Misery is a wonderful game. I know this because it has repeatedly reminded me why I should have friends.
Playing solo is an absolutely fascinating experience. Progression is so slow that every tiny advancement feels like I’ve just completed a major life achievement. And somehow, the moment I’m about to accomplish something after four hours of grinding, the game seems to whisper:
"Oh, you were having fun?"
And then proceeds to destroy everything I’ve worked for.
The melee combat is also beautifully simple. You walk up to a bandit, stand directly in front of him, and start hitting him while desperately hoping that he dies before you do. Truly revolutionary combat design.
My dwarf died as well. :(
I am still not emotionally prepared to discuss this.
The economy is another masterpiece. Traders will look at the pile of valuable garbage you've spent hours collecting and offer you approximately three potatoes and a firm handshake for it. And even then, they only want a tiny fraction of the items in the game. So naturally, you end up with warehouses full of stuff you can't sell, can't use, and apparently can't throw away because what if I need 47 bottles of vodka later?
Crafting recipes also require enough resources that you begin questioning whether you're crafting an item or personally rebuilding civilization from scratch.
And finally, my favourite feature: dying.
I've died at least five times so far, and I can confidently say that every single death has occurred at the absolute worst possible moment. Not five minutes into an adventure. No. The game waits until I've spent ages gathering resources, accomplished something important, and am carrying approximately everything I own.
Then:
"You have died."
Of course I have.
Despite all of this, I genuinely love the game. There's something incredibly satisfying about slowly building up your character and surviving in this miserable little world.
I'd just strongly recommend playing with friends.
Unfortunately, I don't have any.
So I play Misery alone.
Which, as it turns out, is exactly what the developers intended.
8/10 — would suffer again.
