The Therapist Gamer

Doki-Doki Universe is a game unlike any I've played before.  In a way it's kind of like classic "point and click" games like Monkey Island, but it has another layer.  I suppose the main purpose of the game is for the player to learn more about themselves, which I think is pretty cool.

 

You play as a robot named QT377665, or is that his model number?  In any case, you are an old, out-dated robot who is left on a small planetoid by a family who is moving.  A little girl in the family says she'll be back for you and gives you a red balloon to keep you company.  After several years of waiting, QT3 is convinced by a passing alien that the little girl dropped him off because he did not have enough humanity (like the newer robot models) and thus he should leave the planetoid, learn about and gain humanity, and find the little girl himself.  

 

You search across the galaxy for various clues about where the girl might be, and along the way you help people with various problems.  By helping them you learn a little more about yourself and gain humanity.

 

But the point-and-click gameplay and story is only half of the game.  The other half is taking quirky personality tests in order to learn more about yourself.  I think this is where the game really shines.  The personality tests are not scientifically validated nor have they likely been subject to rigorous peer-reviewed scrutiny, but they are actually pretty good.  

 

In my experience, most casual personality tests are not really worth much as the test taker simply responds with traits that they desire to have or want to appear to have.  Real psychological tests are much more complex and measure a wide variety of aspects of personality that the average person just doesn't have an awareness of.  The tests in Doki-Doki Universe are light hearted and offer an explanation of your responses after the test.  Though I wouldn't agree with everything, my clinical opinion is that the tests are actually looking beyond the surface and providing some meaningful explanation.  Whether or not the tests are valid is actually not very important because they are designed simply to get you thinking about yourself with a more open mind.  And in this regard, I think this game really shines!