Depression Quest by Zoe Quinn, Patrick Lindsey, Isaac Schankler

Review Camero2K

NOTE: This review has nothing to do with the scandal, which in turn has nothing to do with this game itself.
As far as I've played (I didn't finish it), if the game didn't keep telling me that I'm depressed, I wouldn't actually know what it is, in fact I still didn't know what was that, it looks more like a heavy boredom than depression.
Visuals are largely pointless. The game already tells me what does the environment have every time, so I didn't need to see them. I somehow didn't hear any music whatsoever.
The character was always depressed no matter what happens and it always skips some days so we don't know what exactly happened.
The game was also obsessed with black and gray. In fact, the screen you face to doesn't even *remotely* change at all, only text and "visual" are different.
In overall, this game's not worth it.

Review SlapstickGames

*Smuckles*

Review kdjack

This really does show what's going on in your head with a mental illness. I could absolutely recognize how I felt playing through this as the way I've felt making my way through my own decisions and my own path to recovering.

Comment kdjack

I'm still playing, but I only just noticed how the static is used. I'm really invested in this right now, I'm feeling the same way I feel making progress in real life as in this.

Review FantasyLand

Very accurate and sweet. I was able to get the good ending on my first try. Great game!

Review lemontears

Incredible. I am left speechless, but in a good way.

Comment LePetitNuage

Went into this game genuinely excited to start playing (I have Clinical Depression, as well as a couple of other mental illnesses). Some sentiments expressed were very close to home, both in ways I used to think and in ways I still think. I myself struggle with self-loathing, lack of motivation, and severe emotional, mental, and physical fatigue. I also battle anhedonia, taking little pleasure in anything in my life.

After playing this game and choosing all of the choices that I myself would make, I feel reassured that I am on the right track, battling hard against strong desires to completely isolate myself or to not open up and express myself for fear of ridicule or rejection. I pick and choose my support network carefully, but I strive to always utilize it, even when my depression lyingly tries to convince me that the opposite would be the right decision.

Thank you for making a game that is so real, and reflects the ongoing struggle. We all need to be treated with the same dignity that anyone who suffers from a serious, legitimate illness is allowed, and we have to be the first to give ourselves that dignity. We must recognize that our symptoms aren't caused by our own defectiveness or failures, but are just a byproduct of this disorder that none of us asked for. That is nothing to be ashamed of.

Review SoftheartRocks

Thank you. I went into this, prepared to write a review for a game that was stupid and mocked the true severity of depression. Thank you, for finally showing people that depression is a real issue.

Review matthew elam

If you have not experienced it its crap. If you have been through it , its spot on.

Review ashstansell

The formatting is clean and easy to understand. That`s a draw, but not the only reason I like it. Games or media in general talking about this topic is scarce, and I`m glad you took the time to put research, love, and effort in the game to paint a realistic picture of depression.

Review AC Me Rolin

Definitely needs work, In my opinion. Try not to get it dodgily endorsed too, okay?

Review S36

An engaging and impressively accurate game. It reflects what I have seen in close friends and family. Great game for those who want to learn about depression.

Review Neverward

I'm on my way to finishing it but already I feel it is a masterpiece, extremely education for both those who suffer from depression and those who's loved ones suffer as well. This should be played by everyone who wants a closer understanding of the darker side of our emotions. I made each choice the way I know I honestly would have reacted, instead of just trying to beat the game, and it made it very personalized. I would recommend that to everyone playing.

Comment Oceans-Kitty

This is an amazing game. I knew basically nothing about what depression is like, but after playing this, I've realized how it feels to be depressed. And that things can get better.

Review 1tonynerd

this game is incredible, the story is fantastic!
I was very involved with the story, mainly because ever had depression, and this game made me realize that I still have some reflections of passad (sorry if you have any pronounced error here can not speak English very well)

Comment 1tonynerd

this game is incredible, the story is fantastic and I identified a lot with it because already I was depressed because I am Brazilian and I had a little difficulty in translating to Portuguese, but worth it, the game is very well done, congratulations! (sorry if you have any pronounced error here can not speak English very well)

Review Ringneck

I played this game on steam some months ago, but decided to review it here after seeing it. All the BS Zoe Quinn had to deal with over this is appalling, but in the end she made a great product that has the unique ability to show someone like me that we really are understood. I felt more understood by this short gamebook than by my family, friends and therapists, and that's saying something. The experience isn't perfect, it was, like many have said, too easy to get a good ending, but in most other ways it is an amazing experience that anyone who suffers or has suffered from depression should play, and everyone else as well. I have a question, though, was Depression Quest made using Quest?

Comment Just_a_Gal

I have depression and I'm wondering if I relate at all

Comment scribbles

This whole game just feels like I'm playing a different version of myself.

Review SasuTenLuvr

It's strange. The main character's life isn't anywhere close to mine, but at the same time... I feel like this is me. The thoughts and feelings are mine, and it's an amazing feeling to know I'm not the only one with these fears and doubts. I'm almost tearing up at how understood I feel right now.
I found myself not trying to "win the game" but instead... to look inside myself, and make the choices I'd make. And, surprisingly, I think I ended in the game where I emotionally am now.
Thank you for this experience.

Review MisterPibb316

It's very difficult to rate a game like this, because the 'game' part of this, well, game, is secondary to the message. I expected some sort of preachy PSA, but there was a lot of realism to this in all actuality. I wouldn't say it's *entirely* realistic in all ways: for example, I feel like it's a little too easy to get a good ending, and perhaps the solution was a little too straightforward (a lot of people with depression, though they know of counseling and medication, aren't as ready as one mouse click is to accept that such solutions apply to them.) The authors are right when they say that depression is a battle and, even with treatment, it is a lifelong situation, and I appreciate their acknowledgement of that.

Ultimately this isn't the most fun you'll ever have playing a text adventure, and it certainly isn't supposed to be, but you might find it to be quite an immersive--and relatable--experience, depending on your own life story.

Review RadioH34D

Forget what they say about Zoe Quinn; This game is amazing,

Comment BeggerStager

What? The domain expired yesterday? 2/13/15???

Oh well...

Review joedithx

Wow. This is so realistic. I'm depressed and been playing a lot of IF lately. Those red choices really struck me, never thought of it that way, but it sure does feel like it.

Hope this game will help others to understand depression a bit better. Well done!

Review Caelifer

Brilliant, a true masterpiece.

I was at first curious about the red options, but the realization of what they actually stand for hit me and that made the game more than just a game.

As soon as it was over, I was extremely satisfied. I do hope I can say the same to people who are actually feeling these things. It makes me want to help. Well done.

Comment jel2658

Oh my God I found Depression Quest

Review Dets65

Truly amazing. Teaches a lot about depression. Highly reccomended.

Review erikblack1234

I really enjoyed playing this game. I feel like this a helpful tool for people who are not struggleing with deppression to get sort of a view of what it is like to be deppressed.And while no bodys experience with deppression is the same as anothers,i feel that this game tells shows people that there IS a way out.

5/5 Rateing

Review Cedster

With an emotional and realistic twist of the take on depression, it gives a sense of realness to those suffering from depression.

Comment Cedster

This game is really eyeopening and has made me realize what my my stepfather, who suffers from depression, feels.

Review Uzamakii_Naruto

I have been through all this for real and that story was simply amazing, so well done. You deserve more recognition for this.

Review Cahillguy

This is very underrated on this website, as this is easily one of the best stories I've ever played. I highly recommend this to anyone that can take things seriously.

Review samfrost

Easily the best gamebook I've ever played. Sure, it's not "fun," but it's most definitely rewarding. It shows you both how draining and miserable depression can be, but also that there's always a way out. Great job.

Review horrormama

The game was ok. But being one with sever depression and anxiety myself i feel like it was to easy because ive tried so much and so hard (ive been like this since before middle school) and i find its next to impossible to over come... i understand its not like that for everyone with depression. I have my good days and bad just like the main character but it really isnt as easy to find a good place like him.

Review Claire6129

Great game, wow!
It really shows how depression is and the words are so meaningful!