Colors are wrapped in black (Free Adventure) - Introduction and Review

Preface

This article introduces "Iro wa Kuro ni Tsutsumarete," the first game I played at the 13th WoodyCon held in July-August 2021.
I was drawn to the game by its unusual genre—a "true story-based adventure x simulation"—and its unsettling title, which seemed incongruous with its cute thumbnail, so I started playing.
The completion time was approximately 2 hours.

Game Overview (No Spoilers)

"The Color is Wrapped in Black" is an adventure game where you read text and choose options.

The story begins with the protagonist, Midori Kawai, joining a certain company.
I was surprised to see that you can create works like this using the WOLF RPG Editor, with its visual novel-like interface.

As it's based on real-life experiences, the book's highlights include its specific and detailed descriptions of workplace interactions and job duties.
However, it's not exactly a fun and cheerful story, so I wouldn't recommend playing it when you're feeling down.
I recommend playing when you have some free time and are in a relaxed state of mind.

The game incorporates simulation-like elements, allowing players to choose what actions to take during their private time.
All your choices, including your actions here, will affect the ending you choose in the final stage.
Instead of making a hasty, random choice, consider what you would do in that situation and make a choice you won't regret.
The accumulation of seemingly insignificant ways in which we spend our leisure time can sometimes be a source of comfort, and at other times it can lead to despair.

Also, this game basically uses autosave.
While selecting "Continue" allows you to resume from a specific scene, you cannot directly restart from any point of your choice.
Rather than repeatedly loading saves and searching for what seems like the correct choice, I think it's better to play by choosing what you think is the best option in each situation, just like in real life.

Review (contains spoilers)

The following contains spoilers.
Please be aware if you haven't played it yet.

There are two main types of games that I find interesting.
One reason is that the gameplay and tasks themselves are enjoyable.
Another aspect is that the game provides players with an invaluable experience.
The appeal of this game lies in the latter: its detailed depictions, based on real-life experiences, evoke vivid, realistic emotions in the player.

The themes at the heart of the story—experiences at a toxic workplace, ASD/ADHD, and escapism into the inner world—are not exactly uplifting to play.
However, I think it's a work with strong energy in that it deeply moves the player's emotions.

Works based on real-life experiences don't unfold as conveniently and dramatically as fictional stories.
However, in exchange, you get a documentary-like realism.
The ending I saw offered a glimmer of hope, but I suspect this was done to avoid a particularly bitter aftertaste, precisely because it's a game.

The final exchange with the president seems like it could end on a positive note, but the author's emotions are revealed in the way they choose not to let it end that way.