Something that’s bugged me about games referred to as ‘visual novels’ is that they’re often fairly mild on the ‘novel’ facet of the equation. Whatever pretty belongings you would possibly say about the remainder of them, those I’ve tried have typically been fairly skinny on the subject of the precise writing.
But I’m drawn to Distress – firstly, as a result of it’s bought a particular hand-drawn model by artist Ian Higginbotham, and secondly as a result of it’s written by Game Informer editor Javy Gwaltney.
Now, full disclosure, I do know Javy – I met him and labored with him whereas I used to be an intern on the journal a pair years in the past, and we’ve stayed in contact. It’s due to figuring out him – and about how critically he takes his studying and writing – that I’m so considering Distress.
The game has you taking part in a space-borne bounty hunter named Demetria Barton, who finds herself together with her crew in a brightly-colored however harmful area colony, Nova-8. Death lurks round each nook, and your companions have their very own motives and fears that may inform your choices as you journey by means of the sprawling metropolis.
I’m wanting to see what Javy’s cooked up for Distress’ story. It’s definitely meaty sufficient to be a ‘real’ novel at 100,000 phrases, and given his fondness for authors like Kurt Vonnegut and Thomas Pynchon, it’s just about a on condition that Distress has a number of narrative curveballs up its pastel sleeve. It’s additionally bought a staggering 80 completely different endings, so there’s loads of, ahem, area for replays.
(Be certain to take a look at our full record of upcoming PC games, you’re certain to seek out one thing you dig.)
You can choose up Distress now over at Javy’s itch.io page, however in the event you desire, you may look forward to it to come back out on Steam November 6. Personally, I’m saving it up for a darkish and stormy evening and some good scorching cups of tea.
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