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❤ Gameplay Loop

You assume the role of a 12-year-old guard tasked with deciding whether to admit or deny entry to over 100 unique fantasy characters at the castle gates. Each day, you interrogate a series of characters, using a limited number of actions such as talking to them, employing investigative tools, or consulting biased advisors. Based on the gathered information, you then choose to admit, deny, or jail each character, aiming to earn a 4-star rating that indicates an optimal decision. If dissatisfied with an outcome, you can rewind time to the start of the day or to a specific character, allowing you to experiment with different approaches. This time travel mechanic is central to the loop, encouraging you to find the best strategies for each scenario.

❤ Investigative Tools and Resources

Your toolkit includes a truth serum, metal detector, and x-ray scanner, each with limited charges that you must manage carefully. You also receive advice from various biased advisors, each with their own agendas, which you must weigh against the information provided by your tools. You can upgrade your guard shed by spending earned currency on improvements, such as increasing the number of charges for each tool, adding an element of progression and strategy.

❤ Consequence-Driven Decisions

Your decisions to admit or deny characters have meaningful consequences that unfold throughout the narrative. Characters you interact with may reappear later, and your past choices can impact these encounters in unexpected ways. This encourages you to consider the long-term ramifications of your actions, as seemingly minor decisions can have significant ripple effects.

❤ Balancing Efficiency and Exploration

While you work against the clock to process characters efficiently, the game also rewards exploration and experimentation. Taking the time to thoroughly interrogate each character, even if it means missing the 4-star rating, can uncover additional narrative threads and unlock new possibilities. This balance between speed and depth keeps the gameplay engaging, as you must decide when to prioritize efficiency and when to delve deeper into the stories.