- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Release Date: May 18, 2021
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Summary:
A curated compilation of Deconstructeam's best efforts in seeking new narrative experiences in games. Explore 10 unique, offbeat tales including "De Tres al Cuarto," a brand new short experience exclusive to the compilation about a couple of two-bit comedians trying to make it big.
- Developer: Deconstructeam
- Genre(s): Action, General, Miscellaneous, Compilation
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 7 out of 11
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Mixed: 4 out of 11
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Negative: 0 out of 11
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May 19, 2021This is precisely the kind of small, warm story that is fundamentally impossible in our bombastic, capitalist conception of the games industry. If all we celebrate are the big games, the ones that leave us feeling like we got our money’s worth, the ones which have us posting screenshots on Twitter and the ones which blow up on Twitch – if this is the zeitgeist of our medium’s discourse, then what place could there be for the ordinary, the mediocre, the quintessentially human? I don’t know if Essays on Empathy will find an audience. If anything, it incorporates numerous design decisions which seem to impede its ability to find an audience. But it is a game which I, personally, am thankful for, and will be for a long time to come.
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May 18, 2021De Tres al Cuarto is just the right note to close Essays on Empathy with, because it so perfectly encapsulates everything that the collection aims to achieve. This is so much more than an anthology of games; it’s a journey through Deconstructeam’s history, their game design philosophy, their struggles and motivations. It’s a peek behind the curtain at the groundwork that was laid for The Red Strings Club (and beyond), but more than that, a candid look into the lives, creative process, and growth of a team of developers telling some of the most emotive and thought-provoking stories you’ll find.
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May 28, 2021At an absolute bare minimum, Essays on Empathy is a fantastic project. Very few games have really given this level of insight into the world of the developer. Truly, this is one of the most impactful games I have played in years. Some of these titles touch on private pains and give a sense of clarity and non-judgemental exploration. I am honestly so appreciative. When I write about games, I tend to talk a lot about indie titles, and it’s because of games like this. Games that are as great as this should be known the world over, and I’m proud to push the needle in the right direction.
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May 20, 2021An incredible collection of honest, meaningful games, strangely held back by accessibility issues.
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May 18, 2021Essays on Empathy is a glance at Deconstructeam’s history. The games are clever and enjoyable, showing the team’s auteur tone as they explore different gameplay styles. People fond of unique, experimental games are likely to enjoy this collection, though some would have benefited from developing their concepts further.
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Game World Navigator MagazineJun 17, 2021Some of the stories may leave you confused, others might make you uncomfortable, but there’s no denying that despite its simplistic appearance, Essays on Empathy manages to evoke some strong emotions. [Issue#253, p.57]
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May 20, 2021Essays on Empathy is a beautiful compilation of 10 short narrative games which, unfortunately, needed a lot of corrections before being released.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 1 out of 1
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Mixed: 0 out of 1
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Negative: 0 out of 1
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May 20, 2021
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