Developed by Emily Mitchell
Published by Wired Productions
Released for Xbox One (11/14/2019)
Also on Mac/PC/PS4/Switch
Official description from Microsoft Store:
Fractured Minds is an immersive artistic short game, exploring anxiety and mental health issues.
Winner of the BAFTA Young Game Designers Award, Fractured Minds is a game created by Emily Mitchell, then 17-years-old, with the hope of aiding understanding and awareness of mental illness.
Embark on a journey through the human psyche and experience six atmospheric and thought-provoking chapters, each symbolising a different aspect or challenge associated with mental health issues; from isolation to anxiety, with everyday situations being distorted beyond recognition.
Raw, emotive and earnest, Fractured Minds demonstrates that video games are capable of communicating vital messages in imaginative ways. It is a game that seeks to encourage empathy and champion support for the millions living with mental health issues.
Wired Productions is proud to support Safe In Our World, a gaming industry charity striving for mental health awareness. 80% of the proceeds will help fund Emily's career as well as future initiatives from Safe In Our World.
Xbox Overview Review:
Fractured Minds is a short game; one that you'll likely finish in under an hour. The $1.99 price point should be taken into account but to be honest I didn't mind the short length. The game's 6 chapters each provide a decent amount of variety and while the graphics are simple, they look nice enough. Each stage has a sort of puzzle you'll need to figure out in order to progress, but the solution is never too difficult after a little exploration. No two puzzles are alike; one stage will have you in a bedroom searching through drawers filled with keys trying to find the single right key, while another will take you out to the city streets where you trying to match symbols on the backs of strangers. Each puzzle serves as a way to open the door to the next area, showing how difficult something as simple as opening a door can be to one with anxiety.
One has to admire the fact that this is an award-winning indie title from a 17-year-old. Emily Mitchell, the game's creator, suffers from severe anxiety and wanted to express this affliction in video game form. While she created it under the influence of anxiety, the scenarios are general enough that those suffering from other illnesses will be able to relate as well. Fractured Minds is short, but conveys a powerful message and is well worth a look, especially for the super-cheap asking price. The game also contains a ridiculously easy achievement set that can be unlocked in under an hour, so achievement hunters will find something to like here as well.
Final Verdict: Fractured Minds is a short walking sim that tries to demonstrate what it's like living with anxiety and other mental illnesses. A very reasonable price point and a profound message make this one easy to recommend, and as a plus there's easy gamerscore too.
Related Links:
Buy Fractured Minds - Microsoft Store
Walking Simulators - Xbox Overview
Interview with Emily Mitchell - IGN
Safe in Our World - Official Site
Wired Productions - Official Site
Fractured Minds - Metacritic
Fractured Minds - GameFAQs
Fractured Minds - True Achievements
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