fez eu chorar sim sou tchola
Don't send people the Big Chungus.
The "big twist" that you'll likely run into the first playthrough is decidedly unsubtle, but your next playthroughs are where the substance really is in this experience. It is a short story, but the ability to experience it in game form and say "no, what if things were different" is where it shines.
Once I started exploring subsequent playthroughs and tried to get the best ending I found myself relating a lot to some characters (and very little to some others). I think I'm a tad fonder of the experience because I'm able to relate, and it's personal enough that I can't really say how that would differ if this experience is totally alien to you. I also think the game's quality suffers a bit due to its brevity, as getting the most common ending and seeing that you "missed messages" makes it extremely obvious where those missed messages were. I also think there's potential for some people to be put off by the very quirky dialogue, but the game is free and short, so it's worth a shot.
Once I started exploring subsequent playthroughs and tried to get the best ending I found myself relating a lot to some characters (and very little to some others). I think I'm a tad fonder of the experience because I'm able to relate, and it's personal enough that I can't really say how that would differ if this experience is totally alien to you. I also think the game's quality suffers a bit due to its brevity, as getting the most common ending and seeing that you "missed messages" makes it extremely obvious where those missed messages were. I also think there's potential for some people to be put off by the very quirky dialogue, but the game is free and short, so it's worth a shot.
why must every western vn about "the queer experience" be the exact same generic lesbian tenderqueer melodramatic trite over and over again. having seen so much shit exactly like this i felt like i already knew everything about it before playing it, and i basically did. same generic uwu pastel soft aesthetic, same generic boring music, same boring story.
im 100% convinced that people only consume so much of this shit because of some vague notion of "muh representation" and instead of branching out into more unique and interesting shit they just keep retreading the same ground over and over again, like some gay feeback loop. us homosexes deserve better media to represent us. yall complain about dream daddy n the like, and rightfully so, but is this really much better?
im 100% convinced that people only consume so much of this shit because of some vague notion of "muh representation" and instead of branching out into more unique and interesting shit they just keep retreading the same ground over and over again, like some gay feeback loop. us homosexes deserve better media to represent us. yall complain about dream daddy n the like, and rightfully so, but is this really much better?
MISSED MESSAGES REVIEW
Note: I give spoiler warnings for spoilers.
Missed Messages is a short visual novel that deals with very serious topics. The subject matter (suicide and self harm) definitely won't be for everyone. And even if you ARE fine with that stuff, you still might not connect with the way this game discusses it. I managed to a bit, despite having problems with the execution - ultimately, it handles itself in a very genuine and heartfelt manner. I have to appreciate that.
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 4.5/5
Sound: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Gameplay: 1/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Achievements (Does not count toward overall score.): 2/5
Overall game score: 3/5
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
MM has an absolutely stunning visual design. Angela He is an extremely talented artist; her style is realistic, but still unique enough to stand out. It's a combination you rarely get to see, especially in games. And the VN medium definitely assists in letting it shine, since each shot in the game is just an individual piece of artwork.
This is, by far, MM's strongest talking point. I only wish that a look this amazing could be implemented into something longer!
Overall, 4.5/5.
Sound:
There's a few different tracks to choose between on the in-game computer (it's cool to be able to toggle them yourself!) I personally like all of them, even if they might be a tad predictable for this type of thing. They aid in creating a good atmosphere, especially the song that's played later on in the darker scenes. It's a perfect mood setter.
Also, it's a small touch, but I really like the writing sound effect that accompanies the chat bubbles. It's very satisfying to me.
Overall, 3.5/5.
Story:
Because of its ~30 minute runtime, Missed Messages ends up being simultaneously dense and simple in its discussion of suicide and depression. It tries to fit an entire story about mental health into half an hour - and while it IS commendable that it does so decently, it's definitely not perfect. The shortness of it means that the game is very digestible, which makes it easy to recommend to people; even if you don't like it, you didn't invest so much time that it feels like a huge loss. However, that runtime also means that only a certain amount of depth can be given to what are inherently very deep topics. There are just too many ups and downs to mental health and recovery to so neatly package it as [SPOILERS] 'committing suicide' vs. 'getting therapy because a friend recommended it'. [SPOILER END]
I think that there are games that deal with this stuff in a much more nuanced and fleshed-out way. The discussion here is very surface-level. But while it may not illustrate the fullness of its themes, it does have good messages behind it; ones of seeking help and talking to loved ones about how you feel. [SPOILERS] I personally really appreciated that it made a point in the 'best' ending to briefly discuss dependency issues. I have struggled with those in the past, and it resonated with me to see it talked about in a way that - while firm - didn't condemn someone for potentially dealing with them.
[SPOILERS STILL] While there's really only a few dark elements (I was surprised to see Junji Ito cited as an inspiration), they are done well to me. The moments of suicide and self harm are very memorable - the artwork, the music, and the tonal shift add up to something disturbing and hard-hitting. Even though you might be expecting it, it's such a stark contrast to the first half that it will probably still have an impact. [SPOILER END]
I do think a big problem with the execution in MM lies with the endings. Another Backloggd user (ghost_girl) made great points about this in their review. There are four in total, but only two of them are really important. You're almost guaranteed to get 'bad' one on the first playthrough, and then the 'best' one on the second. It's just very easy to piece together how to get the latter - the choices are pretty blatant. This leaves the other two endings feeling completely redundant.
As for the secondary story about the airdrop girl... [SPOILERS] It definitely has an interesting role, as it's solely there to distract you during your first playthrough. It's basically a tool to ensure that you get the 'bad' ending before any others. The game relies heavily on the 'multiple playthrough' thing for its impact. After all, it wouldn't mean nearly as much to save May's life if you didn't see the alternative outcome first. I do appreciate the Amy subplot for its assistance in that. But I think it feels far too irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Maybe if you could talk to Amy about May, and get her opinion on her (like you can with May on Amy), that would have helped a lot. You could express concern for May to Amy, or talk about how good of a friend she is. I feel like it would have made the twist hit even more, since it takes place right after meeting Amy. And it definitely would have made the Amy stuff feel more relevant. [SPOILER END]
As for the writing and dialogue, I doubt the gen-z packaging here will appeal to everyone. I'm gen-z, and I still found it eyeroll-inducing at times. I feel that it's pretty accurate to how gen z-ers talk to each other - it doesn't feel like a writer 'faking it' - but that doesn't mean it's not annoying.
In the end, I think that the story in Missed Messages is... Okay. It's not the greatest 'depression' thing out there, but it's not bad either. I think it benefits a lot from its shortness, clarity of message, and being wrapped in a very pretty bow with the art.
Overall, 3/5.
Gameplay:
Even putting aside the standard VN gameplay (a lot of reading and not much else), I don't think the more unique gameplay loop implemented in MM is executed well. It presents itself as having a sort of puzzle element, as you have to play it multiple times to find the 'right choices' for the 'best 'ending. But, as I've mentioned, those choices are all clear-cut. Because of that, the game ends up lacking any mechanics at all (on top of, as I've said, making two of the endings irrelevant.) There's nothing to figure out. There is no puzzle.
I also don't like that you can exhaust nearly all of the dialogue in two playthroughs. Another reason to question why there are four endings. There's absolutely no point in playing after run #2.
On a positive note, I AM a sucker from laptop/phone screen simulations, so I enjoyed that aspect the first time through. Even that got kind of annoying after a bit, though.
Overall, 1/5.
Worldbuilding:
I think the realistic college dorm-room setting is kind of interesting, despite its simplicity. It looks like a place someone could actually live. The art and music help to add a lot too. MM does decently here, despite how short it is.
Overall, 3/5.
Extra Category - Achievements:
They're easy to get, since all of them are just for the different endings. However, they don't add any replay value. In all honesty, they kind of ruin the experience by forcing you to play the game an additional two times, after you've probably already seen everything. I wouldn't bother 100%ing it unless you're a completionist.
Overall, 2/5.
Overall game score: 3/5. Missed Messages is not a perfect game, but it's a decent one that's worth the ~30 minute investment (especially since it's free.) The art is gorgeous, and the story is genuine. I think it could deeply resonate with some people. I may not have been one of them, but I still appreciate the authenticity of it.
Note: I give spoiler warnings for spoilers.
Missed Messages is a short visual novel that deals with very serious topics. The subject matter (suicide and self harm) definitely won't be for everyone. And even if you ARE fine with that stuff, you still might not connect with the way this game discusses it. I managed to a bit, despite having problems with the execution - ultimately, it handles itself in a very genuine and heartfelt manner. I have to appreciate that.
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 4.5/5
Sound: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Gameplay: 1/5
Worldbuilding: 3/5
Achievements (Does not count toward overall score.): 2/5
Overall game score: 3/5
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
MM has an absolutely stunning visual design. Angela He is an extremely talented artist; her style is realistic, but still unique enough to stand out. It's a combination you rarely get to see, especially in games. And the VN medium definitely assists in letting it shine, since each shot in the game is just an individual piece of artwork.
This is, by far, MM's strongest talking point. I only wish that a look this amazing could be implemented into something longer!
Overall, 4.5/5.
Sound:
There's a few different tracks to choose between on the in-game computer (it's cool to be able to toggle them yourself!) I personally like all of them, even if they might be a tad predictable for this type of thing. They aid in creating a good atmosphere, especially the song that's played later on in the darker scenes. It's a perfect mood setter.
Also, it's a small touch, but I really like the writing sound effect that accompanies the chat bubbles. It's very satisfying to me.
Overall, 3.5/5.
Story:
Because of its ~30 minute runtime, Missed Messages ends up being simultaneously dense and simple in its discussion of suicide and depression. It tries to fit an entire story about mental health into half an hour - and while it IS commendable that it does so decently, it's definitely not perfect. The shortness of it means that the game is very digestible, which makes it easy to recommend to people; even if you don't like it, you didn't invest so much time that it feels like a huge loss. However, that runtime also means that only a certain amount of depth can be given to what are inherently very deep topics. There are just too many ups and downs to mental health and recovery to so neatly package it as [SPOILERS] 'committing suicide' vs. 'getting therapy because a friend recommended it'. [SPOILER END]
I think that there are games that deal with this stuff in a much more nuanced and fleshed-out way. The discussion here is very surface-level. But while it may not illustrate the fullness of its themes, it does have good messages behind it; ones of seeking help and talking to loved ones about how you feel. [SPOILERS] I personally really appreciated that it made a point in the 'best' ending to briefly discuss dependency issues. I have struggled with those in the past, and it resonated with me to see it talked about in a way that - while firm - didn't condemn someone for potentially dealing with them.
[SPOILERS STILL] While there's really only a few dark elements (I was surprised to see Junji Ito cited as an inspiration), they are done well to me. The moments of suicide and self harm are very memorable - the artwork, the music, and the tonal shift add up to something disturbing and hard-hitting. Even though you might be expecting it, it's such a stark contrast to the first half that it will probably still have an impact. [SPOILER END]
I do think a big problem with the execution in MM lies with the endings. Another Backloggd user (ghost_girl) made great points about this in their review. There are four in total, but only two of them are really important. You're almost guaranteed to get 'bad' one on the first playthrough, and then the 'best' one on the second. It's just very easy to piece together how to get the latter - the choices are pretty blatant. This leaves the other two endings feeling completely redundant.
As for the secondary story about the airdrop girl... [SPOILERS] It definitely has an interesting role, as it's solely there to distract you during your first playthrough. It's basically a tool to ensure that you get the 'bad' ending before any others. The game relies heavily on the 'multiple playthrough' thing for its impact. After all, it wouldn't mean nearly as much to save May's life if you didn't see the alternative outcome first. I do appreciate the Amy subplot for its assistance in that. But I think it feels far too irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Maybe if you could talk to Amy about May, and get her opinion on her (like you can with May on Amy), that would have helped a lot. You could express concern for May to Amy, or talk about how good of a friend she is. I feel like it would have made the twist hit even more, since it takes place right after meeting Amy. And it definitely would have made the Amy stuff feel more relevant. [SPOILER END]
As for the writing and dialogue, I doubt the gen-z packaging here will appeal to everyone. I'm gen-z, and I still found it eyeroll-inducing at times. I feel that it's pretty accurate to how gen z-ers talk to each other - it doesn't feel like a writer 'faking it' - but that doesn't mean it's not annoying.
In the end, I think that the story in Missed Messages is... Okay. It's not the greatest 'depression' thing out there, but it's not bad either. I think it benefits a lot from its shortness, clarity of message, and being wrapped in a very pretty bow with the art.
Overall, 3/5.
Gameplay:
Even putting aside the standard VN gameplay (a lot of reading and not much else), I don't think the more unique gameplay loop implemented in MM is executed well. It presents itself as having a sort of puzzle element, as you have to play it multiple times to find the 'right choices' for the 'best 'ending. But, as I've mentioned, those choices are all clear-cut. Because of that, the game ends up lacking any mechanics at all (on top of, as I've said, making two of the endings irrelevant.) There's nothing to figure out. There is no puzzle.
I also don't like that you can exhaust nearly all of the dialogue in two playthroughs. Another reason to question why there are four endings. There's absolutely no point in playing after run #2.
On a positive note, I AM a sucker from laptop/phone screen simulations, so I enjoyed that aspect the first time through. Even that got kind of annoying after a bit, though.
Overall, 1/5.
Worldbuilding:
I think the realistic college dorm-room setting is kind of interesting, despite its simplicity. It looks like a place someone could actually live. The art and music help to add a lot too. MM does decently here, despite how short it is.
Overall, 3/5.
Extra Category - Achievements:
They're easy to get, since all of them are just for the different endings. However, they don't add any replay value. In all honesty, they kind of ruin the experience by forcing you to play the game an additional two times, after you've probably already seen everything. I wouldn't bother 100%ing it unless you're a completionist.
Overall, 2/5.
Overall game score: 3/5. Missed Messages is not a perfect game, but it's a decent one that's worth the ~30 minute investment (especially since it's free.) The art is gorgeous, and the story is genuine. I think it could deeply resonate with some people. I may not have been one of them, but I still appreciate the authenticity of it.
This review contains spoilers
This game was sad and short. It plays with your expectations in a way that feels almost too "meta" for want of a better term, and while the first playthrough didn't really have anything interesting going for it it did provide the context needed for the second playthrough to be interesting, and in some places, touching. Only 30 minutes long or thereabouts, so worth checking out in case that you like it, but nothing so special that it's a must-play. Take the content warnings seriously, the game is very forward in its depictions of suicide and self-harm.
yeah its really bad. the story was just awful and them chucking serious topics (depression, suicide) was just a poor attempt at giving the story a meaning
rating brought up to 0.5 stars for the shrek cameo
rating brought up to 0.5 stars for the shrek cameo
it was good thats all
well
Nice hustle
Surely not for everyone, but like my mom always said: You’re not everybody else! (common phrases brazilian parents always say xD)
The game is free and you can play all different endings in less than 30 minutes. I totally recommend.
The game is free and you can play all different endings in less than 30 minutes. I totally recommend.
she just like me fr
A arte do jogo é muito boa, a trilha sonora é ótima igual. Gostei de jogar ele numa época em que estive solitário. Talvez seja bom aproveitar uma primeira jogatina dele e se deixar levar pela história.
Tem o Shrek no jogo e a Madoka também btw, eu recomendo jogar mas observe as tags
Tem o Shrek no jogo e a Madoka também btw, eu recomendo jogar mas observe as tags
kkkkk
i've had this and their other games downloaded for a while and finally getting around to this, i liked it, though the writing was a bit tough to get through at times. story is nice and the art is beautiful- good stuff
Tries way too hard, lol.
lo he pensado mejor y la verdad es un poco tal
Jogo rapidin, mas vale muito a pena jogar me diverti bastante e fiz todos finais.
Marred by my very personal distaste of its handling of the subject matter and exacerbated by my slight gripes with this style of dialogue. I felt emotionally manipulated into fixing my "mistake" on the second attempt.
At the very least, I couldn't find an ill-meaning bone in Missed Messages' body, leaving its brief runtime to feel a little too out of its own depth to competently navigate its story and offer anything besides momentary catharsis. This is the type of thing that'll hit different people in wildly different ways - I can't say it accomplished what it clearly set out to do for me, but it failed in style and with heart.
At the very least, I couldn't find an ill-meaning bone in Missed Messages' body, leaving its brief runtime to feel a little too out of its own depth to competently navigate its story and offer anything besides momentary catharsis. This is the type of thing that'll hit different people in wildly different ways - I can't say it accomplished what it clearly set out to do for me, but it failed in style and with heart.
Made me cry like a lil bitch
Es siempre difícil hablar de estos juegos y de este tema. Angela He crea aquí una visual novel de aspecto pictórico, con trazos suaves, colores pastel y música relajante que encaja bien con el que es el final definitivo del juego. El que deberías tratar de alcanzar antes de dejar de jugar. Una pequeña historia sobre el valiosísimo valor de la amistad y el cuidado cuando se lidia con personas depresivas.
Hasta llegar ahí te esperan un par de finales jodidos, pero es que el ciclo obligatorio es ese. A no ser que juegues con una guía el juego va a querer mostrarte lo peor para "enseñarte" a optar a lo mejor.
No se cómo de cómodo estoy tratando esto como una visual novel de diferentes finales en el que uno es el bueno y los demás son los malos. Ojalá. Pero creo que es un enfoque ingenuo en lo que es un problema tristemente complejo y de difícil solución, por mucho esfuerzo personal que se ponga en ello. No sé si es el mensaje correcto al final del día contar esta historia así y desde esta perspectiva.
Hasta llegar ahí te esperan un par de finales jodidos, pero es que el ciclo obligatorio es ese. A no ser que juegues con una guía el juego va a querer mostrarte lo peor para "enseñarte" a optar a lo mejor.
No se cómo de cómodo estoy tratando esto como una visual novel de diferentes finales en el que uno es el bueno y los demás son los malos. Ojalá. Pero creo que es un enfoque ingenuo en lo que es un problema tristemente complejo y de difícil solución, por mucho esfuerzo personal que se ponga en ello. No sé si es el mensaje correcto al final del día contar esta historia así y desde esta perspectiva.
It just felt like the dev thought "suicide is bad" and wanted to give a story some meaning
Jogo simples e bonito, rápido de se jogar. Mas a experiência em si foi muito melhor do que eu esperava. Ainda assim, em termos de te fazer sentir emoções, mensagem ou de ter alguma coisa realmente inteligente, não é nenhum Gorogoa.
the game is very short, but it packs a punch. it's obviously a very personal project and was made with the intention to share a very personal story. the art is gorgeous and i loved the choice in background music.
obviously the game isn't perfect. since it was so short, it felt rushed and shallow. the characters are two dimensional and you don't really get to feel a lot for them. the two you see the most (player character and May) feel like they're supposed to be mirrors. you're supposed to be able to see yourself in one of them, but it's hard when we don't get to know them.
obviously the game isn't perfect. since it was so short, it felt rushed and shallow. the characters are two dimensional and you don't really get to feel a lot for them. the two you see the most (player character and May) feel like they're supposed to be mirrors. you're supposed to be able to see yourself in one of them, but it's hard when we don't get to know them.
Missed message est un visual novel gratuit a 4 fins différentes.
Durée : 40 minutes max.
En plus d'avoir des sprites et des décors très jolies, le lofi hip hop en fond est très relaxant.
Chaque fin mène a un développement assez intéressant et le choix dans les dialogues sont plutôt bien et fréquent.
Petite note à Junji Ito, mangaka de qualité supérieure. Cette histoire est inspiré de lui d'après certaines sources. J'espère que c'est vrai car je n'ai pas trouvé de sources officielles seulement des petits commentaires sur quelques sites par-ci par-là.
En tout cas, ce jeu montre qu'il faut faire plus attention aux gens qui nous entoure car on a tendance à oublier ou se dire que tout va bien alors qu'une tragédie peut très vite arrivé. Prenez soin de vous et des gens que vous aimez. Voilà. Merci
Durée : 40 minutes max.
En plus d'avoir des sprites et des décors très jolies, le lofi hip hop en fond est très relaxant.
Chaque fin mène a un développement assez intéressant et le choix dans les dialogues sont plutôt bien et fréquent.
Petite note à Junji Ito, mangaka de qualité supérieure. Cette histoire est inspiré de lui d'après certaines sources. J'espère que c'est vrai car je n'ai pas trouvé de sources officielles seulement des petits commentaires sur quelques sites par-ci par-là.
En tout cas, ce jeu montre qu'il faut faire plus attention aux gens qui nous entoure car on a tendance à oublier ou se dire que tout va bien alors qu'une tragédie peut très vite arrivé. Prenez soin de vous et des gens que vous aimez. Voilà. Merci
The art is phenomenal, there's no denying that; the execution... it's well intentioned, but it didn't gut punch me the way I think the developer meant it to.
Well written, even tho at some parts it's a bit cringy for my liking. Artstyle is 10/10. It wasn't too long and not too short. I enjoyed it overall. I got all 4 endings.
This review contains spoilers
So, what's the message here? Don't go out and have fun? Always keep your phone on? These kind of things happen and people do feel responsible afterwards wondering if they should have done anything different. Of course, it is important to listen. And some of the options one has in what to say or do might make a difference (offer help, ask if they have thought about details) - yet, you're not responsible if someone decides to end their life! Further, that's where I have the feeling the game missed to offer an important option: Decide to stay and hang out with her once you realised she is talking suspicious stuff. Instead, the only option to save her was to decline invitations all along which is not realistic.
É um joguinho/historinha interativa legal e bem rapidinho, eu gostei
This review contains spoilers
Os diálogos são escritos com enorme sensibilidade e é bizarro como mesmo com seus eventuais gatilhos consegue se manter uma experiência extremamente relaxante, com uma mensagem de esperança e perdão até em seus momento mais obscuro.
Dito isto, é um jogo um pouco manipulativo e que não parece refletir muito bem no corolário de sua mensagem. A ideia é que às vezes nossos entes queridos estão mandando mensagens de que precisam de ajuda e nós acabamos não vendo antes que seja tarde demais; mas aqui essas mensagens não são metafóricas, e não é como se houvesse uma cornucópia de sinais subversivos antes de que algo estava errado com sua amiga. A implicação (não intencional) é que você deve estar 24/7 preparado para amparar aqueles que você ama. Saiu do quarto e foi conhecer alguém novo? Ops, já era, agora tem uma garota morta por sua culpa.
Dito isto, é um jogo um pouco manipulativo e que não parece refletir muito bem no corolário de sua mensagem. A ideia é que às vezes nossos entes queridos estão mandando mensagens de que precisam de ajuda e nós acabamos não vendo antes que seja tarde demais; mas aqui essas mensagens não são metafóricas, e não é como se houvesse uma cornucópia de sinais subversivos antes de que algo estava errado com sua amiga. A implicação (não intencional) é que você deve estar 24/7 preparado para amparar aqueles que você ama. Saiu do quarto e foi conhecer alguém novo? Ops, já era, agora tem uma garota morta por sua culpa.