PC Critic Reviews

Even if We Are Chicago isn’t always fun, it does feel uniquely valuable.

It’s too bad that its production values and general lack of polish keep it from ever achieving a proper moment of emotional transcendence… [but] there’s enough earnest desire to show you the world through a glass darkly that We Are Chicago isn’t without value.

I do think it’s worth commending We Are Chicago for its noble intent, even if that intent largely results in an endeavor that is unable to harness the enormity of its subject matter into something meaningful and digestible for its audience. I think there’s definitely room out there for games that explore real human issues, and We Are Chicago seems to have had the best intentions behind it. The story buried behind the bland presentation and emotionless dialogue is one worth telling, but it’s one worth telling in a way that can better represent the truth behind it.

We Are Chicago raises real issues that still plague parts of America, and encourages young people to stay away from gang violence, and this goal is praiseworthy – but between the flat graphics, the uninspired characters, and the nausea-inducing camera movement, We Are Chicago isn't an enjoyable gaming experience.

Sure, We Are Chicago forces you to witness a terrible event, but it does nothing to capitalize on the unique strengths of gaming. You can’t fruitlessly attempt to prevent the atrocity from happening or speak to anyone about the aftermath; you just go from point to point and listen to actors who sound completely detached from everything.

Good-nature intentions aside, however, We Are Chicago stumbles when it comes to presenting a polished and ultimately memorable gameplay experience, failing to capitalize on the depth of its poignant subject material.