Hi there!

I'm one of the 6 judges for this RPG Maker Game Jam 2025. I was one of the 2 judges assigned to your game, and we have been assigned to rate your games according to each metric highlighted on the game's main jam page, and submit these ratings to the organisers, who will then appropriate what happens with that. Please contact them in the Q&A if you have any further questions about the judging process. The judges will work on different time schedules, so even if I may have finished playing your game, the entire process might not be finished as of yet. Many of these reviews I am posting while still judging.

All that aside, I'd like to share my VOD of me playing your game, which contains up to an hour of gameplay, and some final thoughts at the end! Depending on whether I stopped the VOD early or not, it will also contain many of the thoughts that I say to you below, which may cause repetition. So just be aware of that.

I will also attach a review below this VOD. I will not disclose my ratings for each category as of yet, but those will be revealed in due time. Not all judges are required to post a review or VOD to each game, but many will do so even if it's optional, including myself.

Here's the VOD:

I'll be honest, I didn't quite get to the stage where Anxiety truly hindered me, because I kept Anxiety out of the red for the majority of the playthrough.

What I did like, first of all, was the concept in general. The idea that anxiety would be a thing that you have to go outside, and deal with people, and try to "fight your way through life", so to speak. It is a metaphor that has been explored in games before, but it's the type of ludonarratively resonant idea that I still think is one of the best advantages of gaming in particular as a medium. There simply is no replacement for representing emotions, or unseen values of life, as gameplay mechanics in games. It's an unparalleled metaphorical tool of the gaming medium.

The free-roam nature of the city was interesting. I do think that after a short time, the dodging of people began to feel a little more "gamey" and I was able to easily dodge people, and I don't know if it posed a significant threat, other than the occasional message, followed by using a skill to heal my anxiety. However, at least it wasn't extremely difficult to the point of frustrating.

There were several passability issues in the game, that you can see if you watch the VOD. Mapping bugs, passability issues - nothing that stops you from finishing the game entirely, but it does make it feels somewhat unpolished around the edges.

All in all, I liked the idea and the concept of the game, but I do feel as if I was missing some dramatic central thrust. Say, for example, getting to know the character better, or progressing some kind of central plot in a meaningful way. Not all games have to have plot, but I do think that there was a feeling of missing a central "hook" of the game that would hook me in and keep me engaged throughout the process. Whether it be fun battles that need strategy, or a more compelling central narrative exploring specific details about the protagonist's life and goals... something to really *hook* me in as a player.

Because much of what I saw was of a fine quality, it just might need that extra "oomph" to impress me as a player and a judge of a contest.

But all in all, I do like the central theme and messaging of the game, and I appreciate the awareness of people with social anxiety, especially as someone who has suffered with social anxiety and panic attacks in the past. Having to learn coping mechanisms to better my life, and to help me to face my fears, is one of the biggest lessons I've had to learn. It would be awesome to have a game to explore this. Thank you for your attempt, and I'm sure people will be emotionally moved by this, and you can only improve and get better and learn from here. Every game is a gift, including this one. Thank you very much.

Good job! Very interesting concept, and the art provided is excellent. Very good use of gameplay for storytelling. For further improvement, communicate to the player if it is possible to avoid certain situations, such as people talking to them outside - possibly through visual cues, or other signals. Directions could also help guide the player to their destination at the Post Office.

I enjoyed the meaningful commentary on living with anxiety, and I feel this is a good concept for further exploration.