short thoughts on the game "Say NO! More"
^image taken from the "Say NO! More" steam page
First of all, I think the title of the game is brilliant! "Say NO! More" is a game about saying 'NO!' in an environment where 'yes' is the norm. It's about standing up for yourself when you're expected to be a doormat.
The game is quite heavy-handed with this message, cartoonishly beating you in the head with a squeaky hammer engraved with 'NO!'. Even the gameplay is similarly straightforward and borders on being a walking simulator. Normally I'm turned off by preachy morals in games. But I think it's actually thematically consistent here.
Whenever I have to turn down an invitation or stand up for myself, my mind scrambles to come up with an acceptable excuse. Anything will do - migraines, urgent projects, 'family issues'. Anything that won't paint me as a heartless asshole. Anything but 'no'. I spend all this time trying to be subtle and hoping the other person will unravel my true intentions, when a straightforward 'NO!' would be the kinder response. It respects the time of both parties and skips over those silly social mind games in the name of etiquette.
This game also reminds me of the power fantasies I would have at work, especially at my previous job. Sending my shitty boss flying out the window with a loud 'NO!' and everyone stands up and claps. That's definitely a thought I would distract myself with as my previous boss chewed me out.
I really enjoyed this game. It had a message I really needed to hear.
The soundtrack is great too! "No No No!" is my favourite track. It plays when your "NO!" instructor teaches you different ways of saying "NO!".