It's an great concept, but as other have said, the game basically cheats to get to the predetermined outcome of you losing. The moment you start to see it, everything becomes a lot less enjoyable.
It also undermines the entire premise and story of the game. The hero is not getting better, he is not changing to fit your tactics. He is simply running through lives until he gets to one that triggers the next phase, until he eventually gets to the one that lets him figure out which exact pixel of the screen he can stand on.
"This game is about the capacity for change" -- The author.
It really isn't. Ironically, the only reason this game works is because everything is set on stone.
i really expected that this would be a sort of branching path experience with the potential for outcomes based on how you act or what you tell the Hero. it seems really cheap on a repeat playthrough when you start to see different dialogue options pigeon-holing you back into the same respoonses
I don't think this was ever supposed to be a skill based game or anything like that. This is a visual novel, but in an interesting and unusual format.
This is a game where you don't have the capacity to change, but the enemy does; i.e. now you have to deal with their changes as they come, while you lack that capacity.
Look at this as an inversion of the traditional grind-based game if you must, but it is still just a very creative visual novel.
This is a fun theory, until you realis the fight sequences are the exact same on every playthrough, nothing changes, and the hero's progress is entirely scripted. I was so excited to play this game and it turned out to be a sad attempt at a conclusion you already know before you start with a method that undermines the entire point.
It is not a theory, this is literally a visual novel. The listed genre is "Interactive Fiction".
On top of that, there's a lot of grind based games that are exactly the same. You use the exact same moves and skills over and over again, nothing changes. You just deal that extra bit more damage for that extra hour of grind, and then try again.
Yeah no I wasn't trying to imply that the game should be skill based or anything. I'm okay if the predermined outcome is you lose. The problem is that in the current way that is implemented it diminishes the entire premise.
(I guess? others should have played already this down in the comment section, 20 minute game people)
I thought the whole point was the hero not giving up, and the lessons that the queen ends up learning, hero does seem to get better every fight, I understand it might not have been in the way you expected, an NPC's AI slowly adapting to everything you do, but this game was more about the narrative of change (and the lack of it) at the end of the day.
I think you just got mad that the hero figured out patterns by the end, making you lose. Unfortunately things are always set in stone because games are HARDCODED, unfortunately the game won't rewrite itself to accommodate to what you wanted.
I do get that after a few runs the premise does water down a little bit, but that is just natural since you already finished the game and can no longer be surprised by the hero's apparent improvements.
There is also word in the comments about an ending where the queen actually wins, I haven't got to it yet so I don't know if its possible, but even if there is not such an ending, it doesn't really make the game bad by any means.
I can respect you not liking the game, everyone has their particular taste, but I think you are being a bit too harsh claiming the author's lying or that the game is not enjoyable.
this game was amazing it was both emotional and entertaining, it made me give some respect for the bosses in Souls-like games, every time I figh a boss I will remember this game, this was amazing thanks.
God this was so good, I rlly felt like a final boss, it was a nice change of pace from playing in the perspective of the protag, and I had to try my darndest cause if I died, thats it, most bosses don't respawn, and whenever I messed up instead of thinking it was my mistake, I was only half-right, this time my challenge was learning just like I would if I were in their shoes, I could only use the powers I was given, and the hero was able to learn my patterns and everything, absolute beautiful and heartwarming game, I logged into my Itch acc after years just to write this cause I rlly rlly like this game :3
Unique idea for a game. Definitely would recommend to play.
It is fun to play, but when you see that game is cheating, you can not unsee it. Controller support would also be nice especially when it works in main menu.
I think it could be much better game, maybe even several boss rush game with different story in each of them.
Wow, I mean, wow. I did not expect to get that emotional playing this game. Very touching and inspiring. I love the idea of turning a boss battle on its head!It was very enjoyable.
Often while playing, I would see the Dark Queen's moves and think "Oh man, I'm so glad I'm not the other guy." XD
Giving her the ability to turn, when casting an attack would enhance combat a lot.
Pretty fun game tho, I am curious about future development, keep cooking guys, I want to see the hero and the queen together and happy with a lot of baby's.
Yes, a happy ending could also be nice as an easter egg or new game plus, but i really liked the ending i got aswell.
The queen should be slow like she is. The hero is supposed to be able to learn the patterns and defeat her, like in any other game. This game is not about the combat but about the inevitability of defeat.
the game is great but the combat feels "cumbersome" and not in a good way, the attacks that i did feel like they should land but didn't, which in a way is ironic because normally players complain about this type of stuff when fighting the boss.
Dude in the comments complaining about the combat has, somehow, with great skill, missed the entire premise, story, and point of the game. Acknowledge their ability to dodge any critical thinking skills their teachers and parents tried to instill upon them, and then promptly ignore them, lmao.
The game itself is short but (bitter)sweet, with three different endings depending on how you answer the hero. The combat can feel a bit clunky sometimes, though, since the game doesn't register when you hit one of the movement buttons and one of the skills at the same time. The Queen instead just uses her skill without turning. (Much to both my amusement and exasperation.) However I think that's more due to the style of game then an actual bug or problem, so I can't really call it a complaint.
I absolutely, and already have, recommend this games to others.
yeah, it's fun till you realize the game about change doesn't let you change anything and runs you through it's linear story with predetermined fights to force you into it's own conclusion.
why is my movment became sooooooo slugish after awhile?????? bosses dont do that.....this is like saying malenia from elden ring gets slugish after awhile when she actully never does that.........fix this BS......also if the hero gets too close to my swings the hero should also take dmg......do u know not know the basic of how a boss hit box works??? cause it seems like u dont sorry
You can, once you add it as a none steam game in desktop mode you switch back to the “big picture” boot the game up then press the steam button and go to controller setting and remap keys, I managed to get the back buttons to work as key presses for the game [ what I did: GAMEPAD WITH JOYSTICK TRACKING/ edited L4 to SPACE scroll down and toggled enable back grip buttons, returned to the game and it worked for me even the face buttons worked ]
This is a GREAT idea that I think a lot of gamers had in the back of their minds but you managed to effectively realize it magnificently!! I really love the relationship that grows between the player and the Boss and the fact that you put multiple endings is absolutely praise worthy. Keep up the great work, really! ^^
PS: The pixel art in this is SO GODDAMN BEAUTYFULL. Chef's kiss.
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This was a good game. I cried. Please make them kiss
felt. relatable. understood. they have something going on that just melts my heart and makes it so warm.
It's an great concept, but as other have said, the game basically cheats to get to the predetermined outcome of you losing. The moment you start to see it, everything becomes a lot less enjoyable.
It also undermines the entire premise and story of the game. The hero is not getting better, he is not changing to fit your tactics. He is simply running through lives until he gets to one that triggers the next phase, until he eventually gets to the one that lets him figure out which exact pixel of the screen he can stand on.
"This game is about the capacity for change" -- The author.
It really isn't. Ironically, the only reason this game works is because everything is set on stone.
You must be fun at partys
NPC-type reply.
Just because you don't have the brain capacity to have a meaningful discussion about the game doesn't mean everyone else has the same problem.
i really expected that this would be a sort of branching path experience with the potential for outcomes based on how you act or what you tell the Hero. it seems really cheap on a repeat playthrough when you start to see different dialogue options pigeon-holing you back into the same respoonses
I don't think this was ever supposed to be a skill based game or anything like that. This is a visual novel, but in an interesting and unusual format.
This is a game where you don't have the capacity to change, but the enemy does; i.e. now you have to deal with their changes as they come, while you lack that capacity.
Look at this as an inversion of the traditional grind-based game if you must, but it is still just a very creative visual novel.
This is a fun theory, until you realis the fight sequences are the exact same on every playthrough, nothing changes, and the hero's progress is entirely scripted. I was so excited to play this game and it turned out to be a sad attempt at a conclusion you already know before you start with a method that undermines the entire point.
It is not a theory, this is literally a visual novel. The listed genre is "Interactive Fiction".
On top of that, there's a lot of grind based games that are exactly the same. You use the exact same moves and skills over and over again, nothing changes. You just deal that extra bit more damage for that extra hour of grind, and then try again.
Yeah no I wasn't trying to imply that the game should be skill based or anything. I'm okay if the predermined outcome is you lose. The problem is that in the current way that is implemented it diminishes the entire premise.
The enemy is not changing. That's the problem.
Spoilers Ahead
(I guess? others should have played already this down in the comment section, 20 minute game people)
I thought the whole point was the hero not giving up, and the lessons that the queen ends up learning, hero does seem to get better every fight, I understand it might not have been in the way you expected, an NPC's AI slowly adapting to everything you do, but this game was more about the narrative of change (and the lack of it) at the end of the day.
I think you just got mad that the hero figured out patterns by the end, making you lose. Unfortunately things are always set in stone because games are HARDCODED, unfortunately the game won't rewrite itself to accommodate to what you wanted.
I do get that after a few runs the premise does water down a little bit, but that is just natural since you already finished the game and can no longer be surprised by the hero's apparent improvements.
There is also word in the comments about an ending where the queen actually wins, I haven't got to it yet so I don't know if its possible, but even if there is not such an ending, it doesn't really make the game bad by any means.
I can respect you not liking the game, everyone has their particular taste, but I think you are being a bit too harsh claiming the author's lying or that the game is not enjoyable.
Man, this game just made me sad... I really wish they could just become friends, but I understand why they can't
Absolutely fantastic, I want to see more of this.
That was incredible, awesome storyline, art work and animation!
I really enjoyed the conversation and the change of perspective from both character!
Love the game. Really hope you find the motivation to expand upon it. 5 Stars just for the creativity of the idea.
This was incredible for a little 20min~ thing.
Maybe a fully fleshed payed sequel ala Milk Outside a Bag of Milk?
I love it. My only problem is that movement feels a little unresponsive during combat.
Meant to play like that. You are the boss and the zippy player is who you are fighting.
I love it so much
:>
This to is yuri
this game was amazing it was both emotional and entertaining, it made me give some respect for the bosses in Souls-like games, every time I figh a boss I will remember this game, this was amazing thanks.
God this was so good, I rlly felt like a final boss, it was a nice change of pace from playing in the perspective of the protag, and I had to try my darndest cause if I died, thats it, most bosses don't respawn, and whenever I messed up instead of thinking it was my mistake, I was only half-right, this time my challenge was learning just like I would if I were in their shoes, I could only use the powers I was given, and the hero was able to learn my patterns and everything, absolute beautiful and heartwarming game, I logged into my Itch acc after years just to write this cause I rlly rlly like this game :3
The hero didn't learnt them, it was programmed to run through fights until it hit a checkbox that meant you physically couldn't win.
I ship it
so real
Unique idea for a game. Definitely would recommend to play.
It is fun to play, but when you see that game is cheating, you can not unsee it. Controller support would also be nice especially when it works in main menu.
I think it could be much better game, maybe even several boss rush game with different story in each of them.
The game is incredible. It's so unique I absolutely love it. Short but sweet.
guys please I’ve been trying for 2 hours and I’m resorting to comments
how to play on iPhone please help
You can't. Its only playable on PC operating systems like windows.
thank you
A solid and finished indie project that had a beautiful story. Can't ask for more :)
Wow, I mean, wow. I did not expect to get that emotional playing this game. Very touching and inspiring. I love the idea of turning a boss battle on its head!It was very enjoyable.
Often while playing, I would see the Dark Queen's moves and think "Oh man, I'm so glad I'm not the other guy." XD
Good game, but:
The happy ending is missing!
Some minor things:
The queen moves very slow.
Giving her the ability to turn, when casting an attack would enhance combat a lot.
Pretty fun game tho, I am curious about future development, keep cooking guys, I want to see the hero and the queen together and happy with a lot of baby's.
Yes, a happy ending could also be nice as an easter egg or new game plus, but i really liked the ending i got aswell.
The queen should be slow like she is. The hero is supposed to be able to learn the patterns and defeat her, like in any other game. This game is not about the combat but about the inevitability of defeat.
Yeah that is very subjective.
This is a beautiful game, I just finished it and I got misty eyes from that ending
the game is great but the combat feels "cumbersome" and not in a good way, the attacks that i did feel like they should land but didn't, which in a way is ironic because normally players complain about this type of stuff when fighting the boss.
im starting to feel like the hero straight up gets invincibility later into the game to give the illusion that he's getting better
this entire game is an illusion, you're completely correct. just a waste of time.
Great game but I want a happy ending!
I tried everything but the end is always sad and... I just want them to be happy! There are so cute together!
define a happy ending because I got a not so sad ending, I still died but I died in peace.
Dude in the comments complaining about the combat has, somehow, with great skill, missed the entire premise, story, and point of the game. Acknowledge their ability to dodge any critical thinking skills their teachers and parents tried to instill upon them, and then promptly ignore them, lmao.
The game itself is short but (bitter)sweet, with three different endings depending on how you answer the hero. The combat can feel a bit clunky sometimes, though, since the game doesn't register when you hit one of the movement buttons and one of the skills at the same time. The Queen instead just uses her skill without turning. (Much to both my amusement and exasperation.) However I think that's more due to the style of game then an actual bug or problem, so I can't really call it a complaint.
I absolutely, and already have, recommend this games to others.
yeah, it's fun till you realize the game about change doesn't let you change anything and runs you through it's linear story with predetermined fights to force you into it's own conclusion.
I had loads of fun, I do hope to see more content in the future. Though I did feel like the input was slow though to be fair most bosses are slow.
dont listen to the guy below. ew brutha ewh
why is my movment became sooooooo slugish after awhile?????? bosses dont do that.....this is like saying malenia from elden ring gets slugish after awhile when she actully never does that.........fix this BS......also if the hero gets too close to my swings the hero should also take dmg......do u know not know the basic of how a boss hit box works??? cause it seems like u dont sorry
Is there a way to remap keys or play this on the Steam Deck? I downloaded it but while it starts I can't attack :(
You can, once you add it as a none steam game in desktop mode you switch back to the “big picture” boot the game up then press the steam button and go to controller setting and remap keys, I managed to get the back buttons to work as key presses for the game [ what I did: GAMEPAD WITH JOYSTICK TRACKING/ edited L4 to SPACE scroll down and toggled enable back grip buttons, returned to the game and it worked for me even the face buttons worked ]
Will this ever be released on android?
This is the perfect offline game for mobile devices!
It's not available for Android nor is there any way to play on android so I don't know what you're talking about.
You read my comment too literally. If this was on Android, it would be perfect.
I liked the game it's lovely but finding things like this is a hobby (don't worry I also unlocked other endings and actually read things).
Btw I see what u did 8:00 ;)
This is cool, I think that a way to add more play time is to add a jump ability to the first part and a ground pound like in Mario.
Thank you so much for making this work of art Mosu
would be nice to be able to change controls. i don’t have arrow keys and pressing wasd + 123 for controls is a bit weird
now after playing it to the end for the first time i can say that i love it. great writing and pixel art.
i will now try to get good and beat the hero
I tried downloading this for Mac and an error message came up:
"This software needs to be updated. Contact the developer for more information."
Just a heads up, would love to play your games
This is a GREAT idea that I think a lot of gamers had in the back of their minds but you managed to effectively realize it magnificently!! I really love the relationship that grows between the player and the Boss and the fact that you put multiple endings is absolutely praise worthy. Keep up the great work, really! ^^
PS: The pixel art in this is SO GODDAMN BEAUTYFULL. Chef's kiss.
i LOVE THE GAME! PERFECT!!! Btw? Oletko samanlainen suomalainen :)
Realy Great