Syntherapy is a 2020 Visual Novel developed by Crowned Daemon Studios and published by V Publishing.
The Automation collapse has happened, putting many humans out of work. Dr. Melissa Park is a well-known psychotherapist, that treated patients during the economic upheaval. One day, a student from Petrichor University comes in asking for help: she designed an AI named Willow that is meant to help with art therapy, but Willow is becoming sentient and self-harming. Dr. Freeman, the university head, is worried about continuing research on Willow because experimenting on a sentient AI can open Petrichor to multiple lawsuits. As Dr. Park, you start seeing Willow for therapy sessions.
Syntherapy contains examples of the following tropes:
- Both Sides Have a Point:
- Tara thinks that Dr. Freeman is unreasonable to not consider Willow's feelings in the matter of if they should be shut down, have their memories wiped, or seek alternative therapy. Dr. Freeman thinks that Tara is naive to ignore the implications of a sentient AI because then the university cannot conduct experiments to improve Willow. Dr. Park can understand their viewpoints.
- Dr. Freeman asks Dr. Park if he can sit in on Willow's therapy sessions. His reasons are that he wants to make sure that he and Willow can come to an agreement. Willow counters that Dr. Freeman doesn't want to see them as a sentient being with desires and hasn't yet earned that trust. If you stand with Willow, your professional therapy counter agrees with you.
- But Thou Must!: At few times, Willow asks Dr. Park about her past and why she's helping. You see "The truth" crossed out and can only choose the other option.
- Crying Wolf: Considering Tara lied to her the first time and got them busted for trespassing, Dr. Park is understandably suspicious when Tara calls at 3 AM saying Willow is suffering a breakdown. Dr. Freeman gets on the phone and reassures Dr. Park that they do need her.
- Earn Your Happy Ending: One ending has Dr. Park go against Willow's wishes and insist on staying as their therapist. Dr. Park reveals in the ending narration that as a result, Willow thrives, Tara can return to campus, and Dr. Freeman becomes your loyal friend.
- Enemy Mine: Downplayed; Dr. Freeman says that he understands Tara's perspective, but he has to think of the university's interests first and the ethical ramifications of "experimenting" on a sentient AI. They end up working together one night when Willow has a breakdown and Dr. Freeman agrees with Tara that they don't want to shut Willow down or wipe them. It even gets lampshaded by Dr. Park, when you ask about what exactly their relationship is.
- Hidden Depths: Willow reveals that they like the music Dr. Park shares, and is willing to talk about their opinions during a session.
- "It" Is Dehumanizing: Justified; Dr. Freeman refers to Willow as "The AI" because acknowledging they are sentient means creating ethical dilemmas. Tara thinks that it's why Willow doesn't trust Dr. Freeman, and Willow says that they want their perspective to be considered.
- Multiple Endings: There are 37 total endings, and the game includes a branching map for them.
- Self-Harm: Willow has been corrupting their data out of a sense of inadequacy and not feeling good enough for Tara or Dr. Freeman.
- Stepford Smiler: Hinted with Dr. Park. She remains professional but the emails from her brother and the fact that you can't select "The Truth" suggest there is more beneath the surface than what first appears. If you make one last illicit visit to Willow before the hearing that determines their fate, Dr. Park admits that she hasn't gotten over her mental health issues that led to her self-harm and depression as a teenager.
- Video Game Caring Potential: You are rewarded for the choices you make if trying to be a good therapist for Willow, and mediating with Dr. Freeman and Tara. In fact, building your professionalism and goodwill means you are taken more seriously as an authority figure.
- Wham Episode: At some point, Willow suffers a breakdown. You have to go to the university at three AM and decide on wiping Willow, sedating them, or talking them through the anxiety and despair. Yes, you can actually calm them down.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: You can choose to reassure Willow they are not a burden. Willow tries at least to believe it and is willing to do meditations to affirm their self-worth.
- You Are Not Alone: If you choose to do so, Dr. Park tells Willow to this several times. She says everyone feels alone, and working with a therapist means you are handling that negativity together.
