When the Darkness comes

Really interesting game! Love the concept!

Replaying this game after five years feels like a milestone I wasn’t sure I’d reach. I honestly owe it to my cats that I’m still here to play it. As someone who has struggled throughout her life with anxiety, depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts, this game hit home. It captures that heavy, hollow weight where everything feels meaningless, and mirrored that cycle I know all too well: trying to snap out of it, catching a glimpse of light that feels like salvation, only to be thrown back into the void. It perfectly described that terrifying feeling of being stuck in a personal hell you just cannot escape. The contrast between hope and hopelessness is so well done. I went from crying, to feeling totally numb. My heart is still racing and I've got goosebumps from it all. It’s a full-on, immersive experience that’s as cleverly written as it is intense. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a great reminder that through all the chaos in our minds/life, there might still be a reason to stay. That said, I think I need to book a therapy session. (10/10 would hang myself again, but the game won't let me)

When the Darkness Comes is an unconventional psychological horror experience that favors emotional storytelling over traditional gameplay. Rather than challenging players with combat, resource management, or difficult puzzles, it invites them into a surreal first-person journey that explores the darker corners of the human mind. The game unfolds through a sequence of dreamlike environments that constantly shift in appearance and meaning, creating an unsettling atmosphere where nothing feels entirely stable. Every location, conversation, and visual transition contributes to an experience that is intentionally ambiguous, encouraging players to interpret its symbolism through their own perspective. Instead of relying on predictable horror tropes, the game focuses on introspection, making its emotional impact far more significant than simple jump scares. The narrative revolves around themes such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-doubt, and the search for purpose. Rather than presenting these ideas through lengthy exposition, the story allows the environments themselves to communicate emotion. Strange hallways, distorted landscapes, fragmented memories, and symbolic objects gradually reveal pieces of a larger psychological journey. The dialogue often shifts between serious reflection, subtle humor, and moments of uncomfortable honesty, creating a tone that feels both deeply personal and surprisingly relatable. The game rarely offers definitive explanations, leaving players to connect the pieces themselves while questioning the meaning behind every encounter. Visually, the game embraces an intentionally fragmented style that reinforces its central themes. Constant environmental changes, visual glitches, lighting effects, and surreal architecture make every new area feel unpredictable. The world frequently transforms without warning, replacing familiar surroundings with abstract dreamscapes that blur the line between reality and imagination. These artistic choices are supported by an atmospheric soundtrack and carefully designed sound effects that enhance feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and vulnerability. Although the mechanics are intentionally simple, consisting primarily of exploration and limited interaction, the presentation keeps the experience engaging by making every new scene feel distinct and emotionally charged. One of the game's defining qualities is its willingness to confront sensitive subject matter with sincerity. It openly addresses issues including depression, anxiety, emotional abuse, manipulative relationships, and suicidal thoughts. These themes are not included merely to create shock value but instead form the emotional core of the experience. The developer provides appropriate content warnings, acknowledging that the story may be difficult for some players. This level of transparency demonstrates respect for the audience while allowing the narrative to tackle complex mental health struggles in a thoughtful and compassionate manner. The result is an experience that feels authentic rather than exploitative, using interactive storytelling to encourage empathy and reflection. Despite its relatively short duration, the game leaves a lasting impression through its unique approach to horror. Players looking for lengthy gameplay, action sequences, or intricate mechanics may find its minimalist design lacking, but those who appreciate narrative-driven experiences will likely find considerable value in its emotional depth. The absence of traditional objectives allows the story and atmosphere to remain the primary focus, making every moment feel intentional. Its experimental structure may not appeal to everyone, yet its originality and artistic confidence help it stand apart from many other psychological horror titles available on Steam. As a free experience created by Sirhaian, When the Darkness Comes succeeds as both an artistic statement and an emotionally engaging interactive narrative. It demonstrates how games can explore difficult subjects through symbolism, environmental storytelling, and immersive presentation without relying on conventional gameplay systems. While its abstract storytelling and mature themes make it a niche experience, players willing to embrace its unconventional design will discover a memorable journey that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a powerful reminder that horror can emerge not only from monsters and darkness but also from the struggles that exist within the human mind. Rating: 9/10

Este juego, como raro y hasta se lee bien cliché, habla de la depresión, pero la retrata fielmente a cómo es vivir con eso. Espero nunca tengan que pasar por ello. Sin embargo, esta experiencia o puede hundirte mucho más... o ver el porqué sigues luchando día a día, el vivir 1 día a la vez. El continuar pese a todas las adversidades, así sea solo para ayudar a los demás, a contemplar la naturaleza o incluso solo "existir". Me abrió mucho los ojos.

Calm. Collected. Peaceful.

When The Darkness Comes is, without peer, the finest game i've ever experienced. Although it is a Walk Simulator and Psychological horror game. But during the gameplay, I did experience a kind of self-examination. Almost as if the game presents tangible manifestations of various mental illnesses in its own way. More often than not, it makes you reflect on the darker aspects of the human mind, actively guiding us to think, to reach out, and to touch that unfathomable haze. I would not recommend this game to anyone who might be suffering from a mental disorder, lest it trigger or worsen their condition. However, from a purely gamer’s perspective, this game is absolutely remarkable. And after multiple playthroughs, just when I thought it was all over… maybe the truly terrifying part had only just begun.