Players Like...

❤ Narrative Structure and Player Choices

The branching narrative structure allows players to shape the protagonist Josiah's personality and decisions through a significant number of meaningful choices. These choices determine whether Josiah becomes a coward, a hero, a traitor, or something in between, leading to multiple distinct endings that range from "bad" to "totally horrific." The non-linear structure and varied endpoints encourage players to replay the game repeatedly, uncovering the full scope of the narrative.

❤ Immersive World-Building

Players gradually discover the rich, complex lore of the dystopian, underground City - the last refuge of humanity - through the protagonist's exploration and discoveries. Reviewers highlight how the elaborate terminology, social structures, and philosophical themes draw them into the game's disturbing yet fascinating world, creating a genuinely immersive experience.

❤ Narrative Pacing and Player Agency

With most playthroughs taking 5-10 hours, the game's compact pacing allows players to efficiently navigate the branching storylines and explore the different narrative outcomes. Reviewers praise how the ability to quickly skip previously read text encourages repeated playthroughs without feeling overly drawn out. Additionally, the high degree of player agency through meaningful choices is a key strength, as the consequences of these decisions always shape the protagonist's character arc and the unfolding of the broader story.

❤ Atmospheric Presentation

The hand-drawn art style, featuring detailed character designs and unsettling environments, immerses players in the game's biopunk aesthetic. Similarly, the original soundtrack effectively enhances the grim, oppressive atmosphere, complementing the narrative's tone and themes to create a cohesive, immersive gameplay experience.