Between two accounts and considering offline mode, I've spent well over 1000 hours on this game. It's lightweight, highly replayable, good randomization especially in multiplayer, and lots of custom content including a hundred maps or campaigns. You get all that with a story that's focused on just a few characters but much more personal than the average big-damn-heroes style of most shooters or the anonymity of many old-school and indie horrors. Simon is a relatable character you can breathe into, he's imperfect but competent, and he says more with his scarce remarks than someone commenting on everything they see or making bravado gestures over killing ... whatever these 'things' are.

Cry of Fear was my transition from the lighter side of gaming to the heavier side and I'm glad to have found it (through TvTropes Minecraft page comparing the games' caves and tunnels for that 'always watch your six' tension). CoF was almost the only game I played for years, except a few similar titles such as Grey and Nightmare House. It helped me get through a lot of my boredom and negative feelings throughout school and starting my career as I grew from a teenager with similar issues into an adult who had to become more assertive and self-authored.

After spending a lifetime gaslighting myself about my problems personally, with people, and what makes home home, Cry of Fear gave me that perspective on how it can be to go through radical change, crushing emotions, and seemingly endless hollow situations where there's always some monster (metaphorical or not) around the corner waiting to crawl on your back and charge you - and no solution or escape from it all, at least, except for community and coming to terms with things. It's a game that tells you that you're not alone and your problems are both valid and understandable to others, and I think that means a great deal. I feel that the community really understood that when I was involved in it a few years back.

I can't believe this is free and a crappy indie game that is somehow popular about unpacking boxes is £16

This game makes me feel suicidal........10/10