Here below are going to be some games that I play through to either help with my own game mechanics, essential experience or that I think could be useful for my own research into my topic of autism within females. Something I would like to point out is that some games that I played the female characters weren’t specifically labeled as having autism, which I thought in itself was interesting as it perhaps links to the fact that it is harder to diagnose females but these characters were seen to display some characteristics of someone with neurodivergent tendencies.
Exhibit of Sorrows
The first game that I’ve decided to look at was recommended to me by a peer as I had mentioned within my initial ideas that I wanted to perhaps look at a point and click style of game. This was an interesting game to look at to focus in on the game mechanics, however I would say even though this was a fun/creepy game to play, I did find myself getting slightly bored and just start clicking to get through to the end. So this is something I will need to avoid if I was to make my game a point and click as I don’t want players to get bored. Overall, it was nice to see how even with a simplistic game mechanic you can have a very effective game.
Life is Strange
This game was part of our week 2 preparation and also a game I looked at when researching about autism within females, although I know it doesn’t state that Max is autistic she can be seen to have neurodivergent characteristics for example how highly empathetic she is. I quite liked the games mechanics as even though you could explore and look at stuff on your own you also still somewhat followed a storyline which was an idea within my other initial idea. So again it’s useful to see how these games play out.
Stardew Valley
I decided to look at stardew valley to help me with my essential experience as I want players to feel empathy and even though this game seems all fun and cosy some of the characters back stories can really make you feel for them. An example of this is Shane, Shane is an alcoholic who spends most of his time drinking who clearly needs help. Within one of his cutscenes you stumble across him passed out from drinking, surrounded by empty beer cans. His mum then asks you to do something leading you the player to use your watering can on him to wake him up. Later within the cutscene when Marnie (his mum) asks him what his plans for the future are, Shane says that he hopes he “won’t be around long enough to need a plan.” Jas (his daughter) overhears and runs away crying; Marnie follows her while Shane falls to the ground and cries while apologising. This is one of the many examples in which the characters storylines evoke feelings so empathy which is something that I want to convey within my own essential experience.
Bad Parenting
WARNING: Sensitive topic
This is another game which I looked at which when focusing on empathy. This game is extremely sad as within the game you are a little boy who gets a birthday present of a doll from the ‘red man’. The little boy questions at first why the doll looks very similar to him as well as mentioning the fact that the dolls neck looks loose. You later find out that the doll is an actual representation of the boy whom is getting abused and eventually murdered by the ‘red man’ aka his own dad who when he drinks his face turns red hence the name. This game made me feel so sad as the little boy was too naive to understand that his dad wasn’t a good person and that his “hallucinations” were actually him just reliving his death over and over again until he was finally able to help his mum find his dads hiding spot and get him arrested.
Before I forget
Before I forget is a game where you explore Sunita’s apartment, uncovering fragments of her past and trying to piece together her memories. The game focuses on emotional storytelling, using environmental storytelling and puzzles to communicate Sunita’s internal experience. The minimalist design and atmospheric soundtrack help convey the sense of disorientation and loss that often accompanies dementia. Within the game they don’t mention anything about Sunita having dementia only at the very end do they mention the topic which is why I liked it as it gives the same subtly that I want for my own game.
Florence
Florence is a narrative-driven mobile game that tells the story of a young woman. Through interactive mini-games, players explore moments of connection, conflict, and personal growth. The game focuses on themes of love, self-discovery, and the balance between relationships and individual dreams. I looked at this game as it had the similar aspect to my game being narrative-driven, and to give me some idea as to what sounds they used within their game.