Don't Wake Me Up

'I am not truly happy, but I am entertained. That is all my existence can offer me, but, having looked at escapists like you, and everyone who has ever entered virtual reality, it seems entertainment is all existence can offer anyone.' The majority of this game was written listening to this Len-themed playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36ATezEiRaTrDISPWC0kJW?si=95082ce0c2d4409d

As others have said, this story breaks the conventions set with other Hosted Games and Choice of Games titles. No matter any of your other decisions, the game ends early and you can only reach bad endings if you choose one of the two love interests- [spoiler] All Asterius route endings end the game early and left a bad taste in my mouth. [/spoiler] While I understand the narrative decisions for this, it really ends up going against the "be your own protagonist" style of other games in this vein, and for this reason I can't recommend this for someone looking for a read like other titles marketed similarly like the Wayhaven Chronicles. I do still think it is an interesting story with good writing but I think there shouldn't even be a choice between love interests if one of them is clearly intended by the author to be the "wrong" one.

DWMU is my favourite text adventure since text adventures stopped existing in mainstream games media. There's a section of this game that does the infocom thing better than infocom does it and the rest is a pure bloody brilliant interactive fiction. I may only have 4 hours at the time of review but I have spent countless as a beta tester. If you have ever played a videogame you will love this game. Don't sleep on the top hat. Asterius made me write this review.

Tremendous spirit as a game production. The kind of communal callbacks in every conceivable encounter (where it is relevant, I suppose) posed throughout the game, but not without the merit of some inherently uplifting philosophy, that lets you know this game was produced by someone with a sincere gratitude for the company provided in gaming, and games in general; wherein, most cases, being within reach of the term 'isolated' or just nominally without the kinds of friends we imagine most young people have; ought to have; or that are desperately wished for in the midst of a disillusioned adult-hood; "Don't Wake Me Up" immerses you in a flood of unearned nostalgia just as much is earned and established in the early heyday of lonelier, more youthful years. Obviously, some references will fly by the player, but those who know will know. This game screams comfort, even though it really perhaps does not intend such. Loved every inch and scale; demo and final product. Very proud to have interacted with the narrative and characters. Bravo.

There's a lot of great stuff in this one. As other reviews have said, trying not to spoil anything, there is a lot of silly comedy in the game, with amazing references, as well as some really cute moments, but there are also a lot of really heavy topics. If you don't feel like you're in the right headspace for a story that might have some not-so-happy endings (or you just don't want anything to do with them), then maybe hold off on this one (or if you can stand to leave something unfinished: [spoiler] cut the game before Chapter 5 [/spoiler] ) The game gave me a lot to think about, and while there are certainly things I would like to have been different (see spoiler below for a hint), overall I would recommend this one. Just ignoring the darker/heavier/philosophical/ethical issues involved for a moment, there were some absolute comedy gems in this game that had me gut laughing, and I always appreciate that. Would love to meet the author one day to see if the sense of humor and memes/references translate to real life. Keep up the great work! [spoiler] For Asterius fans, I highly recommend creating a fantastical headcanon where Asterius gets a sweet happy ending. When something gets you down, break out the emergency copium. [/spoiler]

Игра оказалась лучше, чем я ожидала. Она интересная, забавная и местами неожиданно драматичная. Количество отсылок к поп-культуре зашкаливает, но я как нерд оценила (некоторые шутки реально смешные до слез). У игры странная статистка, она как бы есть, но в то же время ее нет. Она совершенно ни на что не влияет (ну, окей, показатель симпатии персонажей более менее имеет значение, но вот статы самого игрока вообще до фени). Любовных интересов всего два - Астериус (который может быть любого пола) и Лен (который томный вечно страдающий эмобой). Игра вроде как довольно толсто намекает, что хорошего финала с Леном не будет (я очень старалась пройти игру "хорошо", но вышла на плохой финал). Хотя меня все равно понравилось - было интересно.

通关了……以为是穿越轻喜剧，结果失魂落魄宛如当年玩P3R。没有传统意义好结局，只有真结局，前面多弱智儿童欢乐多结尾真相大白就被创的多狠。整体质量绝对对得起app 4.8的评分，都来玩吧，跟我春节一起哭。