Vampire Therapist isn’t what you think. Oh, do you think this is about a vampire masquerading as a therapist? Aiight, it is what you think. A visual novel with choices, you play as the immortal cowboy, Sam. He’s lived a couple of hundred years and, while carrying all his emotional baggage, feels it’s appropriate to help others.
He’s still a blood-sucking parasite, though he has a heart. Apparently. Putting the revolvers to one side (while still packing a decent pair of gnashers), Sam utilises the modern CBT approach. I need not explain what CBT is in this day and age—you’re bound to have come across it in one way or another.
Based on my origin story, CBT changed my life, and I promote it to others, so you’ll have to excuse my slight scepticism that a rootin’, tootin’ vampire can employ this within the confines of a visual novel. That said, Little Bat Games takes a responsible approach, having drawn (blood) knowledge from actual practising therapists. This is legit, though you won’t be able to tell people you’re a qualified high-intensity therapist. Well, you can…
Vampire Therapist Game Preview: First Blood
Vampire Therapist might sound a bit boring and academic, but that’s not the case. It applies humour throughout, taking the edge off some of the very serious subjects yet never dismissively and done with care. After all, the themes are based on real life and very relatable. This has the potential to trigger some, but good ol’ Sam will put your mind at ease.
You need not have had therapy or read a self-help book to dive into the world of counselling
Fully voice acted, and somewhat reminiscent of his namesake, Sam Elliott – you might remember his from the real Road House, not that Conor McGregor CGI vehicle – Sam’s dulcet tones will put you at ease. Inner monologues and interactions with fellow vampires are engaging, meaningful, and often amusing. Choices matter here, but one of the first hurdles is understanding the terminology.
You need not have had therapy or read a self-help book to dive into the world of counselling, as Vampire Therapist provides you with a journal to understand Sam’s jargon. If you are familiar with this sort of thing, you can draw some comparisons, but the terms used are unique as they are all defined from Sam’s perspective. As a cowboy. A vampire cowboy. And therapist.
Lay Down On The Couch (But Take Off The Spurs)
There’ll be remarks about rustlin’ and lassoing, which have nothing to do with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. On the surface, however, when Sam interacts with his fellow sun dodgers, he must assess and put them into a little compartment based on their behaviours. You might surmise the issue and identify a trait, but the wording might not make sense as Sam draws upon his life experiences as a cowboy.
This early preview build has given me a thirst for more (blood)
Interestingly, he was a cowboy in his prime, yet he continues to adopt that lifestyle, even when visiting underground techno raves in Germany. It seems a bit of a gimmick, though it’s your foot into this underworld you might never be a part of unless you become a statistic/donor.
Vampire Therapist is intelligent, thought-provoking, and entertaining. This early preview build has given me a thirst for more (blood) and adopt some of the strategies into everyday life. In some ways, I’m profiling family, co-workers and day-walkers, determining what makes them tick and giving unsolicited advice. I’m getting good with a lasso, too.
Vampire Therapist is due for release in Q2 2024. Vampires, CBT and choices that matter – what’s not to love about this psychological adventure? Add it to your wishlist now, and look out for a full review in due course.
