[i]Disclaimer: Multiple causal mentions of suicide. Don't continue below if you're feeling any urges.[/i] [hr][/hr] Word power: Suicide, a word that both holds significant power and meaning for the mere mention of it, has to be carefully navigated through discussions and in the media. There are different ways to talk about it, some with respect and dignity, some with humour and cynicism. Eitherway, there is always a risk factor associated with the subject matter. I argue there's no 'right' way to talk about it, but rather it is important who you are discussing it with and how it is mandated, especially in places with some lack of control, like social media, but that is a discussion for another time. I got ahead of myself. As you could probably guess, this game is about suicide. The Gloom without the Doom: Gloom and Doom, a game I have been anticipating playing for about a year now (maybe longer). I've seen a glimpse of it before, and I was interested in how the subject matter was handled, as I heard positive things about it. What I didn't expect was for this game to answer an age-old question of [i]'How does one kill someone if they are particularly immortal, or in other words, feel they are like a burial to the world?'[/i]. Do we either try to go through with it or try to find another alternative, even if that person could possibly bring about the end of the world? The answer to that is by making dorking pop-culture references, being optimistic, helping others (animals included), making friends and finding a purpose. It's really as simple as an answer as it is, but the act of doing it is much harder, but it is possible. I may have spoiled this game a bit, but I'm just to letting you know there is an optimistic route with a very special message, but that's all up to you, as this is a multiple-choice game, so you choose affect the outcome, and yes, there is a 'bad', but it's not as bad of an ending as you may imagine. Feeling: Based on the name, if anyone expects this game to be miserable to play through, don't. There's generally a lot of laugh-out moments. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3570974118 Philosophical moments. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3594675081 Too precious moments. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3594674617 Playing through this game, you will go through a range of emotions, good ones, mind you. This whole experience is a roller coaster of emotions, which I think is suitable for someone struggling with life and trying to get themselves back on their feet. Humour: What's not to say? I laugh and smile a lot. The video game references, the cringing dialogue, and the argument on which is better, 2D or 3D? It doesn't get any better than that. I may not be a pop-culture guru, so I don't get all the references, but I can appreciate them. This game just knows how to balance with dealing with serious subject moment whereby finding the appreciate moment to cast funny joke here and there to relieve the attention for a bit to make the tension less 'gloomy'. Characters: Even the characters are a fun re-imagine trope of angel and demon, like Michael being a complete d*******, only for to God and himself (more so for himself), pardon my language. There are also some fresh new characters like Mr Yesterday, who owns a dental store, can look into the past and can play video games. Furthermore, there is a random lady we keep meeting up whose whatever choices we make with her could have an impact on what happens to her. It may not be relevant at first, but by the end of it, I see it as a good storytelling to be there for strangers, even if you don't feel like you will see them again. 'Even every small gesture can lead to a greater gesture. ' Hand-holding: In case anyone is new to playing visual novel games, this one has you covered, as it may have the best tutorial for playing a visual novel, first, by being self-aware of being a video game and being humorous about it and giving clear instructions on what to do. Conclusion: I never doubt I wouldn't enjoy this game; I'm just happy to experience it for myself to see how it tackles a tricky subject. I said before there may not be a wrong way to do it, but I like how it is discussed this way. The creator really put in the time and care into putting a positive comedic twist that feels very genuine and very personal to help others dealing with it. I hope more people out there find this game and come out of it with the will to keep moving forward and bring their own spark into the world. I can't tell you how much I adore this being present for others to enjoy and being a love letter to all movies, video games, comic books and much media ever created. I'm so happy to have this as part of my life. [i]P.S. The song at the end (or when you fail the game), chef-kiss.[/i]