To Be With You

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.

one of the most profound and cathartic visual novels i've experienced in my life. albeit, when looking at this piece from the perspective of a typical vn, it's narrative falls short. yet the crux of this vn is far from it's story. but rather, the true meat and substance lies in it's anecdotal storytelling; portraying a story that outlines the nuances of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse.
when in the abused's shoes, it's especially hard to even comprehend the extent or validity of abuse. this is highly reflective in the first read, you almost feel like you're stringed along her thought process amidst the gaslighting and guilt-tripping. then it compounds with the suggested re-read, coupled with a director's commentary that deconstructs the nuance in the dialogue. being someone who's experienced an extreme case of ipv and am healing from it, i have never experienced a piece of media that accurately depicts the subtle ways the abuser manipulated their way into a co-dependent relationship. with tactics such as: incorrectly framing situations to benefit the abuser, gaslighting and misleading the abused, isolating and controlling the abused, love bombing out of desperation, and minimising the experiences and self-esteem of the abused; i would even argue that this is a mandatory read to garner a sense of understanding and empathy for victims in ipv situations. it's heartbreakingly educational.
it's a triggering piece, but well worth it. it's hard to see abuse. i didn't see it for years. vns like "to be with you" are paramount to helping people recognise the signs of abuse and encourage people to prioritise their safety and well being in similar situations. and i'm grateful i'm in a position in my life to experience and appreciate this vn in a healthier place in my life. i needed to read this visual novel. and i'm glad i did.

Spoilers, obviously
I cried so much playing this. In the Safe Ending when Chelsea hugs Alsie and tells her it's going to be okay I felt something fall out from inside me and I couldn't hold it in. The tragic scenes in the Bad Ending are worse (especially with the implication that James is going to eventually leave Alsie anyways and could hurt her before that happens), but the kindness shown by Chelsea hurts a victim of abuse even more. All I needed was someone to help me. It's quite an uplifting ending, to be centered on that small act of kindness. Stay safe out there.