Depression Quest

 PC
User Score
1.5

Overwhelming dislike- based on 298 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 298
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 298
  3. Negative: 252 out of 298

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  1. Fharl
    Aug 18, 2014
    0
    It's a game about depression. Simple enough.

    I'm a diagnosed schizophrenic. Every evening, I wake up and I make coffee. While it's brewing, I have a cigarette. I set out my medications, double-checking with a list that I keep on my desk. Several times throughout, I get the idea that maybe it's expired. Maybe it's poison. Maybe it's fake. But I take it with my coffee anyway, because    It's a game about depression. Simple enough.

    I'm a diagnosed schizophrenic.
    Every evening, I wake up and I make coffee. While it's brewing, I have a cigarette.
    I set out my medications, double-checking with a list that I keep on my desk.
    Several times throughout, I get the idea that maybe it's expired. Maybe it's poison. Maybe it's fake.
    But I take it with my coffee anyway, because I know I've got something wrong.
    Then I take the bus to my nightshift janitorial job, because the alternative is staying home and talking to the walls, which isn't healthy for me or my neighbors.
    I work. I eat. I make mistakes and talk to things that aren't really there. I wear a Bluetooth headset, because it's easier to pretend I'm inconsiderate than explain to the people I work with. My boss knows, but he's getting the sack soon and I'm pretty sure I'm part of the reason why.
    I get back on the bus and go home, and take my last dose of medication before hanging out on the Internet to calm a rattled, fragile mind down enough to sleep.
    Nothing big. Nothing fancy.

    The only question that remains is what makes this game compelling? Depression, as I understand it, is a lot like schizophrenia, except even more boring.

    If you find an answer, please tell me in your reviews.

    Good day.    … Expand
  2. hellofour20
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    Horrible excuse for a "game." Boring, overly sanctimonious, 2deep4u tripe that basically says "I'm allowed to accomplish nothing with my life because depression is a legitimate excuse." Provides no insight on how to deal with depression or try to improve your life at all, just self pity and wallowing in her own tears.

    Overall, absolutely avoid this. Just get a burger and fries and enjoy    Horrible excuse for a "game." Boring, overly sanctimonious, 2deep4u tripe that basically says "I'm allowed to accomplish nothing with my life because depression is a legitimate excuse." Provides no insight on how to deal with depression or try to improve your life at all, just self pity and wallowing in her own tears.

    Overall, absolutely avoid this. Just get a burger and fries and enjoy a nice TV show or something.    … Expand
  3. McHandsome
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    This game talks about depression as if it even understands it when the creator clearly doesn't. Skip this for something coherent.

    I didn't even know this game had drama until today. And let me say, the game dev should be ashamed of herself.
  4. decaf_cobra
    Aug 19, 2014
    1
    I really didn't enjoy this. It's got flawed mechanics in many ways. Sure, it could be considered some 'art game' but really it should not be a game due to how ignorant it is. People actually suffer from depression and this cheapens the experience they're getting.

    Also a lot of reviews on here are pointing out how the creator actually paid journalists with sexual favors. So, theres that.    I really didn't enjoy this. It's got flawed mechanics in many ways. Sure, it could be considered some 'art game' but really it should not be a game due to how ignorant it is. People actually suffer from depression and this cheapens the experience they're getting.

    Also a lot of reviews on here are pointing out how the creator actually paid journalists with sexual favors. So, theres that. But it would take a whole lot more than sexual favors to make this game any good.

    I give it a 1, because it does technically launch, but not else works.    … Expand
  5. Metatarsals
    Aug 19, 2014
    1
    I give it an A for the idea, but an F for everything else.

    I played this one on steam thinking it might be insightful or something, but no, not really. It was quickly cobbled together, the game mechanics weren't thought out at all, and I don't even know where to go with the story. This person is obviously mocking people with serious mental illnesses or just never learned how to write.    I give it an A for the idea, but an F for everything else.

    I played this one on steam thinking it might be insightful or something, but no, not really. It was quickly cobbled together, the game mechanics weren't thought out at all, and I don't even know where to go with the story. This person is obviously mocking people with serious mental illnesses or just never learned how to write.

    Which is why it gets a 1. Wonderful idea, but extremely sloppy execution, no story, no gameplay and even worse no refunds. Hopefully the creator takes this as a learning experience and works harder on polishing up their next game before they release it for sale.    … Expand
  6. ImperialGuard
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    I've come to expect good things from games on Steam, but this was shockingly bad. I would honestly hesitate to even call it a game.

    It's like when a friend says he knows of a nearby Five Guys, but when you get there you find out it's actually a McDonalds. It was that disappointing.
  7. rocky1003
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    This game is absolutely dreadful and I have no idea how it ever got on steam (maybe she screwed someone?). It's a stupid flash game that is being "praised" by critics when it's really ****
  8. jackalope044
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    This game isn't bad because Zoe Quinn is female. This game is bad because Zoe Quinn obviously has no idea what depression is like, has obviously never actually suffered from depression, and clearly shouldn't be writing about a mental illness she has no experience with. I understand you want your social justice bleeding heart liberal points, Zoe Quinn, but please, try and write about whatThis game isn't bad because Zoe Quinn is female. This game is bad because Zoe Quinn obviously has no idea what depression is like, has obviously never actually suffered from depression, and clearly shouldn't be writing about a mental illness she has no experience with. I understand you want your social justice bleeding heart liberal points, Zoe Quinn, but please, try and write about what you know, instead of making up nonsense about what you don't. As someone who has actually been suffering from depression for most of my life, I find this game to be incredibly offensive and insensitive to people with actual depression. The fact that you used Robin William's death as a platform for publicity for your game is even more incredibly offensive and insensitive. I don't mind if you keep making video games in the future, but at least try to do so with some actual ethical and intellectual integrity in the future. Oh, and try not to associate so closely with the people giving you reviews on gaming websites. Can't forget that.… Expand
  9. Bdthemag
    Aug 19, 2014
    2
    A short, simple game that takes a clumsy stab at detailing what having depression is like, but ultimately comes off as an oversimplification of a serious subject. Controversy regarding the creator aside, it's a very simplistic, linear story with little to no choice that feels as if it was made by someone who just skimmed over a summary of a few average depression cases and made a short,A short, simple game that takes a clumsy stab at detailing what having depression is like, but ultimately comes off as an oversimplification of a serious subject. Controversy regarding the creator aside, it's a very simplistic, linear story with little to no choice that feels as if it was made by someone who just skimmed over a summary of a few average depression cases and made a short, simple game out of it. It's not ground-breaking or particularly well written and would probably feel somewhat insulting to people who actually have diagnosed depression, while at the same time seeming completely non-informative to people without it. It definitely doesn't deserve to be on steam, as the steam-release would simply be a re-branding of an already free, complete browser game.… Expand
  10. JOGRS
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    This game makes a 'game' of a serious problem. Free or not, playing this is spitting in teh face of everyone who has ever actually suffered real depression.

    Also, the creator tried and failed to link her game to, Robin Williams just a few days after he died. That is disgusting.
  11. RamonL
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    This "Game", if you can call it so, is a joke, I don't even know how it go in Steam, played it and couldn't stand more than 25 minutes (For what I've read, I haven't missed that much content), I wouldn't recommend it, not even to my worsts enemies (But that's another story).
    The fact that the game is free doesn't mean anything, don't download, don't play, it is not worth your time.
  12. Mr_Mcsisterfis
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    There is no game here. The developer hides behind a sensitive topic in order to deflect any and all criticisms of said game. I would equate this game to a PowerPoint presentation, and even then the PowerPoint has a better UI.

    0/10
  13. Nessowski
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    This game is a failure. Instead of showing simulating a depressed person's life(notice how ridiculous it sounds), it showed me how the creator of this game lacks ideas for a decent subject for a video game. Why would anyone want to play a video game about a depressed person? There's a ton of books for that. Not to mention about the scandal going on with the author herself. A shameful gameThis game is a failure. Instead of showing simulating a depressed person's life(notice how ridiculous it sounds), it showed me how the creator of this game lacks ideas for a decent subject for a video game. Why would anyone want to play a video game about a depressed person? There's a ton of books for that. Not to mention about the scandal going on with the author herself. A shameful game from a shameful author. I wanted to be generous and give it a 5.… Expand
  14. Jurjee
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    An insult to anyone who is actually suffering from depression. Made to cash in on Robin Williams' death.

    Features little to no gameplay and the 'story' is downright trash.
  15. PowerLich
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    I don't think I've ever felt buyer's remorse for something I didn't pay for. Is this a game? I don't think this is a game. At least "Choose your Own Adventure" books have different endings. At least Gone Home had movement and graphics. At least The Last of Us had shooting things. This is just nothing. This is literally words on a screen. Text-based Roguelikes have better graphics. Also,I don't think I've ever felt buyer's remorse for something I didn't pay for. Is this a game? I don't think this is a game. At least "Choose your Own Adventure" books have different endings. At least Gone Home had movement and graphics. At least The Last of Us had shooting things. This is just nothing. This is literally words on a screen. Text-based Roguelikes have better graphics. Also, it's only 25 fps.… Expand
  16. La-Volpit
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    For a game with such high praise on major review sites I was expecting something revolutionary, somthing special, somthing more than a TEXT BASED game about some miserable sod who can't be arsed doing anything and spirals further into depression due to their own idiotic apathy.

    How on earth did this game get so much praise and find it's way onto steam, can someone please explain it to me?
  17. Piratezombi3
    Aug 21, 2014
    0
    I went into this "game" with very low expectations, but it even failed to meet that. I love word based games. I really do, and I have depression. This seemed like a good idea. Oh.... but.... it was not. This game has the feel that it was written by spoiled entitled brats that has very little actual concept on what having depression is like outside of what wikipedia tells them. Only decentI went into this "game" with very low expectations, but it even failed to meet that. I love word based games. I really do, and I have depression. This seemed like a good idea. Oh.... but.... it was not. This game has the feel that it was written by spoiled entitled brats that has very little actual concept on what having depression is like outside of what wikipedia tells them. Only decent part of this game was the music, and that is even a stretch.… Expand
  18. ayylmakek
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    Not a game, shouldn't be on Steam.

    Absolutely 0 interaction, you just click on links like your average web page.

    An insult to everyone suffering from true depression when you know that the creator of this game is using despicable methods in order to promote her game and censor every critics against her.
  19. titust
    Apr 22, 2014
    3
    The few mechanics used are simple yet effective, but it's apparent Quinn has never been to a creative writing workshop. Specificity and player character development are sacrificed for broader relatability, which would have actually been accomplished with more specificity and character development.
  20. firerise5
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    An insult to anyone who is actually suffering from depression. Made to cash in on Robin Williams' death.

    Features little to no gameplay and the 'story' is downright trash.
  21. TheMasketaMan
    Aug 19, 2014
    0
    For the record, I am not involved with any of the controversy here surrounding this game's creators. I saw the game on Steam a while ago and I bought it. From my point of view, there is no evil here. Now starting off with my review: for god's sake, the game is about depression and it does absolutely nothing with that premise. It's not even a game. I knew of a great game once where I'dFor the record, I am not involved with any of the controversy here surrounding this game's creators. I saw the game on Steam a while ago and I bought it. From my point of view, there is no evil here. Now starting off with my review: for god's sake, the game is about depression and it does absolutely nothing with that premise. It's not even a game. I knew of a great game once where I'd surrender hooded prisoners to an anthropomorphized agency's flight plan and it portrayed depression in a very very realistic way. The agency wouldn't even allow the biggest prisoner to wear his mask on board the plane. It's that kind of stigma that this game avoids portraying accurately. This game does not have the guts to crash the plane with no survivors, nor does it leave the player to die with it- instead it comes back to save them. It's simply optimistic, pop culture dreck which has nothing to say about the reality of depressive, hotheaded individuals and whatever sort of due process was used to create this obscenity should be abolished. The very best complaint I can give this game is that I find it IMPRESSIVE that something like this was even greenlit. Can't video game developers just go back to formula? You know, the award winning ones that allowed games to be GAMES? I don't know why devs seem to treat gameplay as the BANE of all development these days but I have one major thing to say about people trying to make games like these: If you are going to exude proper gameplay, ensure that you are not merely resting on the catharsis that the simple mention of your game's themes bring. Otherwise we just can't move this industry forward, for me or you.… Expand
  22. cosmonautsix
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    Dont even waste your time. Even for free, this 'game' is boring and trite. The 'Developer' is trying to make a point, but its lost in the bad execution of the product. Uninstalled from Steam, I gave it an hour, and it was torture.
  23. perydwyn
    Aug 23, 2014
    1
    I managed to get this when it was being offered for free on Steam, and even getting it for free made me feel ripped off. This isn't a game, it is a fan fiction quality piece of 'interactive' fiction. I have suffered from depression when I was younger and if I had played this at the time, I would have felt really patronized. The story comes across more like an ego piece than an explorationI managed to get this when it was being offered for free on Steam, and even getting it for free made me feel ripped off. This isn't a game, it is a fan fiction quality piece of 'interactive' fiction. I have suffered from depression when I was younger and if I had played this at the time, I would have felt really patronized. The story comes across more like an ego piece than an exploration of what mental illness means in modern society. Poor writing. Poor design. Annoying, elevator music. An insight into the mind of a narcissist more than a game...Avoid (or download for free and then regret the hour of your life you will never get back).… Expand
  24. throughitall
    Aug 21, 2014
    0
    This game is horrible for anybody who has ever dealt with severe depression. I'm not sure if the developers are just completely ignorant to the condition, or are genuinely malicious. If you have depression - please don't play this game.
  25. ViceT
    Aug 20, 2014
    0
    The quality of the writting is extremely poor and there´s no gameplay to speak of,it´s a choose your own adventure in it´s most basic form,and a waste of time for anyone looking for a meaningful experience.
    You won´t find one here.
    It´s free but there are plenty of other more interesting things you can do with your time,such as watching paint dry or funny internet cat videos,both of    The quality of the writting is extremely poor and there´s no gameplay to speak of,it´s a choose your own adventure in it´s most basic form,and a waste of time for anyone looking for a meaningful experience.
    You won´t find one here.
    It´s free but there are plenty of other more interesting things you can do with your time,such as watching paint dry or funny internet cat videos,both of these experiences have considerably more depth than Depression Quest.    … Expand
  26. Underfire777
    Aug 19, 2014
    1
    Depression Quest is a "game" made by someone who has absolutely no grasp on the subject matter. Good intentions combined with horrible mocking execution = this disgusting mess of a "game".
  27. ihmehihhuli
    Aug 21, 2014
    0
    This "game" and the scandals surrounding the creator Zoë Quinn are an absolute disgrace to the gaming industry as a whole. Using Robin Williams' death as a marketing tool was the final nail in the coffin, this "game" literally deserves a zero.
  28. CasildaK
    Sep 4, 2014
    10
    Fantastic game--as someone who has dealt with depression, I greatly appreciate the role this game serves in helping sufferers cope and raising public awareness.
  29. Matrix30815
    Jan 2, 2019
    0
    I have had depression on and off a lot. Playing this game wanted me to throw up and stay depressed. The game should be called : Depression is okay and go kill yourself. I wanted to after playing it. I agreed that there should be a way to show depression but this developer felt it laughed at me for having it. Don't play unless you want real depression. I have and had depression all over myI have had depression on and off a lot. Playing this game wanted me to throw up and stay depressed. The game should be called : Depression is okay and go kill yourself. I wanted to after playing it. I agreed that there should be a way to show depression but this developer felt it laughed at me for having it. Don't play unless you want real depression. I have and had depression all over my life and I am now 37. This developer not only laughs at depression but to me doesn't even get what it actually is. Thinking about making a real depression game where I have had and know some tricks to get out. But this Depression Quest is not a quest unless you want to be depressed from reading it. Made a metacritic profile just for this developer (< it). I see no reason why I game shouldn't be about depression and helping people not harassing, laughing, and keeping people that are depressed, depressed. This shouldn't even be on any platform because the game can lead someone with depression to killing themselves because the developer couldn't research depression or anything. I am glad it's free.… Expand
  30. xSPAZZx
    Dec 18, 2018
    0
    This game is SJWism ENTHRONED; Zoe Quinn basically got this game onto steam because of identity politics. They felt bad that gamerg8 began because this unscrupulous woman used her ex boyfriend, a gaming journalist (who she may or may not have been actively cheating on) to write a gushing positive rating and colluding with other gaming journals such as: kotaku, gamerevolution, Eurogamer, etThis game is SJWism ENTHRONED; Zoe Quinn basically got this game onto steam because of identity politics. They felt bad that gamerg8 began because this unscrupulous woman used her ex boyfriend, a gaming journalist (who she may or may not have been actively cheating on) to write a gushing positive rating and colluding with other gaming journals such as: kotaku, gamerevolution, Eurogamer, et al...

    This game has been all said and done before. Basically a depression simulator (from one person's perspective), yet it's failure is the fact that every case of clinical depression is unique. So Ms. Quinn's experience may be vastly different from the player's depression.

    My issue is you are playing through SOMEONE else's depression. Games like this have existed got psychiatrists as simulators. Her idea was not as "ground breaking" as the bought and paid reviewers claimed.

    This is the root of gamer gate.    … Expand
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Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. ActionTrip
    Sep 2, 2014
    50
    While it does an okay job presenting what it is really like to have depression, it sets the player down the exactly same depression path, no matter what is chosen.
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