- Publisher: DreadXP , LUAL Games KIG
- Release Date: Oct 5, 2023
![[I] doesn't exist - a modern text adventure Image](https://static.metacritic.com/images/products/games/4/96e1549aa10eb009b49cee9053895456-98.jpg)
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Summary:
Classic Zork meets Existential Crisis. A modern text adventure that explores themes of control, isolation and mental health while levelling up the genre with beautiful pixel art.
- Developer: LUAL Games KIG
- Genre(s): Adventure, Text
- # of players: No Online Multiplayer
- Cheats: On GameFAQs
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 4 out of 8
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Mixed: 4 out of 8
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Negative: 0 out of 8
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Sep 12, 2023[I] Doesn’t Exist will challenge and question you in ways few video games do. Supported by wonderful writing, deep thematic topics and addictive replayability, it shines through the darkness of this poor avatar’s world. Most importantly, I came away with a genuine feeling of reflection and introspection, something that loftier, grander games have frequently failed to do. An existential gem of 2023.
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Sep 12, 2023[I] Doesn't Exist is a phenomenal display of how modern technology and nuanced writing can make video games incredibly immersive and emotionally potent, regardless of their size or budget. It's a game that is intelligent, kind, and generous in the variety of experiences a player can have. This is easily one of the most unique games available right now and is an experience that shouldn't be missed.
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Oct 10, 2023Despite some minor issues and some disorienting audio, I appreciated the metanarrative and surrealism of [I] doesn’t exist. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys story-rich games.
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Oct 6, 2023While it doesn’t quite reach the allegorical heights it aspires to, if you like text adventures or simply enjoy games that subvert the role of the player, then [I] doesn’t exist should keep you solidly entertained for a few hours.
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Oct 12, 2023Creative project with both playful and narratively imaginative ideas, which, however, remains too superficial and is over all too quickly.
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Oct 4, 2023I’ll still stand by the notion that the dialogue could use some fat trimming and the canvas section was just unnecessary, but for all intents and purposes, if you want a blast from the past with a hidden twist all wrapped up in a tidy little package, I Doesn’t Exist is harmless enough that I’d recommend the venture. Just temper your expectations a bit and have some patience set aside for the text-input side of I Doesn’t Exist. After all, who knows when the next time will be that we’ll actually see someone using text-adventure gameplay again.
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Sep 29, 2023As a bachelor project, [I] Doesn’t Exist certainly demonstrates the technical competency of its developers, but as a game in its own right, it doesn’t particularly offer anything unique or worthwhile. Using parser controls to tell an unconventional narrative is an interesting concept, but the actual conversations to be had are vague, unhelpful, and don’t tell a decipherable narrative. Check it out if you’re jonesing for a hit of retro parser gameplay, but there’s otherwise not much here that makes it stand out.