The Suicide of Rachel Foster

Before I say anything else, I need to give a special warning. Above all else, this is a game about Stockholm Syndrome. This mental disorder was named after an infamous incident in Stockholm where the hostages not only began to sympathise with the bank robbers, but one victim actually married one of the robbers. The condition is common in abuse victims, and this game attempts to give you a glimpse of how Stockholm can twist you.
In this game, you are Nicole, the daughter of a child predator whose victim (Rachel Foster) committed suicide ten years ago. It ripped your family apart, and now you're forced to return to where it all happened - right before a blizzard leaves you stranded and alone. Your only contact with the outside world is an inexperienced FEMA agent.
As the days pass, Nicole begins to learn things about those horrible events that get darker and more twisted with each discovery. As Nicole's world begins to unravel, she starts grasping for anything that can help her keep her sanity. It's up to you to make her final choice.
Most of the negative reviews say this game justifies child predation, but it doesn't. You're looking through the eyes of a victim who's been so scarred that she can't handle what she's now learning, and the two endings can only be appreciated if you recognise that this is a game about Stockholm Syndrome and how there are more victims in abuse cases than the one being directly abused. If you can't accept that, you'll hate this game. Otherwise, it's a very well-handled psychological horror that puts you in the mind of a victim reliving her worst nightmare.
The game can be a bit slow at times, but it has its moments and even a few decent jumpscares. Its atmosphere is great, and keeps you on edge. While I would have liked a third, more positive ending, it just isn't possible without destroying the whole point of the player experiencing what it's like to have Stockholm Syndrome.
All in all, I do recommend this game, but get it on sale since you likely won't have the stomach to replay it. And be warned, this one is NOT for the skittish or those who can't differentiate between having a severe mental illness and willful consent.

After reading multiple reviews I was turned off from this game based on the narrative directions the reviews suggested that it takes.
To be fair, many reviews do suggest it's worth playing, so as it's $2.00 right now, and since I'm a sucker for spooky walking simulator/ narrative adventure games, I thought I'd give it a go for myself (Moons of Madness was MUCH better than reviews suggested so, what the heck)
I have to say I'm surprised by some of the criticism this game has received. Yes the main character's father was a bad person, and yes many of the characters are broken people as a result and try to find forgiveness and justification in the aftermath, however after completing the game I did not AT ALL take away that the game was trying to justify these behaviours to ME as a player. I felt the story was pretty clear in demonstrating how bad these decisions were, and the damage they did to the people involved.
Maybe I'm crazy, or missed something, but all I experienced was a fun spook-house walking sim with great graphics, a great setting (the hotel looks fantastic), great voice acting, and an engaging narrative with surprising twists and turns about damaged people in the aftermath of a series of tragic events.
For what it's worth, and for $2.00, I absolutely recommend this game unless you consider yourself to be particularly sensitive to the topics.

I absolutely do NOT understand from where people are pulling their reviews of this game, because I wholeheartedly disagree that it romanticizes or normalizes or excuses any of the dark subject matter that is relevant to the story. On the contrary, I think it perfectly shows just how extensive the damage can be when one individual makes a violent, selfish decision. It shows the consequences that others face even after the perpetrator is dead and gone, and the events are seemingly pushed from everyone's minds. I believe these stories are psychologically and socially important to be told, even despite their heavy-on-the-conscience topics. I personally say well done to the devs for the narrative, the gameplay, and the soundtrack and design. The game itself is quite beautiful, the main characters are charming, and the suspense can definitely get tense. Despite there not being any explicit horror, there were some moments that really gave me the heeby-jeebies. The overall emotional and thought-provoking effects were also something I appreciate at the end of a story. Finally, there's no unnecessary ambiguity in my opinion. You don't get every detail outright, but you get plenty enough to feel that the ending is complete.
Side note replying again to other critical reviews: there is a VERY clear disclaimer at the beginning of the game that describes the kind of content players will encounter and to not play if you are sensitive to it. It's totally not fair to judge games or developers about dark themes when you've been warned not just once, but every time you load the game.
If you're into a story and lore-driven experience with deep and dark psychological themes, and don't mind taking a bit of a backseat drive as far as gameplay, I'd highly recommend TSORF.

The romanticization of a pedophile becoming obsessed with a minor as old as his daughter does not sit right with me. The map design and ambiance carried this game completely. Story honestly felt awkward at most points and the ending was senseless. If I could I'd give this game a mixed review rather than a positive. There were some bugs that broke the game and like other reviewers I did not get the achievement for completing the game. 5/10

all we need is good old drama and unexpected ending!
was quite surprised to see so many negative reviews. i liked it. simple but enjoyable, give it a try and see for yourself.

With every step and every turn, I was half expecting Jack Nicholson to appear with a fireaxe saying "Here's Johnny!"
The game is a walking simulator so don't expect much gameplay as it focuses more on exploration and object interactions. The atmosphere with the tension buildup is nice! It is not great compared to really good Indie horror games but I like how it's set up like a movie with the abrupt ending transition to each passing day and starting the next day in different time and places. The Voice acting is quite good especially the main character, hence it gives the feeling more from of a movie than a game.
Now the cons: The graphics settings ingame is very limited and you would need to tweak out the game files a bit to tone down the visuals and remove the horrible motion blur/effects. I also read a lot of complaints pertaining the head bobbing(although it didn't bother me much) I understand how it can be almost unplayable when coupled with the messed up motion blur. Lastly, A part of the storyline where The ending part decisions makes no sense, kind of dumb actually
Game is quite short but overall I think it's still worth it to add to the memories of horror gaming experience.
P.S. the crawlspaces might give you claustrophobia.

I really don´t know how to even begin with this review.
Yes I enjoyed playing it a lot. That´s why i gave it a positive review even though I got quite a lot a critic.
Consider it a mixed review.
No question this game has amazing ambiance and game design.
Presentation is clearly a 10/10. Can´t argue with that.
I didn´t get bored playing it. In fact I really wanted to find a twist in the story.
BUT that´s exactly the problem. The game plays around with you and gives you hints that Rachel might still be alive even though it should be obvious she isn´t. The story is driven by hopes for you to find disturbing informations about your family. It tries to make you believe that they are good people when it couldn´t be more far from the truth.
I really don´t understand what the game tries to communicate.
It´s build on heavy ideas of actions with lots of shock value. It´s just a topic that doesn´t sit right with me. It´s uncomfortable.
Such an issue that results in permanent damage like suicide or abuse should NOT be used for shock value!
I feel like it morally wrong.