I Am Dead Reviews

I Am Dead is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Oct 27, 2021

I Am Dead takes pains to emphasize that death is not the end for anybody, so much as a transition into something else. It’s a comforting sentiment and a refreshing take on the grisly finality the death is normally viewed with in games. While it’s far from the first story-driven game to examine the concepts of our own mortality, I Am Dead‘s approach to exploring what it means to have lived and died is both quaint and uplifting, and it makes staring death in the face a surprisingly pleasant affair.

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Lee Mehr
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Sep 10, 2021

Although buoyed by pleasant presentation and a warm atmosphere, I Am Dead's lackluster main puzzles make this a more reserved recommendation.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 6, 2021

I Am Dead is a hidden object game where players can get as much or as little out of it as they wish. Those following the story will find a short but simple game, perhaps too simple for some. The secondary objectives add more to do but seem like a compromise to keep adventure veterans entertained seeing as they carry very little reward. Away from the gameplay, I Am Dead dances around the raw emotions of death but deals with its impacts in a pleasant way. All living things must come to an end but memories can live on and have an impact on the future. Whether this game will be remembered in the future remains to be seen.

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85 / 100
Aug 24, 2021

Overall, I Am Dead is still the solid title it was when it was first released on the PC and Nintendo Switch. While it’s short and the gameplay loop does get repetitive, the overall narrative, aesthetics, and audio turn Shelmerston into a beautiful location. Whether it was the traditions of the island, the history of its residents, or simply the beautiful locations, Shelmerston was easily the highlight of my experience. While I Am Dead ultimately explores the afterlife, including memories of those who have passed, I could not help but place greater interest in the overall setting and its residents, both dead or alive.

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Liked
Aug 19, 2021

I Am Dead explores the afterlife with an adventure filled with puzzles and exploration, which quickly falls into repetition with a lack of imagination, despite being a game with its heart in the right place.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Aug 19, 2021

‎Traveling is going to a distant place in search of new experiences, but it is much more than that. Through a handful of sensory stimuli like sounds, I Am Dead is an experience that reminds us that many absences are still abysses of pain in our memory, because they left us unable to give them a proper goodbye. It also claims through its mechanics the layers of personality, from habits and lifestyle to what is beyond people. But above all, it has ‎‎a special vocation for conviviality and love.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

6 / 10.0
Aug 18, 2021

There’s absolutely no challenge in I Am Dead, aside from the easily missable riddles. I understand that some games are about the journey and not the challenge, but most of I Am Dead is a bore.

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7 / 10
Aug 17, 2021

As well as the main quest of finding each ghost, each location contains numerous mini spirits called Grenkins, which have you moving certain objects into particular positions in order to find them. It's a neat way of adding collectibles that has you using the core mechanic in a different way. There's also Mr. Whitstable's riddles, which add a little challenge to each level. He'll give you a set of clues, and they each pertain to a specific thing in that stage, and could be anywhere. Sometimes the clues are too obtuse, but with thorough exploration and a little lateral thinking, the riddles add some substance to a rather breezy game. Wonderful art and relaxing music make the cherry on top of a unique and heartfelt cake.

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3 / 5.0
Aug 16, 2021

Spending time with the citizens of Shelmerston is incredibly charming and makes I Am Dead worth a look. With an unsatisfying conclusion and gameplay, which quickly grows a bit one-note, however, this won’t be a game for everyone. Still, if you want a charming little game to spend a quiet afternoon with, you could do far worse.

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7 / 10.0
Aug 16, 2021

Morris may be dead, but there's no denying that Annapurna Interactive's knack for publishing charming video games with unique gameplay is alive and kicking. Beyond its unique flavour of puzzle, there's a vibrant world full of characters who can't wait to share their stories. If you have the patience to do so, it's well worth hearing them out.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 13, 2021

Its puzzles are nowhere near challenging and the exploration is limited to small areas, but they are still enjoyable thanks to the heartwarming story that unfolds after each section. When combining it all with the vivid visuals and remarkable voice work, you cannot help but feel right at home.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Aug 9, 2021

It’s the narrative and world around you that will keep you playing I Am Dead. The actual gameplay – seeking out objects by manipulating your environment – can feel rather monotonous rather quickly. If anything, I Am Dead feels like a more mature, more evolved take on the hidden object genre, and so it won’t appeal to everyone. But thanks to wonderfully-told stories and a bizarre but delightful mix of fantasy and grounded reality, this is a short adventure that’s fun while it lasts.

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90 / 100
Dec 16, 2020

From ts heartful story that is only made better by a charming set of characters, to the soothing atmosphere of the gorgeous island-town Shelmerston, I am Dead constructs a serendipitous but accurate portrayal of the usually sorrowful emotions around death.

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C+
Dec 10, 2020

I would love to visit the charming island of Shelmerston. Clearly a lot of thought was put into this game and it is enjoyable to discover that. Unfortunately, I Am Dead’s repetitive gameplay, awkward controls, and short story that left me feeling discontent made me overall a bit disappointed.

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8 / 10
Nov 8, 2020

If you are looking for a charming little puzzler and hidden object game then you cannot go wrong with I Am Dead. The story experience can be swept through in a few hours, and they will pass quite quickly, but it's an unforgettable journey.

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4.5 / 5.0
Oct 29, 2020

However, if you’re interested in a strong narrative, fun art, and completing simple puzzles, I Am Dead is the most fun you’ll have this year.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 24, 2020

It's not often that a game has been able to address the celebration of life, though death, quite like I Am Dead.

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90 / 100
Oct 19, 2020

Despite the dark undertones, one might assume a game with the title of I Am Dead has, I certainly felt anything but. The narrative pulls you in immediately. The heartwarming stories you’ll discover are just as great. I didn’t want it to end. Even though I didn’t rush through it, I wish I had spent more time taking in the gorgeous scenery and story. Lately, it seems as though the world is on fire, so why not take some time to pick this up and let Morris and Sparky’s delightful adventure take you for a ride?

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7 / 10
Oct 16, 2020

A very interesting game indeed, I Am Dead isn't top-tier indie magic but it's a hide-and-seek sandbox that will reward you the deeper you go. It's refreshingly content-rich, what with the Grenkins to find and riddles to solve for committed players. An appealing sense of place and strong visuals are only spoiled by some misplaced attempts at quirkiness and some minor control issues. Overall, though, I Am Dead makes us long for the sweet embrace of the reaper. Wait, no. It's just a rather enjoyable game. That's it. Not that other thing. Good god.

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8 / 10.0
Oct 16, 2020

I Am Dead is a deceptively charming and emotionally potent experience. It's hard not to be won over by its good spirit and intricate, lovingly crafted world. Despite its simple gameplay and heavy dose of eccentricity, it's a tender reflection on ordinary lives, death and the power of memory. A game that will linger in the memory.

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