Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG), Visual Novel
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Dischan Media
- Publishers: Dischan Media
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos: A Deep Dive into a Unique and Thought-Provoking Visual Novel
Introduction
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos is a visual novel series featuring Winter Harrison, a student mediator from a utopian world. Learning to Manage Chaos is the first entry in the series, and it was released in 2013. The game features two distinct endings, unlockable bonus art, an animated opening video, and a jukebox of in-game music.
Gameplay
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos is a kinetic visual novel, meaning that the player has no control over the story or the choices that the characters make. The player simply reads the text and watches the story unfold. The game is divided into chapters, and each chapter focuses on a different character or relationship.
The game’s story is told through a combination of text, images, and music. The text is well-written and engaging, and the images are beautiful and expressive. The music is also top-notch, and it helps to create the game’s unique atmosphere.
Characters
The characters in Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos are well-developed and relatable. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and the player can’t help but feel invested in their stories.
Winter Harrison is the protagonist of the game. She is a student mediator from a utopian world, and she is trying to learn how to deal with the chaos of the real world. Winter is a kind and compassionate person, but she is also naive and idealistic.
Kai is a mysterious and enigmatic character. He is a member of a group of rebels who are fighting against the utopian government. Kai is a complex and contradictory character, and the player is never quite sure what to make of him.
Anya is a strong and independent woman. She is a doctor who works in a refugee camp. Anya is a caring and compassionate person, but she is also fiercely protective of her patients.
Story
The story of Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos is complex and thought-provoking. The game explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. The game also asks the player to question the nature of utopia and the price of peace.
The game’s story is told in a non-linear fashion, and the player is given the opportunity to experience the story from multiple perspectives. This allows the player to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
Themes
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos explores a number of important themes, including:
- Love and loss: The game explores the different types of love, and the pain that can come with losing a loved one.
- Redemption: The game explores the possibility of redemption, and the idea that even the most flawed people can change.
- The nature of utopia: The game asks the player to question the nature of utopia, and the price of peace.
Conclusion
Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos is a well-written and engaging visual novel with a unique and thought-provoking story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the art and music are top-notch. Highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
