To Be With You

I don't say this lightly, but: This is an important game. Sharing their own experiences within a fictional narrative, the developer sheds a light on common abuse dynamics and manipulation tactics and may actually help victims and their friends to recognize abusive behaviour. I especially applaud the decision to include a "Director's Commentary", which becomes available after finishing one playthrough and explains the strategies used in the game by an abuser, James, who gaslights, controls, and slowly isolates his partner Alsie from her friends.
"To Be with You" is a challenging experience, especially if you're an abuse victim yourself (which is the case for me), but I highly recommend playing it (to everyone feeling comfortable and emotionally stable enough).
The only issue I have with the game is that the "resources" section pointing to websites and hotlines for victims of abuse has to be unlocked, as well. It should be available from the get-go.

This game hit a little close to home, and not gonna lie, made me cry.
I love this game because of their resource for hotlines, and a note at the end for people dealing with abuse.
This game shows a topic that not many people would open up about, and I think it's important to try expressing them.
I know that's easier said than done, but if any of you guys are dealing with anything please try your best to get help.
I hope everyone does fine.

This was so hard to go through. If you have been emotionally abused please beware of getting triggered, the depictions of abuse, gaslighting and manipulation are extremely accurate.

Every once in a while, there comes a game that elevates itself to more than just a game.
In this case, To Be With You, this was not just a run of the mill visual novel game, but is a very candid, raw, and sincere experience written from the POV of our main character Alsie, who is in a toxic relationship.
The creator of the game has mentioned in the game store page that this is a semi-autobiographical game that's partly based on her own past relationship with an emotionally abusive boyfriend.
The quality of the writing is excellent. As I play through the game, although I've recognized some of the techniques Alsie's boyfriend is using to emotionally abuse her, I couldnt help but still want to "fix" her boyfriend because "I love him", and when you love someone, of course you would want to fix them? Wouldn't you?
And that's when you realize that's how gaslighters in toxic relationships trap their victims. They gaslight, they always pin the faults onto you, they make you feel worthless, they make you think it's all your fault. They make you doubt your own self worth and they make you feel useless, powerless.
My first run of the game I got the bad end, because I got so fixated on the idea of trying to fix her boyfriend out of depression. I didnt realize myself/Alsie had fallen into a deep depression myself. I didnt realize that until it was too late.
You honestly dont see games like this a lot, and you honestly dont see a lot of games with this kind of topic. Which is exactly why I think this game is important. It makes you think after you play it. it gives you insights into human interactions you may not have experienced before. Or if you have experienced similar situations before, as the story/your choices in the game unfolds, it teaches you how to recognize when you are in a toxic relationship.
I don't feel right rating this game and I dont feel like using the word "entertained" is the right way to describe what I got out of it. I think I would describe it as an emotional, and educational experience.
Like I said, it is something more than just a game. And I praise the the developer for crafting this mature, realistic, and at times heavy, experience.
Now I must play the game some more times, I want Alsie to have a good ending.

Alright, let me tell you about "To Be With You" by llus Seed Games. This game is a semi-autobiographical interactive visual novel that delves into the struggles of a woman named Alsie as she navigates a relationship that seems to be falling apart. She's moved in with her childhood friend and long-distance boyfriend, James, but things aren't going smoothly.
The game explores some heavy themes, and it's not afraid to tackle difficult topics head-on. It deals with emotional abuse, gaslighting, mental illness, and divorce, so it's definitely not a light-hearted experience.
The developer has done a remarkable job shedding light on common abusive dynamics and manipulation tactics through a fictional narrative. It's not easy to do, but they managed to create an important game that may actually help victims recognize abusive behavior and empower them to seek help.
One standout feature of the game is the "Director's Commentary" that becomes available after finishing a playthrough. It explains the strategies used by James, the abusive partner, as he gaslights, controls, and isolates Alsie from her friends. It's a powerful addition that adds to the game's impact.
Now, I have to mention that "To Be With You" is a challenging experience, especially for abuse victims like myself. It hits close to home, but I still highly recommend playing it to anyone who feels emotionally stable enough to do so. It's a game that can offer insight and understanding for those who may not have experienced such situations themselves.
My only gripe with the game is that the "resources" section, which points to websites and hotlines for victims of abuse, has to be unlocked. I believe it should be readily available from the start to provide immediate support for players who may need it.
All in all, "To Be With You" is an impactful and important game that sheds light on abusive relationships and manipulation tactics. It's not an easy journey, but it's one that's worth taking for those who can handle its heavy themes.

A gripping narrative with commendable insight in conveying thought as well as feeling through text. This is especially apparent given the minimalistic visuals, which I do not consider to be a drawback bearing in mind the productive usage of color. Sound is well-utilized with sound effects, music that blends seamlessly in the midst of reading, and silence as well. An effective and evocative cautionary tale.

This game really shows what it's like to be in an abusive relationship that uses gas lighting as a war tactic against their partner/friend. For those who do not know what gas-lighting is: It's a word to describe manipulation by psychological means to question ones sanity. Basically you start to blame yourself for the abuse you are going through. You begin to think you're to blame for everything that's wrong.
The developer did a great job showing this in this semi-autobiographical story. I found myself crying and at times angry for the victim. I saw so much of my past self in this story.
I applaud the developer for this gem. I hope it helps others.