Kind Words Review (Vitlöksbjörn)
Kind Words is a game that should have no way of existing. And yet it does, and is exactly what it looks like.
Consider the nature of what kind of people play video games. So many of us are social outcasts, maladjusted, bitter, self-centered, often hateful. The stereotype that a typical gamer is a manchild exists for a reason. Some gaming communities are unfathomably toxic places, second only to actual hate groups (and newspaper comment sections). So you'd think that a game where the main "skills" for the lack of a better word are kindness and empathy would be instantly overrun by trolls and extremists, and nobody would use it anyway.
You'd be wrong.
I've been using Kind Words for more than 3 years, sometimes because I needed some advice, sometimes because I just felt like giving back to the community. And I think there was only one case where I got a letter that was somewhat out of line, and only one case of a request that was something dumb and improper. Apart from that, the contents of the letters carried by the Mail Deer are earnest and helpful. People write about their actual fears and issues, and they get actual responses in return. I've done both, many times.
Surprisingly, the quality of the advice is really good, too. Many letters I've received have legitimately changed my perspective on things, gave me tools to deal with a situation at hand, or at least provided a moment of solace and understanding. I know that whenever I write a letter I really do it out of pure goodwill for my fellow man, and I only respond to requests I can somewhat relate to. Seems like many others follow the same logic.
A minor complaint would be that it feels like the majority of users are teenagers, or uni/college age people. So for people who are above that age bracket, some advice might seem misguided, and issues a little juvenile. But I honestly don't think that should matter - human suffering can't be compared. A heartbreak of a 17 year old girl is just as valid as the gnawing loneliness of a 23 year old man. And besides, it's always good to hear the perspective of someone who's in a completely different place in life than you.
I honestly can't recommend Kind Words enough. It won't substitute for therapy, but it sure works as a painkiller for your everyday woes and more. But most importantly, it's a game that managed to foster kindness. And that's an incredible achievement.
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