—Look at the world around you, and see that left long forgotten. Room 301 is a narrative game portraying the lived experience of those with Alzheimer's. Progress through similar puzzles time and again. Each day, you must sort through your belongings to see your past: your slowly fading memories
The gameplay loop tasks players with navigating a series of mazes while simultaneously interacting with the environment on the right side of the screen. Players use the WASD keys to move through the maze and the mouse to examine and collect items within the environment. Each day, the game challenges players to find four key items that hold significance in the protagonist's life. As players progress, the maze navigation becomes increasingly difficult, mirroring the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. To counter this, players can find and use "Pill Bottles" that temporarily enlarge their field of view, providing a brief respite from the blurred and hazy visuals.
Many reviewers praise the game's ability to authentically recreate the experience of living with Alzheimer's. The use of "fuzzy borders" and gradually worsening visual impairment effectively simulates the cognitive decline faced by those with the disease. This, coupled with the need to repeatedly navigate familiar environments and search for important items, provides a visceral and emotionally impactful experience for players.
Reviewers highlight the game's strong narrative and emotional resonance as a major strength. The story, conveyed through the protagonist's gradual loss of memories, is praised for its poignant and deeply personal portrayal of the Alzheimer's experience. Those with personal experiences of loved ones affected by Alzheimer's or dementia often express a strong emotional connection to the game, noting that it helps them better understand the challenges faced by both the patient and their caregivers.
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