RPGs have the power to touch our hearts and minds, delving into deep and challenging topics. In this article, we explore 8 remarkable RPGs that skillfully navigate the world of mental health and illness. These games bravely tackle subjects like depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and grief, capturing the complexities of these issues and inviting players to embark on emotional and thought-provoking journeys.
Heartbound
Embark on a emotional journey with Lore in Heartbound as he navigates through mental health struggles to find his missing dog, Baron.
Heartbound, by Pirate Software, is a deeply emotional RPG that follows the story of Lore, a young boy facing various mental health challenges while searching for his beloved dog companion, Baron. The game brilliantly captures Lore's isolation and reliance on Baron as a source of support and love. However, when Baron disappears, Lore must confront his fears and anxieties, leading to a powerful exploration of negative outlooks and the impact of our smallest actions on our perception. Although still in early access, Heartbound already offers a captivating and relatable experience with the available chapters.
Ib
Step into the psychological horror adventure of Ib which delves into themes of psychosis, isolation, and trauma.
Ib is a cult classic RPG puzzle game that takes players on a nightmarish adventure as they explore a distorted museum. The game explores deep themes of psychosis, isolation, and terror. As players navigate through the eerie hallways, they encounter mysterious characters like Garry and Mary who seem trapped within the malevolence of the museum. With multiple endings and a silence protagonist, Ib leaves room for players to interpret the story and uncover the psychological elements. The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, allowing more players to delve into its haunting narrative.
Planet Laika
Discover the rare gem of Planet Laika, a Japan-exclusive RPG that uniquely represents dissociative disorders and trauma.
Planet Laika is a renowned RPG that holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese gamers. This rare gem, released exclusively in Japan for PlayStation, takes players on a captivating journey to Mars alongside the protagonist, Laika. The game intricately delves into dissociative disorders and trauma recovery through its symbolic storytelling. While not widely known in the Western world, due to its limited release and language barrier, Planet Laika offers a brilliant portrayal of these mental health themes and invites players to explore their implications.
Earthbound
Uncover the thought-provoking and existential exploration of powerlessness and Western culture in Earthbound.
Earthbound, a renowned RPG first released on the SNES, takes players on a unique adventure in which they control the protagonist, Ness, on a quest to save the world from the evil alien, Giygas. The game artfully combines genuine and satirical elements as it explores various themes, including existentialism and powerlessness. With its clever portrayal of Western culture and human interactions, Earthbound immerses players in a quirky world that touches upon cults, debt, and deeper concepts of evil. This thought-provoking game invites players to contemplate the human psyche and challenges them to confront dramatic and serious issues within the game's universe.
Fractured Minds
Unveil the psychological horror and immersive gameplay of Fractured Minds, which vividly portrays mental health struggles such as anxiety and paranoia.
Fractured Minds is a noteworthy BAFTA award-winning puzzle RPG that provides a profound and immersive experience. Players embark on a harrowing journey as an unnamed protagonist, navigating through a distorted and intimidating world. The game eloquently captures feelings of loneliness, paranoia, and anxiety while showcasing the mocking and belittling mentality of the game world. As players progress through the personal struggles of the protagonist, Fractured Minds authentically portrays the profound influence of mental health on an individual's perception of life. The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox, offering accessibility to a wide audience seeking an impactful narrative on mental health.
Undertale
Embark on an Indie darling journey in Undertale that explores mental health themes through its unique RPG mechanics.
Undertale, an immensely popular indie game, offers an unforgettable experience as players navigate challenging RPG mechanics. The game delves into various mental health themes through its distinctive cast of characters. Characters like Alphys display anxious tendencies, Toriel showcases qualities of agoraphobia and anxiety, and Nabstablook embodies the struggle with depression. Undertale emphasizes the importance of how players treat others and explores the resilience and compassion needed in the face of adversity. Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox, Undertale offers an engaging and thought-provoking narrative that will leave players questioning the implications of their actions.
Lisa: The Painful
Discover a unique post-apocalyptic RPG in Lisa: The Painful that profoundly explores childhood trauma, guilt, and addiction.
Lisa: The Painful is a standout indie RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount. The game tackles heavy themes such as childhood trauma, guilt, and addiction in a deeply introspective narrative. The game's protagonist, Brad, must confront his traumatic past while wrestling with addiction and the repressive society around him. Lisa: The Painful showcases the impact of these mental-health-related struggles and how one person's heroism may be seen as repression by others. Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox, this game delivers a powerful and challenging experience for those seeking an unflinchingly raw portrayal of mental health.
Omori
Immerse yourself in the captivating yet haunting world of Omori as you accompany Sunny on a journey through depression, anxiety, and isolation.
Omori is a highly acclaimed indie psychological horror RPG that originally released on PC and Mac. This game invites players to dive into the introspective story of Sunny, a quiet and withdrawn child who faces profound struggles with depression, anxiety, and isolation. Through unsettling hallucinations and mysterious happenings, Omori creatively explores themes of psychological trauma, sadness, and guilt. Players will be engrossed by the immersive gameplay and emotional narrative, available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Playstation, and Xbox. Embark on this haunting adventure and discover the depths of Sunny's mind and emotions.
Conclusion
The world of RPGs offers a unique and immersive opportunity to explore and understand mental health and illness. These 8 RPGs skillfully navigate the complexities of topics like depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and grief, delivering emotionally rich experiences that challenge players' perceptions. Heartbound, Ib, Planet Laika, Earthbound, Fractured Minds, Undertale, Lisa: The Painful, and Omori all provide thought-provoking narratives and unique gameplay mechanics that delve deep into the human psyche. By delving into these virtual worlds, players are encouraged to reflect and empathize, enhancing our understanding of mental health and the human experience.