You won't need a haircut where you're going... mostly because you're bald. Inspired by Earthbound, Undertale, and other alt-RPGs, Nepenthe is a hand-drawn game made of dad-jokes and existential dread. Also cookies. Lots of cookies.
The game offers players two distinct gameplay modes to choose from. In "Adventure" mode, combat encounters feature a unique Bullet-Hell style mini-game where players must skillfully dodge enemy attacks. During these battles, players can also time button presses to land attacks in a rhythm-based system. In "Story" mode, the Bullet-Hell combat is removed, allowing players to progress through battles with a more traditional turn-based RPG approach. Both gameplay modes allow players to approach combat in different ways. Players can opt for a pacifist route, sparing enemies by resting or using certain items, or they can choose to eliminate foes outright. These choices have consequences and can impact the story's progression and the multiple available endings.
Beyond the combat, players can examine and interact with a vast array of environmental objects, each with their own unique and often humorous descriptions. This encourages thorough exploration, as players never know what delightful surprises or insights they might uncover. The game world is presented in a hand-drawn, crayoned art style that is both charming and visually distinctive. Navigating this whimsical landscape and uncovering its secrets is a core part of the gameplay experience.
The game is designed with a focus on replayability, offering three unique endings that are determined by the player's choices and actions throughout the adventure. This encourages multiple playthroughs, as players seek to uncover the different narrative paths and their consequences. The overall pacing is well-balanced, striking a fine line between moving the story forward at a brisk pace while still allowing players to thoroughly explore and interact with the world. The brief runtime of around 2-3 hours per playthrough ensures that the experience does not overstay its welcome, making it an engaging, bite-sized adventure.
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