One Chance

One Chance is a Flash game developed by Dean Moynihan and released on Newgrounds on December 2, 2010. It has been frequently cited in video games literature as an interesting and moving use of permadeath mechanic (permanent death). In the game, the player controls a scientist who has created a cancer-attacking "cure"; when it is released in a gas form it begins to cause the extinction of all life by unexpectedly targeting all living cells, rather than just cancer cells. The player is given six days to create an antibiotic, after which point one of several endings may be achieved depending on the choices made. A web browser cookie prevents the game from being played more than once. Plot Players assume the role of a Dr. John Pilgrim, who has a wife named Penny and a daughter named Molly. Pilgrim is the leader of a small group of scientists who have discovered what seems to be the cure for cancer, titled E48K15. They soon realize that the experimental cure doesn't just kill cancer cells, but all living cells as well. The cure is released into the air, and the player is given 6 days to save the Earth. Gameplay WhatGamesAre describes the gameplay as that of "a simple adventure game where you can walk around, talk to people and open doors. Every day the game changes the scenario up a little bit and reinforces the message of how much time is left. In the end... the results are stark and affecting." There are multiple endings, and some reviewers asked readers to share their own personal experiences on how they chose to spend their last 6 days on Earth before the ceasing of all life.