REVIEW / Vampire Therapist for PC

It’s always a delightful surprise when you stumble upon something new and unexpected, especially in the gaming world where genre mashups can often lead to unique creations. Sometimes, the craziest ideas come together to form something wonderfully surprising. At this point, it’s not easy to impress me, as I’m quite set in my ways and usually skeptical. However, Vampire Therapist, a PC game, has managed to do just that, and I can’t wait to dive into the details with you today.

When I first picked up Vampire Therapist, my expectations were fairly low. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the vampire genre with its delicious blend of gore and gothic elements. The idea of mixing that with something like a therapy sim seemed like an odd choice, almost like it would tamper with one of my favorite aspects of horror. Well, it turns out you shouldn’t judge until you’ve given it a fair shot. This visual novel/therapy sim is so offbeat that it’s actually quite entertaining. Some of my colleagues might come after me with pitchforks for saying this, but it’s noteworthy that I’m speaking positively about a visual novel when I usually prefer reading my stories in book form. Yet, here we are.

In this game, you step into the shoes of Sam, an aging vampire who’s grown tired of the typical vampire lifestyle of feeding on innocent victims. After some deep soul-searching, Sam decides to help other vampires work through their issues and become more decent beings. You find a mentor who teaches you the ropes of therapy, and you’re off to put your skills to the test. Of course, the storyline is more intricate than that summary, but it gives you an essential idea of what to expect.

Vampire Therapist presents a string of vampiric clients, each grappling with their unique dilemmas. Your job is to uncover the root of their issues and guide them toward a healthier perspective. Listening closely to what they reveal, you must choose from various options as they emerge, each representing different cognitive distortions. These are common but often misleading thoughts, like how “should” turns passion into obligation. Then there’s “labeling,” where individuals might describe themselves in harsh, inaccurate ways that a friend could help challenge.

The game’s clever narrative manages to address genuine traumas comfortably, maintaining empathy for the characters you support. Whether it’s a doctor hooked on synthetic blood or a theater muse confronting existential fears, the vampires are endearing enough to keep the tone light and prevent the game from becoming too heavy. Vampire Therapist isn’t designed to train you as a therapist or serve as actual therapy, but it certainly encourages reflection, which is fantastic.

I typically refrain from revealing too much so that the experience retains its enjoyment. However, it’s worth noting that some themes might hit close to home for certain players, so consider taking a moment to research beforehand if you think you’d be affected. Even in a fictional context, these themes can parallel real-world scenarios.

Vampire Therapist shines with its gorgeous art and exceptional voice acting. The gameplay is straightforward, involving simple point-and-click mechanics, which is refreshing. You aren’t penalized for missteps either. Thanks to your mentor’s guidance, you can redo sessions without much fuss—a thoughtful design choice that aligns well with the game’s learning-oriented nature.

If you’re a fan of visual novels, spending time in Vampire Therapist’s world may pleasantly surprise you, and coming from someone who typically isn’t fond of visual novels, that’s saying something. The captivating subject matter and stellar writing are definite perks. Keeping my gentle warning in mind, the game, in my view, is absolutely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Vampire Therapist offers a thought-provoking experience, earning high marks for its aesthetics and story, with its replayability also being commendable. Overall, it’s a great value for the money. The game is a delightful, well-crafted journey that fans of visual novels, or anyone seeking something out of the ordinary, will likely appreciate. While it’s not a substitute for real therapy, it’s a fun exploration of intriguing themes.