Adventures With Anxiety is a one-of-a-kind and strong game that turns the usual way of telling stories. Rather than guiding a normal hero, players enter the thoughts͏ of anxiety itself—a figure that thinks it's keeping its person safe from the world. This smart change makes for an interesting story that mixes fun, feeling, and important points on mental health like few games have done before.
What makes this game unique is its warm but funny view of the inside parts of worry. The tale follows a person facing daily tests, while the player—playing as their worry—tries to steer their choices. The aim? To keep them safe from risk… even if that risk is just made-up.
This storytelling approach allows for a deeper understanding of how anxiety works. It's exaggerated at times, yes, but that’s where the magic lies—it mirrors the irrational thoughts and heightened fears that many people experience in real life. Every dialogue choice you make affects how the story unfolds, creating a personalized narrative each time you play.
The game’s cartoon-like visuals are charming and expressive, helping to balance the serious themes with lighthearted art. Characters are drawn in a way that makes their emotions pop off the screen, and the sound design subtly enhances the mood, from anxious tension to humorous relief.
What ties everything together, though, is the writing. It's witty, poignant, and deeply relatable. You'll laugh, you'll think, and—if you've ever dealt with anxiety—you might even feel a little seen.
Adventures With Anxiety is available to play online at monkeymartgame.org. The game plays directly in your browser—no downloads or installations required.
Here’s how to play:
Controls: Use your mouse or trackpad to click on dialogue choices and navigate through scenes.
Make Choices: You’ll be given options that represent anxious thoughts. Choose how anxiety responds to situations in your human’s life.
See the Impact: Your decisions influence your human’s behavior and emotions, so every choice counts.
Play Again: Multiple outcomes and dialogues mean you can replay the game for a different experience each time.
The game is more than entertainment—it’s an invitation to reflect. Real discussions regarding the part anxiety plays in our lives and how it attempts to protect us—even when doing more harm than good—are sparked by it.
Adventures With Anxiety is a worthwhile game if you prefer contemplative narrative games like Kong Adventure or Monkey Quest.