I love indie games, not just because you can get so many of them for not a lot in the Steam Summer Sale, but because it gives devs an opportunity to create something unique, something they are passionate about and something you won’t find in the AAA space.
Unliving it up
Vampire Therapist is one of those games. It’s a Visual Novel, where you play as Sam, a reformed vampire gunslinger from the Wild West, who has discovered there’s more to eternal life than the stereotypical bloodlust. Under the guidance of Andromachos, a 3000-year-old vampire therapist, Sam learns the ropes of cognitive behavioral therapy and sets out to help his fellow vampires navigate the complexities of their centuries-long existences.
Developed by Little Bat Games, Vampire Therapist has a innovative approach to storytelling and gameplay. With its unique blend of dark humour, emotional depth, and therapeutic gameplay. “Vampire Therapist” is not your ordinary game; it’s a narrative adventure that takes players on a journey through the unlife of vampires seeking inner peace. It’s also incredibly horny, so maybe don’t play it on the Steam Deck at the pub.
Feast your eyes (and ears)
I’ve not played a lot of Visual Novels in my life, but I can definitely say that Vampire Therapist definitely stands out. The character models are brimming with tiny details that capture each character perfectly, and the voice acting is superb. Each of your clients has their own problems – or cognitive distortions as the game calls them – and it’s your job to point them out and help your clients deal with them. It sounds simple, but if you’ve ever had therapy you’ll know that these things are sometimes difficult to hear, and more difficult to pick apart.
The game tackles it’s therapy sessions with a commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance. The scenarios are developed with input from licensed therapists, ensuring that the game’s portrayal of therapy is grounded in real-world concepts. As you engage with a variety of vampire clients, each with their own unique backgrounds and issues, ranging from self-hatred and social media addiction to narcissism and the effects of ancient capitalistic systems, you’ll start to see patterns in their thinking, and maybe even your own, that will help you to help them.
It’s Vampire Therapist’s ability to balance serious therapeutic concepts with a sense of humour and whimsy that really make it an enjoyable and thought provoking experience. The voice acting and dynamic storytelling really make each client compelling. And even though there’s a lot of dark humour and horniness, it never dismisses the genuine struggles of its characters. It’s a game that encourages you to reflect on your own life while exploring the fictional challenges of the undead.
Final Thoughts
Vampire Therapist looks and plays like a labour of love, an original creation that set itself apart from other titles in the genre. It’s a testament to the power of video games as a medium for storytelling and emotional exploration. Whether you’re a fan of vampires, therapy, or just a well-crafted narrative, Vampire Therapist promises an experience that’s both entertaining and enlightening. It’s one of those rare gems that prove games can be so much more than just entertainment. They can be a journey that teaches us about acceptance, growth, and the art of listening "” not only to others but to ourselves as well.
Vampire Therapist was reviewed on PC and released on the 18th of July 2024
