Fit check
Is DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Players who want a comedic RPG about mental illness and self-discovery
- RPG fans who prefer real-time combat without random encounters
- Players interested in exploring a town and meeting more than 100 NPCs
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking deep character progression may find the minimal upgrade system too limited
- Players who prefer random encounters may not suit the fixed encounter structure
- Players looking for a consistently serious tone may not enjoy the cynical comedy and absurd situations
- Players seeking a large-scale RPG may find this light adventure too compact in scope
Our take on DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale
The defining detail is its real-time combat system, where the advantage constantly switches between the player and the enemy.
What is DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale?
DON’T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale is a humorous role-playing game about a troubled developer pursuing success while dealing with figures born from his own inner struggles.
Its narrative unfolds through two story routes set across two realms, including a descent into the hero’s subconscious to confront darkness and a hostile force. Combat takes place in real time, with control of the upper hand moving between the protagonist and opponents. Exploration centers on a town containing arcades, strip clubs, burger restaurants, and coffee businesses, plus over 100 distinct non-player characters.
This light RPG has no random battles and offers only a small number of upgrades. Later confrontations demand greater skill. Its subject matter covers human connection, growth, emotional collapse, discovering oneself, social anxiety, and mental illness.
How DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale plays
- 01Two story lines
- The narrative unfolds through two story lines set across two worlds.
- 02Shifting combat advantage
- Real-time battles repeatedly change which side has the advantage.
- 03Town locations
- The town contains arcades, strip clubs, burger joints, and coffee chains to explore.
- 04Large NPC cast
- The game includes more than 100 unique non-player characters.
- 05Minimal upgrades
- Progression uses few upgrades, while later gameplay calls for greater skill.
DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale compared to similar games
Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition focuses on an unconventional story, characters, and soundtrack, while DON’T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale presents two story lines across two worlds with shifting real-time combat. Back to the Dawn centers on prison survival, investigation, crime, corruption, and escape, while DON’T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale centers on inner demons, social anxiety, and a comedic RPG adventure.
DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale: platforms & release
Is DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale worth it?
It is worth it if: players who want a comedic RPG about mental illness and self-discovery. Skip it if: players seeking deep character progression may find the minimal upgrade system too limited.
Where can I download DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is DON'T GIVE UP: A Cynical Tale on?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
