone going through mental health issues I found this game to be rather comforting. The telling of a very real story here and the lessons that can be taken from it are amazing. It's worth replaying just to get the different endings and challenge yourself with the other modes.

I started playing it as if it were me, what I would do and lo and behold I got the bad ending after doing the same yet again on 'game' mode I could see why and how it got there. This, is by no means an alternative to therpy but a good learning tool and a nice way to distract yourself.

If you've never experienced any form of mental health issue, this game would make you understand it a bit better. (little can be said about someone who saw me playing this and told me I shouldn't be... uhh why? It's comforting and I wish I played it sooner in fact!)

Clear your mind and let yourself (And the narrator) take you on a journey :)

Lilith Sulliven
Lilith Sulliven

it hurts, but it's an amazing work

the getting-up issue still bothers me in reality even now, so the first time i messed up the 7:30 schedule...i literally broke down for a while
it really got me, i cried several times while playing, maybe because it's so similar to my own thoughts...
but i am strangely relieved now, for the first time i don't wanna let go
love that blink of smile in BBQ part ; )

Sinnamon
Sinnamon

It's an amazing game and has so much insight about how hard it is dealing with
depression and anxiety.

lol papa
lol papa

Please Knock on My Door touches on mental health issues. So accurate, it hits too close to home.
This game can make you feel all kinds of emotions.

nfsp0w0
nfsp0w0

The most touching game I've ever played. The story's rather simple and straightforward, yet the setting profoundly creates a depressing atmosphere, and the soundtrack further renders such mood. The narration accurately captures the internal struggle of a depressive: constant self-depreciation, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and lots of unnecessary thoughts on how others may view oneself. Rumination sets in all the time, trapping one's mind in miserable memories, leading to further regret and despair. Setting two narration--one white one red--is really a genius idea.
Some minor flaw: 1) it's a bit expensive.; 2) requires high CPU performance, the game's quite small so I don't know why.
For anyone who loves this game, hope everything goes well with you.

verstrahlte_Isabell
verstrahlte_Isabell

Even years later I still think about this game! It shows well what depression feels like.

I also bought the soundtrack because it cheers me up when I'm feeling down.

10/10

Daim
Daim

I struggle with mental health. This game hits like a ton of bricks, but it also feels like a really good therapy season. Highly recommended.

irmy
irmy

as someone with first-hand knowledge of the issues, i wasnt prepared for how emotionally challenging it would be. what hit me the most was how i chose to play it. decided to play as i would myself, making the choices i would in real life. your task is to simply make it through the week. it is a game i, without question, loved but not enjoyed. the game hits the nail on the head. the game might not be suitable for those who have/are currently suffering from depression, but it will assuredly help those who havent experienced it to understand, at least in a small way, what it feels like. it does a simple but impressive job at portraying the difficulties someone with mental health issues suffers, the difficulty of just getting out of bed in the morning.

Egocentric
Egocentric

To be honest, I'm a little worried about the developer of this game, all the content inside are so real, and that's what makes them relatable.

To people living fives in misery, I just want to say, if you have a mental health problem, GET HELP. But I know for most people, it's a matter of cognition for life, and to those that are avoiding putting in effort in anything, I'd like to say you either change or you stay miserable, there's virtually nothing to lose anymore; and to those that have been disappointed by life, lower your standards, life's not perfect, waiting for those blessed moments to happen is what life is about.

Life will change, and you will change, but you can't change life. So do what you should and do what you want, let life work the rest.

NekoRili
NekoRili

An incredible experience.

I played through the game twice, once on story mode and again on experience mode. I chose to play this way because of other reviewers, and I am very glad I did so.

This game was a very emotional one for me. I had to take a break of multiple days partway through my story mode run because it hit very close to home and I struggled with my own feeling of helplessness as the game pushed the protagonist in events I had no control over.

Playing again in experience mode contrasted beautifully. I was able to help the main character achieve a good ending, and the cutscene that played for me brought actual tears to my eyes. It was incredible for me to be able to not only see someone fall into a spiral that I have experienced myself, but also to be able to actually affect positive change on a subsequent playthrough.

The narration that follows throughout the gameplay is great. At times a little overbearing or over the top, it was still very fitting to the mood. This game has a lot of choices that make it better for replayability, and the narration encourages you to try again after story mode.

Good story, emotional impact, interesting concept for a game. Don't think I'll be able to go achievement hunting because while I enjoyed the experience, I don't want to put that protag through anything else if I can avoid it.

9/10

<[MaM]>Gunde
<[MaM]>Gunde

One of my favorit games in years, it hit me so hard, both on a professional level (think everyone who works with people should play this) and on a personal level.

Jorjos
Jorjos

This game is astonishing. It is about depression and how a person can struggle a lot, become more introvert and beat himself down. It is one of the most emotional experiences I had in gaming and considering I play almost daily and I am attracted to story rich games that says a lot. This game made me more aware of the problems a person with depression can have and how he perceives the world. On a daily basis we all hear about those kinds of human conditions but we never understand it, because how can we without feeling it, without getting in their shoes even for a little while and even facing a small part of what they are facing. This game made it clearer to me that depression is not just what we hear in the news. And to that I have to say thank you Michael.

Linuxguru
Linuxguru

An absolute eyeopener. Way underrated.

cashew_22
cashew_22

It's a game about mental health, you get a person who is not feeling quite well but they can bounce back up--if you make the right choices, or spiral if you make the wrong ones. It helps you see the importance of a routine, early self care, shows the importance of the balance between your introspection time and responsibilities. So as you complete the game, you also know what to do when you're not feeling very well IRL, what to/not to compromise on, to what extent. So you don't fall into a negative pattern---and in case you do, you know what to do to get out of it.

Lune
Lune

“The sun went down with practiced bravado. Twilight crawled across the sky, laden with foreboding. I didn’t like the way the show started. But they had given me the best seat in the house. Front row center.”
– Max Payne

If you're approaching this as a game, as a means of entertainment or escapism, you will be disappointed, incredibly. However, that's not the point of it. It will be dull, confusing, monotonous, and I won't lie, there were several points where I was simply going to exit due to being unable to see the point. I kept going though, because that is the point.

The game is a striking representation of exactly what depression can be, lining up with my own experiences almost perfectly. The days are repetitive, pointless at times, wearing you down so far that you find yourself turning to the bed just to pass the time. You have options you know you should take, but often can't. Tasks you know you should do, but either you don't know where to start, or can't even be bothered. It tears you down, and no matter how hard you try to take the "correct" path, you find that it's still wrong. It's exhausting, especially so for someone who faces this daily.

Due to this, I was so close to writing this off as another experiment, another way to show people who don't struggle with this what it can be like. It's more than that though. Without spoiling too much, I made it to the point of the game where there was only one option left- which I forced myself to follow. The consenquences of this where not what I was expecting, at all. It made me realize this game is so much more too- it doesn't just tell the story of depression, it serves as a harsh wake-up call, a reminder that depression is a force of its own, and that falling to it is not shameful, not a case of self-fault, and not something to be kept to one-self. It's a reminder to those with depression that it's okay to ask for help, and a tool for those who don't have it to better understand to be able to support those who do.

The game does not represent everyone's experiences, and I can see how the meaning can be lost in translation for someone not looking deep enough into it. That being said, I would still recommend it to everyone. Even if ten thousand other people find it useless, boring, or a waste of money... if it can make even just one more person feel as understood and hopeful as it made me feel, then it is serving it's purpose, and is worth it.

tunciku
tunciku

A very good representation of depression and loneliness.

Björne
Björne

This game is beautiful and simplistic. It's a perfect story of mental health and depression, it explains the state and the spiral downwards in a way I have not seen before in a game. The experience is tough on you, and this might have been the first time I wanted to step in to a game and give our character a hug, some food and just exist in their life telling them that they are not alone. I will replay it again sometime when I myself feel better. And don't forget, it's cool to cry. 10 of 10 tears!

OptimumStratego
OptimumStratego

To all of you who worked on this - Thank you for understanding. I hope this helps more people to be able to.

tudyniuz
tudyniuz

It is with a heavy heart that I downvote this game. The binary system of rating games on Steam makes the thumbs down look harsh, and maybe it is.

What makes a great game seems to be a bit lacking in Please Knock on My Door. While it is capable of delivering an atmosphere with it's gameplay and narrative, it's quick resolution is taking away from what it's actually trying to achieve.

It sets off in a brilliant way presenting you a world of routine and loneliness. In a game about the subject of depression, there are no shortcuts. So its way of easily making you feel more desperate is a gaming trope that is quite obvious. It's done so that you don't get bored quickly. It feels rushed at first to get to feel too much too quickly, and unfortunately this continues.

The routine you follow seems unreal at first, you seem to not have enough time to do anything. But you realize it's exactly how real life is. You go to your job, come back to eat and shower and are basically out of time to do anything meaningful. Rinse and repeat.

This sense of repetition is achieved in a fluid manner, you gradually start having less and less control over things until you start to feel exactly as the game wants you to, desperate. Unfortunately, the biggest problem arrives. You are quickly rushed to the end of the game before you get to take in what happened. What should have happened is different. That anxious state that the game is capable to get you to, should be prolonged, so that by the end of it you get to feel a sense of desperation. It just feels as if every time the game achieves to get you emotionally at the next level of the game, it suddenly wants to proceed at a faster pace than it should. You have no time to take things in.

I have no problem with short games if done right. I do believe that the fast pace through emotions that Please Knock on My Door is doing is detrimental to what it's actually trying to achieve.

Aters
Aters

This game scares me. I'm going to have lunch with my colleagues from now on.

zerp64
zerp64

Short, but sharp. Hits pretty close to home. That voice is one I've lived with for a very very long time. You get used to it, most days. If that's any consolation.

EDIT: I played this again just now, after a maybe a year or so of leaving it alone. It hits even harder now. It's made me realize how badly I need help before it's too late.

DuckAndCover12
DuckAndCover12

John is a rat bastard and deserves to be dragged into the street and shot like a dog

coolcool
coolcool

the points based choices is really dumb because you don't even have enough time in the game to offer stability (going to work on time while being able to eat and shower because for some reason eating and showering takes such a long time). i also think the other options of things you can choose if you have enough points shouldn't show up because then it just makes you really frustrated because it is so difficult to even gain points. so then, i tried to lose points instead to try and kill my character because he is really damn annoying, BUT the game would always force me to sleep - causing me to regain my points. this game is very frustrating because they tease options yet you can't pick them, it's like missing out on gameplay... and if i wanna get low points to try and kill my character - LET ME. if we're meant to be sort of like the 'voice' in this dude's head guiding him, then why does the game force me to make other decisions.

WillNeverKnow
WillNeverKnow

This game was recommended by my college English professor. "Some may experience a mind-shattering introspective epiphany by the end of the game, some may not—but at the very least, the player will walk away with a more nuanced understanding of mental illness." I'd have to agree.

Skye Tan
Skye Tan

l love the game is sad but l love it

Augusto
Augusto

I wanna hug the person who made this. I have recurrent major depressive disorder and i can't express how close to home this hits for me, i'm just coming off a year-long cycle of severe depressive episodes after being dumped by my ex-fianceé, tbh i'm scared that it might not be the case, i thought i was coming off it several times before, but this time feels different, conviction and less self-loathing i suppose. This feels like a game i would write, so many lines i've told myself, so many obvious lies that i chose to believe anyway, blaming and punishing myself for things that weren't my fault, not standing up for my beliefs against myself, my biggest judge and executioner. It's cathartic to relate to people who have been through similar things, it's painful, but healing always is, keep going, you will see a reason, your perception is clouded but eventually you will see.

game got me emotional enough to write a preachy review/10

SweetScentedDream
SweetScentedDream

Wow! What an emotional journey that was!
I suffer with depression and anxiety myself so this game really hit me hard in the feelings.
It makes me think about my own thoughts but it makes me also really want to protect our character.
Love the voice talking to us also, really brings you more into the game!
If you can handle reading / hearing about things to do with mental illnesses then yes get this game!

Vecreagler
Vecreagler

Like the developers own words: "A summary of every emotion you'd rather lock away and forget."

Jekyllstein Gray
Jekyllstein Gray

This game gets me in a way I haven't seen since To the Moon

Maskinkultur
Maskinkultur

This is an accurate representation of what depression can be like—so accurate in fact that I never want to play it again. The game sort of made me relive my own history of depression, so you might not want to play it at all if you are currently depressed, have been, or think you might have a relapse. For everyone else who wants to know more: do play it. Anyone who has ever doubted that depression is a real thing, or thinks you can just “snap out of it”, should play this game, and maybe going through the motions themselves can persuade them to change their mind.

I think what the game did best was show how things can spiral out of control: like you don’t have the energy or motivation to make proper food, so your energy levels are drained even more, or how you might wait for someone to allow you to speak to them and how it gets out of proportion when they never do, because they took that permission for granted, but now you think they might secretly find you annoying or think that they think you don’t like them etc… A good thing, though, is that the seemingly small things can also help, like someone “knocking on your door” — to allude to the title — be it literally or figuratively.

I couldn’t get myself to play it again to check on details I might have forgotten or check out the other endings. I got one of the worse endings (I ended up fainting at work, because I hadn’t eaten properly in a couple of days, got fired from work, and then evicted form my apartment), but I’ve seen from others’ playthroughs that there are better endings, which is good to show, because there is help to get; things can get better.

As a reviewer I should also point out the bad things about this game, which is another reason to replay it. One thing I could mention is that the characters other than the main one is pretty anonymous—even those who are meant to be close—but, on the other hand, I can also see how that might show another aspect of depression, namely how easy it might be to think that you are completely alone in your depression, even when you’re not.

Full review:
https://maskinkultur.com/2018/04/05/review-please-knock-on-my-door/

bobthe1st
bobthe1st

this game is so good the story line is mad lot of fun

Mysteri Boi
Mysteri Boi

They turned depression into a cocky british man

No, they turned your mind into a cocky british man

On a serious note, this is a really good game, you should definitely buy it.

Ganchito Quemado
Ganchito Quemado

Few games have made me care about the main character as much as this one did. In the end, I dropped a tear.

8/10 - Beware, this game hits hard, especially if you know somebody who has gone through anxiety and depression.