Players Like...

❤ Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay mechanic revolves around the protagonist's ability to regenerate and revive themselves after sustaining grievous injuries. Players frequently must inflict self-harm on J.J., such as dismembering limbs, setting her on fire, or experiencing other gruesome forms of self-mutilation, in order to progress through the puzzles and platforming challenges. While this mechanic may seem shocking, the game uses it effectively to tie into the narrative's themes of personal trauma, self-acceptance, and resilience. Many reviewers noted how the gameplay's focus on self-harm cleverly mirrors the protagonist's internal struggles, creating a powerful synergy between the interactive elements and the story.

❤ Puzzle Design

The gameplay centers around solving environmental puzzles that often require players to utilize J.J.'s ability to injure and reform herself. Common solutions involve using dismembered body parts as weights or tools, or deliberately harming J.J. in specific ways to access new areas or pathways. The puzzles grow increasingly complex, tasking players with experimenting and finding unconventional ways to overcome obstacles. While some reviewers found the difficulty uneven, with a few overly cryptic sections, the majority praised the creativity and variety of the puzzles, which consistently leverage the self-harm mechanics in innovative and thematically-consistent ways.

❤ Platforming Challenges

In addition to puzzle-solving, the game features challenging 2.5D platforming segments that test the player's dexterity and timing. Many platforming challenges revolve around J.J.'s fragile, regenerating body, requiring players to carefully navigate hazardous environments while accounting for the protagonist's limitations. Reviewers noted that the clunky, somewhat imprecise controls, while occasionally frustrating, ultimately enhance the sense of vulnerability and struggle inherent to J.J.'s journey. Despite these control issues, most players found the platforming to be a satisfying complement to the puzzle-solving, with the two gameplay pillars working in tandem to create a cohesive and thematically-resonant experience.