q.u.q.
by motijan, Nikita Kryukov
The Developer Says...
q.u.q. is a surreal visual novel about a somewhat crude girl that wanders a desert.
Keywords
Players Like...
❤ Gameplay Overview
The visual novel experience centers around reading through the story and making choices that affect the narrative and endings. The game clocks in at around 1-2 hours to complete, with 9 unique endings for players to discover.
❤ Narrative Choices and Replayability
Players navigate the story by making choices that lead to different endings. Many reviewers noted that obtaining all endings often requires following a guide or replaying the game multiple times, as some of the required choices are not immediately apparent. However, this emphasis on replaying to uncover the various narrative paths is a key draw, with players highlighting the game's replayability and desire to see all it has to offer.
❤ Branching Narrative and Player Agency
While relatively short, the game's narrative branches significantly based on player choices. Even choices that lead to abrupt "bad" endings give players a strong sense of agency in guiding the protagonist, Hacchi, through the surreal and unpredictable story. The ability to make meaningful decisions that impact the outcome creates an engaging experience, with players invested in the consequences of their actions.
❤ Surreal Storytelling and Exploration
A major highlight of the experience is the game's unique, surreal world and storytelling. The mysterious, post-apocalyptic desert setting is filled with strange, dreamlike occurrences and characters, which reviewers praised for creating an immersive, unsettling atmosphere through the visuals, music, and narrative. While the story may not always be straightforward, players are compelled to explore this peculiar world and uncover its secrets.
❤ Accessibility and Brevity
Despite the complex themes and narrative branches, the game's short length of 1-2 hours makes it relatively accessible. This quick, digestible experience, combined with the low price point, has been noted as a positive by many reviewers, allowing players to easily dive into the game's unique world without a significant time commitment.
