In my review of Genesis Noir a few days ago, I described it as a uniquely unconventional game. However, Say No! More arguably surpasses it in this regard. The game centers around an intern at a large corporation who is subjected to constant mistreatment. The protagonist’s circumstances change upon discovering a cassette tape (for our younger readers, a cassette tape was a popular audio storage medium) and playing it on their Freestyle (a portable audio player). The tape contains a self-help message that empowers the intern with one critical word: NO!
Equipped with various inflections and intensities of the word “No,” the player navigates a series of increasingly absurd meetings. The force of these rejections sends characters flying, showcasing the game’s humor and creative design. The game also features “charged No’s” for amplified impact. Notably, the final confrontation involves a boss battle with the office superior!
The game’s aesthetic draws heavily from the 1990s, complemented by a soundtrack that perfectly captures the retro atmosphere. While each character has unique voice lines, a limited number of voice actors are apparent, with some using disguises to differentiate their performances, with varying degrees of success.
Say No! More functions seamlessly on the Nintendo Switch. The visuals are clear and well-presented even on the smaller screen, and loading times are minimal. However, despite the entertainment derived from witnessing characters being launched by your character’s forceful denials, the game lacks substantial challenge. There is no possibility of failure or death, and the player’s path is linear. While encounters are frequent, the humor and rapid pace largely compensate for these limitations.
In conclusion, Say No! More is a uniquely eccentric gaming experience. Although it lacks significant gameplay challenge, it provides enjoyable stress relief, a valuable attribute in gaming. Therefore, I recommend Say No! More, as the ability to assert oneself and decline excessive commitments is beneficial to everyone.
