For those who have experienced periods of deep sadness and struggled to regain their footing, you might find a connection with Plodding Recovery. Crafted by Japanese indie creator Rinda, this game offers a thoughtful exploration of how one copes when life feels overwhelming.
Plodding Recovery centers on Koishi, a young man who has recently endured a physical and mental breakdown. Over 60 days, players engage in everyday routines such as journaling, interacting with others, watching television, and resting. As Koishi navigates the cadence of daily life, he gradually begins to heal and recognize aspects of his life he has overlooked.
Four key parameters guide Koishi’s daily existence: Oh Well, Know Yourself, Don’t Overdo It, and Frivolous. Oh Well represents a more accepting, passive outlook, centered on the idea that “this is fine,” even when circumstances are less than ideal. Know Yourself encourages introspection, helping Koishi become more attuned to his emotions and habits. Don’t Overdo It teaches the importance of recognizing one’s limits and taking breaks when needed. Lastly, Frivolous involves bending rules to accommodate personal needs and safeguard oneself. Through dialogue choices and daily activities, Koishi gradually gravitates toward specific mindsets.
The conversation and diary activities stand out as particularly engaging aspects of the game, offering opportunities for interaction and self-reflection.
Engaging with others initiates a unique minigame where players progress the conversation by selecting dialogue options. The aim is to boost the other person’s satisfaction by choosing fitting responses, each of which consumes Heart—a resource used for daily actions.
Writing in the diary places Koishi in a meditative state where he explores his inner thoughts and articulates his emotions. Depending on the choices made, Koishi reflects on experiences differently, altering his perspective on the world.
Beyond Heart, which dictates daily actions and restricts movement if depleted, players must also monitor Today’s Mood and Words Worth Keeping. Today’s Mood reflects Koishi’s daily state, influencing the Heart meter and sleep quality. Words Worth Keeping are gathered from various activities, conversations, and moments of reflection, serving as prompts for diary entries.
While Plodding Recovery tackles serious themes, it avoids sensitive content such as medication, self-harm, suicide, violence, and sexual themes. The developer emphasizes that the goal was to address mental health without resorting to “misery.”
Plodding Recovery is available on Windows and macOS (Steam). A launch sale offering a 15% discount is currently active until August 26.