Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk
" Emotional indie adventure with unique pixel art and immersive soundtrack but very short gameplay "
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk Review
Milk inside a bag of milk inside a bag of milk is a short, experimental visual novel that offers a deeply immersive and unsettling glimpse into the mind of a young woman struggling with severe mental illness. Players guide the protagonist through the seemingly simple task of buying milk, but the game quickly reveals the complexity of her mental state through distorted visuals, confusing dialogue, and an eerie soundtrack. The narrative explores themes of anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, and trauma, emphasizing the difficulty of everyday actions for those with mental health challenges.
Despite its brevity—most players complete it within 20-40 minutes—the game is praised for its unique art style, atmospheric sound design, and effective storytelling that evokes empathy and reflection. While minimal in gameplay mechanics, the interactive dialogue and multiple endings add personal depth. The game is considered a valuable, thought-provoking experience, especially for those interested in mental health representation, though some players desire more narrative depth and length.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game's unique pixel art style and disconcerting, immersive soundtrack that perfectly capture the protagonist's mental state.
The storyline is lauded for its authentic and sensitive portrayal of mental illness, especially OCD, anxiety, and schizophrenia, providing a rare window into such experiences.
Gameplay mechanics, though minimal, are appreciated for their innovative use of dialogue choices that reflect the protagonist's internal thoughts, enhancing immersion and emotional impact.
The game's ability to evoke strong emotions and provoke thoughtful reflection is frequently highlighted as a key strength.
Criticisms
Many players note the game's very short length as a downside, with some feeling it lacks sufficient depth or content.
Several reviews mention the limited gameplay and interactivity, describing it more as an interactive experience than a traditional game.
Some players felt the story was too straightforward or lacking complexity in exploring mental illness, desiring a more nuanced or compelling narrative.
A few users expressed difficulty connecting emotionally with the protagonist or found the pacing and narration confusing.
Price was occasionally mentioned as slightly high given the short duration, though most agree it is still worth the cost.
Pros
- • Unique pixel art style effectively conveys the protagonist's mental state.
- • Eerie and immersive soundtrack enhances the unsettling atmosphere.
- • Authentic portrayal of mental illness fosters empathy and understanding.
- • Interactive dialogue choices reflect internal struggles realistically.
- • Short but impactful narrative leaves a lasting emotional impression.
- • Multiple endings encourage replayability and personal engagement.
- • Fourth-wall-breaking moments add creative storytelling depth.
Cons
- • Very short gameplay may leave some players wanting more.
- • Limited interactivity makes it feel more like an experience than a game.
- • Story can feel simplistic or lacking narrative depth for some.
- • Occasional confusing pacing and dialogue detract from immersion.
- • Emotional connection with protagonist not universal among players.
- • Some consider the price a bit high for the content length.
- • Few gameplay mechanics beyond dialogue choices.
Rating Criteria
A short story about what sort of challenges everyday little things can be. Help the girl buy milk, be the first not to disappoint her.