Fractured Minds Review
Played on Xbox One (base)
Developed by EmilyMGames
Released 14th November 2017
Fractured Minds is a short game developed by British programmer, Emily Mitchell. The game has received praise from the BAFTAs and has a 9/10 score on Steam for its incorporation of mental health illnesses in its levels.
Story/Gameplay
Realistically, this game only has 17 minutes of content, and most of it isn't a narrative in any shape or form. However, its thematic presentations of depression and anxiety do paint a story in this walking simulator, which also has an occasional puzzle to solve. There is more horror in its design and atmospheric value rather than in the gameplay it delivers, however, it's all done quite effectively. Each chapter gives off this eerie vibe, all while showcasing how situational depression and anxiety can be: from it appearing at a cheerful party to it stalking you on a paranoia-filled street. It also immersively describes these feelings that you get from the mental health deteriorations, such as feeling belittled or drowned out and while I can't comment on how accurate these abstractions are, they properly establish these issues as serious. The puzzle aspect of the game is essentially child's play. It's clear that this short project was designed to be experienced rather than played but it still would've been nice if there was actual gameplay to partake in.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere of this game is delivered not through its simplistic graphics but by its music. Each track hit a cord and bounced out a tune that haunted me. Even though the graphics aren't the most polished part of the game, they still deliver the message of the silent threat.
Story/Gameplay - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
GOOD
For what it's supposed to be - an attempt to bring greater awareness of depression and anxiety - it's good. Unfortunately, the message isn't that heavily embedded for people to take and leave the game with, resulting in a greater focus on the easy 1000 gamerscore you can gain.
