Of Moons and Mania
Of Moons and Mania is my account of experiencing a psychotic break, in game form. Inhabit my mind as I lose my grasp on reason. Attempt to piece together cogent responses to questions from doctors, friends, and family as psychosis takes over, and ultimately try to get back to stability.
Key Features
- Inhabit the developer’s mind and build your own responses to dialogue.
- Experience an Autobiographical story detailing the experience of a psychotic break.
- An hour of gameplay.
Developer Statement
I started making this game several years after being hospitalized for a manic episode. I was fixated on the experience for the whole time. Trying to piece together what was real and what was dreamt, trying to even remember the sequence of events in chronological order, and every so often when I thought I had shaken the grip of obsessing about the hospitalization, I would have flashbacks that opened up my freshly healed wounds.
As a game developer, I was fascinated by some of the systems of thought that were going on in my head, and that gave me the idea for this game. I designed game mechanics and systems to tell the story of my psychosis in a different way than I have seen it expressed before.
Making the game really helped me with my flashbacks and organized the way I thought about my illness, and the experience of my hospitalization. I hope that it gives other people some insight into my brain and also into the nature of psychosis and manic depression.
Game Discussion
Steam User 21
My friend worked on this game for about 1 1/2 years nearly every day after work by himself.
The amount of passion and effort that went into this very personal project is something to behold itself.
This game is a true story from someone I care very much about. I think anyone with any experience with mental health problems should play this game, as it will resonate with you.
Don't push yourself too hard.
Steam User 7
"Of Moons and Mania tells a profoundly important story that I’d love everyone to experience."
Of Moons And Mania: A Deeply Personal, Deeply Poignant Mental Health Odyssey
Steam User 6
I don't normally leave reviews, but I think this game deserves one. Personally I found it very difficult to play through the full game, but I'm glad I did. It was a very intimate telling of the developer's experiences, and I applaud them for sharing this so openly to help spread awareness and let people know that they're not alone.
I don't think there's a very good understanding of what people with mental illness, and especially those in psychiatric hospitals, go through. From other stories it seems like it's really hit or miss on the way that they're treated, when in reality they're just suffering and trying their best. I'm really glad to hear that the dev is doing so well now, and I'm sure that gives a lot of hope to people as this becomes more popular.
Steam User 3
This game offers a glimpse into some very personal and seldom-explored aspects of psychosis and mental illness. It's a deeply authentic experience that portrays thought patterns I feel society largely avoids acknowledging. The developer takes you deep into those uncomfortable places and allows you to experience their thoughts and feelings through an unconventional interactive dialog experience. It's surprising how much this mechanic pulls you into their emotional state throughout the game.
I think it's really commendable that the developer chose to share such a challenging part of their life at this level of detail. It's a polished indie title with a great soundtrack, and for only an hour to experience the entire thing, It's absolutely worth a play.
Steam User 2
I loved this experience. As someone who suffers PTSD, I was able to easily relate to the games experiences. It's wonderfully compelling. I don't want to spoil anything. That little orb you control, it's a little piece of art at the expense of someone's downfall, happily they were able to translate it into a compelling experience. We need to need to talk about mental health in the same pride we share our sports injuries.
Steam User 1
very good game/experience. Also a note to the creator: I'm glad you found a way to keep going. Paranoia is really difficult to deal with, even if you're aware it's probably paranoia. Keep going, and I'm glad this game helped you feel better and unpack things. It's rough stuff and I'm glad you made it through it, and if you still struggle with it today then I'm glad you're still making it through it still. It's rough and I hope the best for you
Steam User 9
If you have an hour to burn on being presented with a story of someone who went through something quite intense using a simple game for telling it, do it!
Popped up in the new and trending list for some reason and I'm happy it did. This short (1 hour-ish) story game is very personal. While gameplay is not very challenging and a little clunky at times, it supports the storytelling/pacing quite well.
And as a more personal note to the developer: happy to hear you found your way forward.