Hope Returns
A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, and Linux
STORY:
Hello there, dear viewer...I know what you're after. You've bypassed my security and now have access to my memory files, but don't think you've won yet.
After our last scrape put me in the hospital, I've returned with reinforcements: My best (and only) friend, Spero! Sure, he's weird and kind of annoying sometimes, but he won't let me down. You may have captured me, dear viewer, but you won't catch him!
Still, enjoy what you can get in my memory files, including:
- The last six scenes of my life told in over 3,000 words
- Kinetic storytelling (duh...it's a memory, after all)
- Interactions with five characters, only one of whom I give an actual face to
- Rich visuals in two(!) whole colors: black and white
- Over a dozen music tracks to pump you up and bring you down
- Glitches and other edits of mine at sensitive parts in the story (you're welcome)
Have fun, dear viewer...
- Callida
Submission to the 2020 Shoot for the Stars Jam
Special thanks to the Devtalk+ Community!
CREDITS:
Writing, Editing, Sprites, General Production:
West of Entropy
Music:
Manuel F. Graf (Site) - Background Funk
Andrew Sitkov (Muzstation Game Music) - All Other Tracks
Background Environments:
Andrey Serebryakov (SilverTM)
Denys Rutkovskyi (Artcore Studios)
Jonathon Frederick (SEJonF)
Photography:
https://pexels.com
Fonts:
mrmanet (VCR OSD Mono)
Typodermic Fonts (Ethnocentric)
GUI Template By:
BáiYù, bobcgames, minute & npckc
Other Resources:
SFX: https://freesound.org/ & https://www.zapsplat.com/
VFX: https://photomosh.com/
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Development log
- Behind the BackgroundsAug 06, 2020
Comments
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You really got me- the game drew me in with the impressive opening animation and then immediately made me laugh with the music change. This game was amazing overall and will definitely leave a mark on me in the best way possible.
I loved the character animation, and I thought all of the aesthetic choices were brilliant- the game was visually a better experience than most games that use a lot of art and character assets.
The writing was excellent as well, Spero and Cal each had very distinct voices. The plot events were intentionally vague to leave it to the reader to interpret, which is perfect for a shorter story like this.
Very impressed with the design choices and some key scene direction in this story! In foregoing (most) color for a binary art style, focus on select animated patterns and disorienting transitions made me feel as disturbed and invaded as the main character, Callida. By the end of this story, my cogs were turning as to what role we play as the viewer sifting through Callida's memories. I have my guesses considering how the themes unfurl, but there's plenty of room for interpretation, which makes for great talking points among readers!
Also, Spero's dancing is hella cute. Really enjoyed this one.
This was insane! Tons of animation, fun little dances, non-linear storytelling from what I could surmise, just all around a great experience. You totally blew this out of the water. High recommendation, for sure.
the animations oh my god they were so cool and this game is soooo cool. i was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time!!!
Very unique and interesting style. Definitely want to see more of what you make in the future
I was happily surprised by the amount of animation this visual novel has! From eye blinks to windows you can look through and see moving stars, I really appreciated the amount of detail that was put into the visuals. The story's twists and turns made me try to predict what was going to happens next, and by the end, it left me a lot to mull over. Thank you for creating this!
Your animations are so cool! And the story... dang. (I love Spero) It really drew me in.
This is such a cool concept, but I want more!! The world building was so cool, and the sprite animations were adorable.