The Hollow Vessel is an indie pay-what-you-want visual novel that deals with feelings of depression, isolation, and alienation. It tells the story of an unlikely connection between a discarded doll and a strange slime creature. After meeting in a garbage dump, the two characters become close. Through this bond, they find hope and comfort, even in a difficult situation.

The visual novel genre encompasses a wide range of different games. The Hollow Vessel shares its moody aesthetic with horror games like Don't Open Your Eyes. However, in terms of its themes, it is closer to LGBT romances like Vampire Slave. Despite these similarities, The Hollow Vessel doesn't fit neatly within genre boundaries.

More like a visual short story

Visual novels often have very limited interactivity. The Hollow Vessel is an extreme case of this, having no interactivity at all. As a player, you make no decisions other than to proceed with the narrative or quit. There is only one ending to the game. Also, the game is very brief, clocking in at around 15 to 20 minutes.

If you're not put off by the lack of traditional gameplay, you can enjoy The Hollow Vessel's story. Mostly set in a single location, it describes the growing closeness between a broken doll and a slime creature. At first, the doll's story seems dreary and hopeless, but her new companion can help her find new strength.

A unique indie creation

The Hollow Vessel is brief and simple, but it has some fascinating concepts in its story. Particularly impressive is the way it presents the possibility of hope in bleak circumstances without being chirpy or sentimental. It's definitely low-budget, with simple graphics and dialogue that can sometimes feel overwritten. But the sincerity of its storytelling shines through in its short length.