81
MONSTER
Essays on Empathy
A curated compilation of Deconstructeam's best efforts in seeking new narrative experiences in games. Explore 10 unique, offbeat tales including "De Tres al Cuarto," a brand new short experience exclusive to the compilation about a couple of two-bit comedians trying to make it big.
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Reviews
18 reviews found100
Digitally Downloaded
May 19, 2021
This is precisely the kind of small, warm story that is fundamentally impossible in our bombastic, capitalist conception of the games industry. If all we celebrate are the big games, the ones that leave us feeling like we got our money’s worth, the ones which have us posting screenshots on Twitter and the ones which blow up on Twitch – if this is the zeitgeist of our medium’s discourse, then what place could there be for the ordinary, the mediocre, the quintessentially human? I don’t know if Essays on Empathy will find an audience. If anything, it incorporates numerous design decisions which seem to impede its ability to find an audience. But it is a game which I, personally, am thankful for, and will be for a long time to come.
100
Shindig
May 18, 2021
De Tres al Cuarto is just the right note to close Essays on Empathy with, because it so perfectly encapsulates everything that the collection aims to achieve. This is so much more than an anthology of games; it’s a journey through Deconstructeam’s history, their game design philosophy, their struggles and motivations. It’s a peek behind the curtain at the groundwork that was laid for The Red Strings Club (and beyond), but more than that, a candid look into the lives, creative process, and growth of a team of developers telling some of the most emotive and thought-provoking stories you’ll find.
100
GamesHub
Jun 2, 2021
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
I Love Videogames
Sep 3, 2021
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
Checkpoint Gaming
May 28, 2021
At an absolute bare minimum, Essays on Empathy is a fantastic project. Very few games have really given this level of insight into the world of the developer. Truly, this is one of the most impactful games I have played in years. Some of these titles touch on private pains and give a sense of clarity and non-judgemental exploration. I am honestly so appreciative. When I write about games, I tend to talk a lot about indie titles, and it’s because of games like this. Games that are as great as this should be known the world over, and I’m proud to push the needle in the right direction.
90
MonsterVine
May 18, 2021
I’ve always said that the best and most interesting games are being made at the experimental level in game jams and Essays on Empathy proves that.
85
GameBlast
May 25, 2021
Summary and quote unavailable.
80
Hey Poor Player
May 26, 2021
As a game developer, I find Essays on Empathy to be a rare, insightful look on the evolution of an indie game studio — from finding its voice to offering a helping hand to others still cultivating their own. As a gamer, I genuinely felt hit by a train when it came to some of the incredibly powerful and even relatable emotions encapsulated in such short experiences. Deconstructeam achieved their goals and did so in such a unique way that I feel better off for having played Essays on Empathy; most importantly, however, I simply feel, and although that’s the point of this collection, understanding exactly what I feel will take some unpacking.
80
Meristation
Jun 7, 2021
Summary and quote unavailable.
80
Vandal
May 20, 2021
Summary and quote unavailable.
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