Today I... stands out as a strategy and simulation indie game developed for PC. It centers on managing the demands of personal life, work, relationships, and activist work within a queer association while navigating dysphoria and community involvement. Players shape a full year through deliberate choices that reflect shifting priorities, resulting in varied narrative paths and endings.
Gameplay
The core loop divides into two distinct phases that repeat across the year. The first phase requires fitting events, meetings, protests, and social gatherings onto a calendar grid using tetromino blocks. Careful placement determines the sequence and density of activities for each month. Once the calendar is set, the second phase unfolds as a visual novel where players experience the scheduled events in order. Small minigames appear during key moments, and dialogue choices influence outcomes. Two key resources track progress: Energy and Organization. Both scores rise or fall based on calendar decisions, event order, and in-novel selections. The objective remains straightforward yet demanding: complete the year without either score reaching zero.
Hand-drawn paper aesthetics and self-composed audio reinforce the intimate, punk-inspired presentation. Every decision carries weight because the calendar grid forces trade-offs between rest, work, relationships, and activism. Overlapping commitments can drain resources quickly, while thoughtful spacing preserves balance and opens different story branches.
Game Modes
Play revolves around two interconnected phases that function as the primary structures. Calendar planning serves as the strategic layer, where tetromino placement creates the framework for the month ahead. The visual novel phase then delivers the narrative consequences through sequential scenes, choices, and minigames. No separate competitive or multiplayer options exist; the experience stays focused on single-player progression through the year.
Replay value stems from experimenting with different calendar arrangements and choice paths. One run might prioritize protests and association events at the cost of personal energy, while another emphasizes relationships and downtime. These variations produce distinct narrative outcomes without altering the fundamental two-phase structure.
Themes and Narrative
The story explores the daily realities faced by a queer, trans, and neurodivergent activist. Dysphoria appears alongside moments of acceptance from fellow organizers. Solidarity and queer joy surface during collective efforts for justice, both within the community and in support of others. Relationships evolve based on how much time and attention players allocate amid growing activist demands. The narrative avoids abstraction by grounding events in concrete calendar choices and in-the-moment decisions during the visual novel segments.
Is It Worth Playing?
Today I... appeals most to players who enjoy thoughtful simulation games that blend strategic planning with character-driven storytelling. The tetromino calendar system adds a unique spatial puzzle element rarely seen in narrative titles, while the visual novel and minigame sections provide direct engagement with the consequences of those plans. Those interested in indie experiences that examine activist life, personal boundaries, and community dynamics will find the mechanics and themes align closely with the subject matter.
The game suits individuals comfortable with resource management under time pressure and multiple possible endings shaped by priorities. Its focused scope and hand-crafted presentation reward careful play without requiring prior knowledge of similar titles. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those seeking a reflective single-player journey rather than fast-paced action or large-scale multiplayer systems.
