"My Child Lebensborn" is a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed attempt to tackle a sensitive subject matter, resulting in a game that falls short of its lofty ambitions.

The game follows the story of a child born into a Lebensborn program in Norway during World War II, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and the long-lasting effects of war. While these are undeniably important topics, the execution leaves much to be desired.

First and foremost, the gameplay is painfully repetitive. Players are tasked with caring for their child by feeding, bathing, and playing with them, but these activities quickly become tedious and monotonous. There's little variation or challenge to keep players engaged, leading to a sense of boredom and disengagement.

The story, while compelling in theory, is hampered by stilted writing and one-dimensional characters. Dialogue feels forced and unnatural, with characters spouting exposition and moralizing about the horrors of war in a way that feels more like a history lesson than genuine storytelling. As a result, it's difficult to form any real emotional connection to the characters or their struggles.

Graphically, the game is a mixed bag. While the hand-drawn art style is charming and evocative, the animations are stiff and awkward, with characters moving in a robotic manner that detracts from the overall immersion. Environments are similarly lackluster, feeling sterile and lifeless rather than vibrant and lived-in.

Perhaps most troubling is the game's handling of its subject matter. While it's clear that the developers intended to shed light on the atrocities committed during World War II, the game often feels voyeuristic and exploitative, using the suffering of real people as a backdrop for its simplistic gameplay mechanics. It's a tone-deaf approach that does a disservice to the gravity of the subject matter.

In the end, "My Child Lebensborn" is a well-meaning but ultimately misguided attempt to tackle a complex and sensitive topic. While it may appeal to players looking for a thought-provoking narrative experience, its shallow gameplay and ham-fisted storytelling leave much to be desired.

i cried this game was awful but in the good way. also ig only the remastered is available on steam now but its the same thing so 😛