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You're absolutely right. Nobody's experience is any different! A majority of games you play follow a linear story that does not change at all to the player's decisions. This is very much by design, and just because you don't like it doesn't make it a terrible game. Start Survey wasn't even intended to be considered a "game" in the first place, but rather as a short story about a man who realizes that all his choices were programmed, and that he is, in fact, the UI of a computer. 

The jumpscare isn't why I consider it a horror game. I consider it "horror" because it's like The Twilight Zone. In fact, I spent a good deal of time studying the story structure and methodology of The Twilight Zone before writing my script. The horror isn't in the unsettling room, or the visions you see in the dark. The horror is found in the deep philosophical implications of whether or not free will exists.

Also, contrary to what you said, I poured far more love and effort into making this game than most (if not all) of my other games. This is a story that I've been wanting to adapt for a long time, and I finally have the skills and opportunity to make it. People's opinions on the game, good or bad, do not define the amount of time, care, and detail that I tried to put into every corner of it.

I understand why you don't like the game, and I think it's a valid reason to not enjoy something. However, rather than providing constructive criticism, which I would have respected quite a lot, you blatantly bashed me and all the people who have enjoyed Start Survey who have supported me and given me real / helpful feedback.

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One year ago, I was in a very bad place mentally. This by no means excuses my actions, and I won't be deleting or editing what I said because it stands as a testament to where I was and it gives context to both the  reply from the creators, and this reply now. 

If I could clarify my original opinion of the game in a more constructive way, I would have to say that I was disappointed that it was called a game, not a narrative.

Having some time and distance from that original reaction (and reading the response from the creators) I would like to say that it accomplishes what it set out to be very well. After all, what is video game design, but another way to tell a story? What I can say to my past self is, "If you're disappointed in the lack of agency during the story having an impact on the result of the game, play a different game."  If I were trying to be more malicious, I would probably say "You must really hate movies and books huh?" But let's cut me some slack here. 

PixelDough's response is not only thoughtful and respectful. It also shows a lot of respect for their work and the product itself. If you want a REAL review of this game, take their reply as FAR more accurate of a review than my original comment.

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Happy to hear you’re in a better mental place now. Thank you for taking the time to come back to this as well! I don’t normally check my notifications anymore on itch, but I saw this comment and I think it’s awesome that you’re still here and are strong enough to say that. Hope life is treating you well now, and thanks again for this reply :)