A Daily Struggle by Dakota Jones

[raw]
made by Dakota Jones for LD 41 (COMPO)

The theme was to mix two incompatible genres, so I did Clicker/Survival horror. It's not like a typical survival horror, however. It may not be running from monsters in an unknown area, but depression is basically a waking nightmare for me. And it takes just as much effort to survive.

I wanted to convey how stressful and terrifying it is to constantly be battling my own head just perform basic human functions. Depression is a hard and scary thing to live with, so I hope I get my message across with this game.

Thank you for playing :)!

start.jpg

losing.jpg

Ratings

Overall 161th 3.69⭐ 23🧑‍⚖️
Fun 566th 2.825⭐ 22🧑‍⚖️
Innovation 294th 3.476⭐ 23🧑‍⚖️
Theme 358th 3.571⭐ 23🧑‍⚖️
Graphics 130th 3.81⭐ 23🧑‍⚖️
Audio 171th 3.342⭐ 21🧑‍⚖️
Mood 3th 4.476⭐ 23🧑‍⚖️
Given 25🗳️ 16🗨️

Feedback

Flameo326
23. Apr 2018 · 00:56 UTC
Very stressful at first but gets easier as you learn how the game works. Funny how accurate that seems towards depression.
RAFFE
23. Apr 2018 · 03:10 UTC
Really cool and original game!! And very good looking art style :D
Poorwill
23. Apr 2018 · 03:11 UTC
If I'm rating this as a game, pacing in the beginning could be a little bit smoother. The initial experience is a little harsh.

If I'm rating this as an experience conveying depression, it's great. Really gets the feeling across.
KRP
23. Apr 2018 · 03:15 UTC
I love the artstyle, but the gameplay was kinda lacking tbh
Pahlsoftware
23. Apr 2018 · 03:22 UTC
This is great at conveying the feeling of depression. Thank you.
Jack Hipson
23. Apr 2018 · 03:46 UTC
At the start I found it very difficult to manage but after a while it became easier. If that was done intentionally in order demonstrate the effects of depression then you're a genius ;). Gameplay is a bit repetitive, graphics are pretty good, but you really killed it on the mood aspect. Good job man.
vilix64
23. Apr 2018 · 05:29 UTC
This is too real, @Dakota Jones, too real..
Great game, though.
Tutti Ankka
23. Apr 2018 · 09:39 UTC
Nice concept, liked the art and the whole game really gets the message through how horrible depression is.
Lecalat
23. Apr 2018 · 09:42 UTC
Good job, now I'm depressed.

Won the game, was enjoyable :)
JavaSaurus
23. Apr 2018 · 13:35 UTC
Very nice game. Thank you for giving people a glampse of how a depression can crawl up and control your every move, making it nearly impossible to function. But rest assured, it is something that can be beaten, speaking from experience.
Evannex
23. Apr 2018 · 16:06 UTC
This game is phenomenal. As someone who struggles with depression myself, this really hits home. You managed to sum up the feeling very well, and I applaud you for that. The challenge initially is a bit steep, but I feel that it fits well here. Great entry and Great job!
🎤 Dakota Jones
23. Apr 2018 · 16:13 UTC
@JavaSaurus Yeah, I think it's really hard to explain what goes on in my head, how it's constantly a battle. But with a video game I can kinda convey how that feels. Thank you :)
@vilix64 I tried my best to make it too real :joy: Thank you!
@Tutti Ankka I'm glad I reached my goal of the game, to convey how awful depression is, thank you!
@Lecalat I'm really glad you liked it :)
@Jack Hipson Everything in the mechanics and pacing of the game was intentional and calculated. Thank you :)
@Poorwill @RAFFE Thank you for your nice comments :)
🎤 Dakota Jones
23. Apr 2018 · 16:14 UTC
@Evannex Thank you!! I'm glad I was successful in my goal :)
TheLucky
24. Apr 2018 · 04:38 UTC
Great game that gives a great insight into depression.
🎤 Dakota Jones
24. Apr 2018 · 16:33 UTC
@TheLucky Thank you so much :')
Lex
01. May 2018 · 16:51 UTC
This game is a very solid entry, the mood was fantastic. You're an amazing game dev, keep up the good work and never let depression defeat you. You are awesome!
🎤 Dakota Jones
10. May 2018 · 15:17 UTC
@Lex thank you so much :')