Grief
Ongoing coverage on Grief.
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The Bear: Unpacking All Five Meanings Behind the Title
This article unpacks the multiple meanings behind the title of the television series 'The Bear.' The title refers to the nickname of the protagonist, Carmy Berzatto, as well as symbolic representations of family, grief, aggression, and the city of Chicago itself. The analysis explores how these layers contribute to the show's narrative and character development, particularly Carmy's internal struggles.
Duskfade Review – Time to Clock In
Duskfade is a 3D platformer with hack-and-slash combat that evokes classics from the PS1 and PS2 eras, but features modern production values and a surprisingly deep narrative exploring themes of grief and nostalgia. While the combat can feel shallow, the engaging platforming, imaginative environments, and charming story make it an approachable and enjoyable experience for families, with a campaign lasting around 10-12 hours. The game reviewed on PC performed exceptionally well, maintaining high frame rates.
Locke & Key Review: Netflix’s Three-Season Blend of Stephen King Dread and Rowling-Style Magic
This review discusses Netflix's adaptation of Joe Hill's Locke & Key comic series, comparing its blend of Stephen King-esque horror and J.K. Rowling-style magic to the source material. While the series softens some of the comic's darker elements for broader appeal, it successfully maintains a consistent magic system and delivers a complete narrative arc across its three seasons.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day first reactions say it's like "a mini Avengers film" and Sadie Sink's…
First reactions to Spider-Man: Brand New Day are overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it Tom Holland's best outing as the web-slinger and comparing it to an "Avengers film." Critics praised the emotional weight, sharp writing, and action, with Sadie Sink's performance also receiving significant acclaim.
Checkpoint’s Queer Game of the Month: July 2026 – I'm Making a Monster
I'm Making a Monster, a visual novel by indie developer Zorkie Studios, explores themes of grief, isolation, and the struggle to cope with loss through a unique monster-building mechanic. The game features extensive player customization, including pronoun options, and a striking watercolor art style. It is praised for its emotional resonance and honest portrayal of complex human emotions.
Appa is a gorgeous, surreal card game about grieving siblings where every move your opponent makes can be reacted to
Appa is an upcoming surreal and vibrant narrative-driven card battler that focuses on two siblings dealing with the death of their father. The game aims to satisfy players visually, a common letdown in the digital card game genre, by offering a unique and reactive gameplay experience.
Checkpoint’s Queer Game of the Month: June 2026 - Greenhearth Necromancer
Greenhearth Necromancer is a narrative-driven idle gardening game developed by the queer-led studio Silverstring Media. Players step into the shoes of a non-binary necromancer dealing with grief after their grandmother's death, using magic to revive her neglected garden. The game blends relaxing idle mechanics with a card-based visual novel system, allowing players to engage with charming characters and make meaningful narrative choices.
Peppy, Please Stop Bringing Up My Dead Dad
Fox McCloud expresses his frustration with Peppy Hare for repeatedly bringing up the death of Fox's father, James McCloud, during combat missions. While acknowledging their shared grief and Peppy's close relationship with James, Fox requests that Peppy seek support elsewhere and stop using his father's memory as a constant point of reference. Fox also touches on team dynamics and Peppy's performance as a pilot.
Award-Winning Narrative Adventure Until Then DLC Afterimages Is Now Available
Maximum Entertainment and Polychroma Games have released Afterimages, a new DLC expansion for the narrative adventure game Until Then. Available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S, the DLC adds two new chapters exploring themes of grief and memory, along with new interactive gameplay elements. A physical edition containing both the base game and the DLC will be released on September 3.
Heaven Crawler Revealed: Atmospheric Roguelite Blends Zelda and NieR Influences With a Story About Grief
Independent developer Carbon Machina has unveiled Heaven Crawler, an atmospheric action-adventure roguelite inspired by The Legend of Zelda and NieR. The game features isometric dungeon crawling, RPG progression, and a narrative focused on grief and loss, set within a mysterious tower. A Kickstarter campaign is planned for September, with a wishlist option available on Steam.
Impermanence is a Narrative Horror Experience About Grief, Coming to PC
Developers Bad Choices Loud Noises and Duckosaurus have announced Impermanence, a narrative first-person psychological horror game for PC. The game centers on a father's grief and obsession as he tries to recreate his son's presence in an abandoned theatre using acoustic levitation, while an unknown entity also listens. Impermanence focuses on character development rather than jump scares or combat and does not yet have a release date.
Swan Song Review - Mysterious mechanical magical music box
Swan Song is a narrative puzzle game developed and published by Business Goose Studios, released on PC on June 5, 2026. Players solve puzzles by composing melodies on a music sheet to guide a swan, exploring themes of terminal illness, death, and grief within a magical music box setting. While praised for its cohesive design and presentation, the puzzles lack significant challenge and the story can be familiar.
Schrodinger’s Call launch trailer – heartfelt narrative adventure hits Nintendo Switch
Schrödinger's Call, a narrative adventure game developed by Acrobatic Chirimenjako and published by Shueisha Games, has launched on Nintendo Switch. The game is an emotional visual novel exploring themes of grief and connection, set in the final moments before Earth's destruction. Players guide Mary, who has lost her memory, as she listens to the final calls of strangers.
Schrödinger’s Call Launches May 28 on PC and Nintendo Switch
Shueisha Games announced that Schrödinger's Call will launch on May 28, 2026, for Nintendo Switch and PC. A free Chapter 1 demo is available now on Steam, and an exclusive Chapter 3 build will be playable at BitSummit Punch. The narrative adventure features picture book-inspired visuals and explores themes of grief, memory, and human connection.
The full story of the Pragmata fan grieving his late daughter, who went so viral he even made it to Capcom: "I wasn't expecting this to reach so many people"
A Reddit user's story about how the game Pragmata helped him connect with his late daughter's memory went viral, reaching Capcom and resonating with many players. The user, who had not played games in 30 years, found the game therapeutic and a way to bond with his current daughter. Capcom director Cho Yonghee acknowledged the touching story.
5 Quietly Great Games We Played in April That Didn't Trend on Twitter
This article highlights five lesser-known games released in April 2026 that offer significant quality despite minimal mainstream attention. Titles like the visual novel Fishbowl, the relaxing adventure The Gecko Gods, the quirky cooking game KuloNiku: Bowl Up!, the unique octopus stealth game Darwin's Paradox, and the action platformer ChainStaff are recommended for players seeking engaging experiences outside of major releases.
Wolverine star Hugh Jackman breaks his Rotten Tomatoes record… with a talking sheep movie
Hugh Jackman's latest film, The Sheep Detectives, has become his highest-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing his acclaimed role as Wolverine in Logan. The family-friendly mystery has been praised for its heartwarming themes of accepting death and confronting grief, with a notable cameo from Emma Thompson. Jackman may also reprise his role as Wolverine in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Adik Masih Menyesal Ajak Barbie Hsu Liburan ke Jepang
Dee Hsu expressed regret over suggesting a family trip to Japan last year, following the death of her sister, Barbie Hsu, in Japan at age 48 due to pneumonia. Dee Hsu shared her feelings of guilt and regret on her talk show, Dee Girls Talk, reflecting on the last moments with her sister and questioning if the trip contributed to the tragic outcome.
Fishbowl Review – No matter what, you got through the day
Fishbowl is a narrative-driven game that explores themes of grief, loneliness, and mental health through the story of Alo, a recent graduate navigating a new job, city, and the start of the COVID-19 lockdown. Players help Alo sort through memories by opening boxes, while also managing her daily well-being and work tasks. Despite some minor explanation issues, the game is praised for its strong narrative, impressive sound design, and gorgeous graphics, offering a rewarding emotional experience.
The House of Hikmah review: Labyrinths of the mind & soul
The House of Hikmah, developed by Lunacy Studios, is a puzzle platformer that explores themes of grief and growth through the lens of Islamic Golden Age scholars. The game offers a philosophical journey for players.