That's Not My Name
About That's Not My Name
That’s Not My Name is an indie game that taps into a deeply personal experience of being misidentified by name. Whether it's intentional or not, being called something other than what you prefer can feel frustrating, and this game explores that emotional territory through a lighthearted yet meaningful narrative. Players take on the role of a traveler returning to their hometown, where the local elder refuses to let them continue their journey until they've caught up with the villagers. However, each villager persistently calls the player by a name that doesn’t resonate with their identity, creating a unique challenge that drives the gameplay.
Through this simple but relatable premise, That’s Not My Name offers an introspective look at the importance of identity and the impact of others' perceptions on self-worth, all while delivering a charming, interactive experience.
Outstanding Features
Personal Identity as Core Theme – The game explores the emotional weight of being misnamed, a relatable issue for many people. It cleverly translates this experience into the gameplay, encouraging players to reflect on identity and how others' labels can affect us.
Narrative-Driven Gameplay – Rather than focusing on action or combat, That’s Not My Name centers around conversations with various characters in the village. The dialogue is where the story unfolds, and the misnaming issue is woven into the player's interactions, creating a story that feels authentic and engaging.
Quirky Village Setting – The game takes place in a charming village full of unique characters, each contributing to the overarching narrative. The small-town atmosphere adds a whimsical layer to the player’s experience as they engage with the different villagers.
Emotional Depth – While the game’s tone may seem lighthearted, the underlying theme of misidentification resonates with a real-life emotional experience. It offers a subtle but impactful commentary on identity, allowing players to connect with the story on a deeper level.
How to Play That’s Not My Name
In That’s Not My Name, players navigate the village and interact with various NPCs to fulfill the elder’s request. Here's a breakdown of the gameplay:
Navigation and Movement – Use the WASD keys or arrow keys to move your character through the village. As you explore, you’ll meet different villagers, each with their own personalities and quirks.
Interact with Villagers – The primary goal is to engage in conversation with the townsfolk. However, each villager will insist on calling you by a name that doesn’t feel right to you, which becomes the crux of the game's emotional journey. Through these interactions, the player experiences how misidentification affects both the character and their relationships.
Confirm or Select Options – Players can confirm their dialogue choices or select menu options using the ENTER key or SPACEBAR. This allows you to progress through conversations and make decisions about how to respond to being called the wrong name.
Pause the Game – You can pause the game at any point by pressing the ESCAPE key, allowing you to take a break or review game settings as needed.
With its thoughtful narrative and meaningful exploration of identity, That’s Not My Name offers a unique experience that resonates on both an emotional and gameplay level. Through a mix of engaging dialogue, relatable themes, and charming interactions, the game invites players to reflect on how they see themselves and how they wish to be seen by others.
