Actual Sunlight Game Review

Actual Sunlight was created by Will O’Neill using RPG Maker VX Ace. This platform allows for creators to make use of their creativity in creating a narrative. Through Actual Sunlight, the developers explore the themes of depression and unfulfilling work based upon the creator’s experience. Indeed, the game begins with the player waking up as a 30-year-old man named Evan Winter. Evan feels lonely, unloved and describes his life as a soul going through the motions unconsciously. He goes to his corporate job, buys video games, plays, eats junk food and goes to sleep. All that on repeat. Evan tries to go on about his days but is constantly challenged by dark thoughts.

This game proposes a powerful message to its audience: You are not alone. This simple phrase holds great power because it allows for a community of people who may feel disconnected to others or to their own life to feel a sense of belonging. Thereby, giving them enough hope to get the help they may need. Others may not feel that connection to the game but can gain a better understanding of how it may feel to be in the position of the main character.

Although simple in the design and the gaming mechanisms, we can learn a great deal from how the creator used RPG Maker. The way the maps are designed allows to set the mood of the narrative. Here, simplicity suited the themes explored. Moreover, the distinction between the plain interactions with the other characters opposed to the elaborate interactions with objects allowed to emphasize the character’s loneliness. Actual Sunlight sheds light on the experience of being depressed from a lived experience point of view. The rawness of the game allows for the player to put themselves in the character’ shoes and to have a glimpse of the reality of someone with depression. Finally, ending with a message of hope that it can get better.