Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure, Indie
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Vita
- Developers: Will O’Neill, WZO Games
- Publishers: Will O’Neill, WZO Games, WZOGI
Actual Sunlight: A Poignant and Unflinching Examination of Love, Depression, and the Modern Workplace
Released in 2013, Actual Sunlight is a short but powerful interactive story game that explores the complex and often contradictory nature of human existence. Set in Toronto, Canada, the game follows the protagonist, Evan Winter, as he navigates the highs and lows of love, depression, and the modern workplace.
Gameplay
Actual Sunlight is a text-heavy game with minimal gameplay. The player’s role is primarily to read and interact with the story, making choices that will affect the narrative’s progression. The game is divided into three distinct chapters, each representing a different period in Evan’s life.
In the first chapter, Evan is a young professional fresh out of university. He is ambitious and driven, but he is also struggling to find his place in the world. He meets a woman named Sarah, and the two of them quickly fall in love. However, their relationship is soon tested by Evan’s depression.
In the second chapter, Evan is married to Sarah and has a successful career. However, he is still struggling with depression. He begins to withdraw from his friends and family, and he starts to drink heavily. His relationship with Sarah deteriorates, and he eventually loses his job.
In the third and final chapter, Evan is a divorced alcoholic living on the streets. He has lost everything, including his self-respect. He is haunted by memories of his past, and he is struggling to find a way to move on.
Themes
Actual Sunlight explores a wide range of themes, including love, depression, addiction, and the nature of work. The game does not shy away from difficult topics, and it offers a unflinching look at the human condition.
One of the most striking things about Actual Sunlight is its exploration of depression. The game does an excellent job of capturing the isolating and debilitating effects of this condition. Evan’s depression is not simply a plot device; it is a central part of his character. The game forces the player to confront the reality of depression, and it challenges the stigma that is often associated with mental illness.
Actual Sunlight also offers a thought-provoking critique of the modern workplace. The game shows how the relentless pursuit of success can lead to burnout, depression, and addiction. Evan’s story is a cautionary tale about the importance of finding a balance between work and life.
Critical Reception
Actual Sunlight received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its well-written story, its realistic characters, and its unflinching exploration of difficult topics. Many critics hailed the game as a masterpiece of interactive storytelling.
Legacy
Actual Sunlight is a landmark game in the interactive story genre. The game’s innovative use of text and its unflinching exploration of difficult topics have set a new standard for the genre. Actual Sunlight is a must-play for anyone interested in interactive storytelling, and it is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.
Personal Reflection
I first played Actual Sunlight in 2014, and it has stayed with me ever since. The game’s story is deeply personal and moving, and it has helped me to better understand my own struggles with depression. I believe that Actual Sunlight is a game that can change lives, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a meaningful and thought-provoking experience.
Call to Action
If you are interested in playing Actual Sunlight, you can purchase it on Steam, GOG, or the Humble Store. The game is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
