That Dragon, Cancer

GameSpewGuest Post

10/10

While That Dragon, Cancer is quite niche and definitely isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, I’d strongly advise anyone to at least have a go at it. It’s easy to play and understand, it’s visually striking, and it’ll tear your heart out and throw it away without remorse. More importantly, it’s an honest game with real emotions laid bare for all to witness; there’s no sugar-coating here. The whole experience is a father’s love letter to his sick son and it really is something else, in terms of gaming. It’s practically impossible to compare to any other gaming experience that’s come before it, because i...

GameSpotJustin Clark

9/10

The father, son, and the holy spirit.

IGNLucy O'Brien

8/10

Made by husband and wife team Ryan and Amy Green, That Dragon, Cancer is both a moving tribute to their son Joel and a confessional of sorts for a pair who have experienced the most heartbreaking of human tragedies. For me, the cumulative effect was one of disarming intimacy with its creators, and while occasionally clunky interactive elements hinder rather than amplify its message, That Dragon, Cancer is a gut-punch of an experience that handles its difficult themes with grace and brutal honesty.

GameWatcherJohn-Paul Jones

8/10

Although perceptibly divisive in execution and theme, it becomes difficult to imagine an individual that would experience That Dragon, Cancer and not feel richer and better off for having been immersed in its bittersweet storytelling as the end credits roll. While some might be understandably put off by the slim pickings of traditional genre fare on offer here, That Dragon, Cancer staunchly remains as an experience that everybody should let into their lives regardless.

VideogamerTom Bardwell

8/10

No summary available

PC GamerJames Davenport

75/100

A family processes their child’s terminal illness in That Dragon, Cancer.

DestructoidLaura Dale

7.5/10

That Dragon, Cancer is a beautiful experience, if one that would have benefited considerably from having content cut to improve the flow, pacing, and tone.

Metro GameCentralDavid Jenkins

7/10

A very brave attempt to use video games to inspire empathy and share grief over one of the most sensitive subjects imaginable.

EurogamerMartin Robinson

An understandably personal work, That Dragon, Cancer's sentimental excesses place a minor dent in a powerful, brave game.

VGChartzVGChartz Staff

Unscored

Dan plays the deeply emotional, and epic tale, That Dragon, CancerDisclaimer: I backed That Dragon, Cancer on Kickstarter.Sensitive and truly emotive subjects are still quite rarely touched upon [...]