I spent 2.5 hours raking leaves

Leave it Alone presents itself as a whimsical yet torturous experience where players awaken from a coma to the monotonous task of yard work. The primary objective revolves around collecting leaves, a task that quickly escalates into an existential challenge as players are acutely aware of their leaf-collecting speed, tracked in real-time. This mechanic serves both as motivation and a source of despair, compelling players to consider their progress with every second that ticks by. As the player navigates the back-and-forth of leaf collection, they can also engage with a comprehensive journal that outlines various objectives leading up to the game's conclusion, promising a sense of achievement amidst the chaos of foliage. The gameplay is punctuated with humorous touches, such as the absurdity of needing upgrades to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from leaf-picking—an oddly relatable nod to the digital age’s ergonomic woes. Players are introduced to mechanics that allow them to hold a certain number of leaves at a time, initially capped at 50, alongside the thrilling yet daunting task of dumping collected leaves for a mere 20 cents. This slow drip of rewards serves to increase the tension and urgency of the gameplay, as players are left to ponder the seemingly Sisyphean nature of their task: how long will the leaf collection truly take, and is there any end in sight? As players dive deeper into the whimsical world of Leave it Alone, they are met with an array of upgrades and challenges that add layers of complexity to the otherwise straightforward premise. Each upgrade becomes a tantalizing promise of efficiency that players chase after, all while battling the relentless accumulation of leaves. The juxtaposition of mundane tasks against the backdrop of an absurdly exaggerated ecosystem creates a delightful yet frustrating experience. With a playful tone, the game critiques everyday labor, embodying the struggles of pushing through tedious work while simultaneously celebrating the simple act of achievement, no matter how small. All throughout, there's an undercurrent of wit that characterizes the overall tone of Leave it Alone, making the experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Players are invited to reflect on their real-life interactions with nature and work, all while getting a healthy dose of humor that softens the blow of their leaf-raking plight. As they collect and accumulate leaves, they are bound to find themselves laughing at the absurdity of their situation, even as they question their life choices amidst the incessant downpour of foliage. This game transforms a simple yard maintenance task into a metaphorical journey through work, achievement, and the occasional existential crisis, all wrapped up in an unexpectedly engaging package.