Do No Harm

Release Date: March 6, 2025

Adventure, FPP, fantasy, horror, medical, Cthulhu, simulation elements, singleplayer

91%

Steam

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A first person adventure game with simulation elements. Do No Harm allows us to play as a village doctor and the game was inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works. We must treat patients, while also trying to deal with the influence of the horrifying cosmic creatures distorting the reality. A single playthrough is 30 ingame days and we can unlock 10 different endings.

Gameplay
Graphics

Do No Harm is an adventure game with simulation elements, inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It was developed by Darts Games studio from Azerbaijan.

Gameplay

In Do No Harm the action is viewed from a first-person perspective (FPP).

Treating patients

During the gameplay, we take on the role of a village doctor, who sits behind his desk and receives patients struggling with various ailments. Looking at them closely (aided by a magnifying glass), we recognize the symptoms of their diseases, and then match them to the cases described in the medical book (which is often more difficult than it might seem).

The book is a source of ancient prescriptions on which we base the treatment process. We prepare medicines (selecting the substances that make them up in the right proportions), which we then administer to our patients. Some of them are unclear. Combined with the ambiguous symptoms of diseases, it means that we regularly have to rely on our own interpretation, which in turn involves the necessity of taking calculated risks.

Fear and its effects

The reality in which the protagonist operates is distorted by nightmarish creatures from another world. They affect the protagonist, causing him to hallucinate (which makes him see his patients as terrifying monsters) and preventing him from interacting with objects. As if that wasn't enough, under their influence, a doctor may mix up prescriptions, which could even result in the death of the patient.

The game takes place over 30 days, and as progress is made, the hero's environment becomes increasingly hostile. How his fate will unfold, as well as which of the 10 endings of the story we will see, depends on our actions and decisions.

Graphics

The graphic design of Do No Harm is maintained in a cartoonish style, although at the same time it is quite dark (which is due to the color scheme and lighting).

Videos and Screens

[1:29] Do No Harm - Gameplay Trailer

91%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Positive (33)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Unique Concept: The combination of a Lovecraftian theme with a doctor simulator offers a fresh perspective that many players find intriguing.
Art and Atmosphere: Players consistently praise the game's art style and eerie atmosphere, which enhance the overall experience.
Engaging Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics, such as diagnosing patients and making moral choices, are noted to be engaging and challenging, providing a sense of satisfaction once mastered.
Multiple Endings: The game features multiple endings, encouraging replayability and exploration of different outcomes based on player choices.
Puzzle Elements: Many players enjoy the puzzle-solving aspects, comparing the gameplay to other titles like "Papers, Please" and "Cultist Simulator."

The main cons of the game

Lack of Clarity: Many users express frustration with unclear mechanics and insufficient guidance on how to treat patients effectively, leading to a trial-and-error approach that can feel punishing.
Resource Management Issues: Players frequently mention the imbalance in resource management, particularly regarding the limited supply of medicine (like laudanum) and the overwhelming number of hallucinations or effects that can occur in a single day.
Frustrating Gameplay Loop: Some reviewers feel that the guessing game aspect can lead to unfair outcomes, where players are punished for making logical decisions based on the information available.
Bugs and Technical Issues: Several reviews point out bugs and UI issues that detract from the experience, with some players experiencing game-breaking problems.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Better Tutorial/Guidance: Players desire clearer instructions and tutorials, especially regarding the humor wheel and the use of various tools for diagnosis and treatment.
Achievements: Many users express disappointment over the lack of achievements in the game, which could provide additional goals and enhance player engagement.
Endless Mode: Some players wish for an endless mode or additional content to continue playing after completing the main storyline.
Balanced Mechanics: There are calls for adjustments to the game's mechanics to provide a more balanced experience, particularly in terms of resource availability and the frequency of adverse effects.

Summary

Overall, while "Do No Harm" has garnered a dedicated fanbase due to its unique premise and engaging atmosphere, it faces criticism for its unclear mechanics and balancing issues that could benefit from further refinement.

Summary generated on: March 24, 2025