bartgames

[bartgames]

Will this kind man reveal his truths? Or are some questions better left unasked?

[bartgames]

Dev Log #4 – Chapter 2 Progress

Hey everyone!

I don’t have a ton to share this time, but that’s okay — progress is still progress!

What’s new? 

The text for Chapter 2 is almost done! It’s currently sitting at around 13,000 words, and all that’s left is the grammar and proofreading phase.

I’ve started coding the chapter as well. About half of it is already in the engine! What’s left is to… well, add the second part of the chapter and take care of the smaller details like sprites, CGs, and UI bits.

What about the art?  Well, I’ve got a little something to show off! I recently learned how to use a couple of super basic but very helpful tool — like how to select a whole layer and work with vector layers (don’t judge me, I’m an amateur!) But it’s already speeding up my workflow a lot.

Drawing backgrounds is still a pain, though.

While working on Chapter 2, I’ve also been doing small art updates to Chapter 1. Just little tweaks and touch-ups here and there.

Release timeline 

 I’m still aiming for a July release, but I also want to leave myself a bit of buffer time to polish everything properly. So I can’t give a solid date just yet, but it’s coming!

Thank you so much for playing my game 💛 And if you enjoyed it, please consider leaving 5 stars if you loved it, or less if that’s how you really feel. I appreciate all feedback 😊

Stay tuned! Play The Eclipse Mage!

[bartgames]

Hi! I wanted to ask if there is a list of ROs? So far, I see only the prisoner as a possible romantic interest (probably???) Thank youuuu :3

Hey hey!

There isn’t a romance option list just yet, but there’s a reason for that!

As the story unfolds, you’ll meet more and more characters. Some of them will have the potential for a deeper relationship, but story-wise, I can’t reveal the full list just yet, since a few key characters haven’t been introduced.

Once updates with romantic options are available, I’ll make sure to update the game page and share a post. I’ll be adding the potential love interests step by step!

[bartgames]

Poor guy. He deserves better than sleeping in a shed.

Will his situation improve?

[bartgames]

In Chapter 2, you'll meet many new characters. One of them is this mysterious figure.

Who might they be?

[bartgames]

Long ago, I chose to vanish. To never cast a spell again. I wanted peace. A quiet life. I wanted to live. But in this world, with magic in your blood, that kind of life is a myth.

I raised those children. Taught them to survive, to listen, to hope. But they’re growing older. They’re beginning to choose their own paths.

And this day…

This day was a sign.

Play The Eclipse Mage

[bartgames]

Someone who was never meant to see the light of day again.

His gauntleted fist clenched around the letter, crumpling it before tossing it into the flames. The fire consumed it instantly, turning treachery into ashes.

"Find him. Investigate. And deliver him back to me." Play The Eclipse Mage

[bartgames]

Happy to be part of it :)

Issue 40 of the Amare Fortnightly Bulletin (May 16 - May 31)

​Hello everyone!

Issue #40 of the Amare Bulletin is out now! 🎉

As May comes to a close, we’re back with a fresh wave of exciting launches, updates, and crowdfunding news! Whether you’re into dark fantasy, chatsims, or steampunk adventures, there’s something here to spark your interest.

Inside, you’ll find:

New releases, including the full launch of a long-awaited dark fantasy romance and a slice-of-life horror BL demo

Episodic updates and first chapters across sci-fi, monster dating, and immersive magic settings

Interactive fiction updates with new chapters and completed stories

New game announcements ranging from psychological thrillers to demonic temptations

Crowdfunding campaigns you can support right now—including fantasy CRPGs, chatsims, and steampunk tales—plus a few ending soon!

That’s all for now—happy gaming, happy reading, and see you in a couple of weeks!​

~ The Amare Bulletin Team

[bartgames]

The wretched figure bore the shape of a person—arms, legs, a body—but that was where the resemblance ended.

Their skin was marred with bruises and old burns, a tapestry of pain woven over time. Some fingers were missing, leaving only scarred stumps where they should have been.

And their face…

It was hidden behind an iron mask, cruel and unyielding, its weight dragging their head upward, forcing them to remain half-suspended by the thick chain that bound it to the ceiling. "What would you do if you found a poor prisoner?" Play The Eclipse Mage

[bartgames]

Dev Log #3 – Chapter 2

It’s been two weeks since the release of the first chapter. If you haven’t played it yet — go, go, go! Because now, I’m shifting my focus to Chapter 2 :)

I’m happy to share that the text for Chapter 2 is finished! Well, the first draft is finished. Now I’ll be working on editing, so I expect quite a few changes. But as of now, the script is already over 11,000 words, making Chapter 2 three times bigger than the first one.

What’s new? 

I’ve already added major choices that will influence your experience in Chapter 2 — meaning you can replay it several times and get different outcomes. Just a reminder: these choices affect the overall story. Don’t worry about whether you’re making a “good” or “bad” choice — just let the story unfold, and you’ll see the consequences later! I also try to avoid black-and-white decisions, aiming instead for more morally grey outcomes. 

 That said, this approach has made development much more complicated. I’ve already run into problems writing certain scenes for specific circumstances without them feeling empty or forced. It’s tough!

Art 

I won’t explain—I'd rather show it 😊

But later!

I still need to post something here to attract people to play my game. Estimated release date 

I’m aiming to finish Chapter 2 in July, but no promises. For me, the hardest part of the process is: writing > art > programming > polishing. Even though the text is done, I still can’t say when the art will be ready. Also, I’ve low-key joined a local Visual Novel Jam Fest, so I’ll be working on an additional project over the summer as well.

Did you know? 

The first chapter originally had a completely different ending! I wanted the main character to teleport the entire house somewhere else, because the guards at the castle noticed the escape almost immediately. But I felt that was too much of a leap for the story at that point. Also, I couldn’t connect the future events I had planned with the way Chapter 1 ended. So… I literally rewrote half of the chapter. But if you read closely, you might notice a few scenes in Chapter 2 that originally belonged to Chapter 1 😉

Play The Eclipse Mage

[bartgames]

They’ve learned the world is not as kind as they once believed. The words of their “Sister” no longer shape their truth—there’s more beyond the safety of the Witchwood. Much more. Play The Eclipse Mage ✨

[bartgames]

He likely never expected to be rescued—certainly not like this, and not by them. But fate rarely asks permission. Now that he’s free, one question remains: what future awaits a man shaped by silence and suffering? Play The Eclipse Mage ✨

[bartgames]

✨The Eclipse Mage on Bluesky

Just in case you'd like to follow The Eclipse Mage on more platforms — I’ve officially created a Bluesky account! :) 🩸 The Eclipse Mage is live now — more chapters are on the way! 🔗 Bluesky

[bartgames]

Thank you so much to everyone who tried The Eclipse Mage!

If you’ve played Chapter 1, I’d love to hear what you think about it — your feedback will help me make Chapter 2 even better! Also, with the game’s release, I can finally share some screenshots, sprites, and artwork :) Like this one, for example ;)

The Eclipse Mage on itch.io

[bartgames]

Hellooooo, just wanted to say your game is amazing! Story, art, backgrounds, music — everything is so good! It is too early to ask, but when should we expect Chapter 2? I am really curious about the prisoner!

ooowwwww thank you! :3

Well, I am working on it and I have half of the chapter written + some sketches. So it will take time, ahha :) But I hope in july it will be ready to play :)

[bartgames]

The Eclipse Mage

One night. One stolen secret. A world on the edge of unravelling.

An immersive dark fantasy visual novel set in a shattered world where magic is forbidden—and survival demands secrecy.

One night changed everything.

It was the night reckless children broke an unspoken law— stealing from the shadows of a forgotten castle.

The night idealism dared to defy a world ruled by fear. And with it, a single spark was lit—one that could reshape the world.

Will it lead to salvation—or destruction?

Gameplay Features:

The Eclipse Mage is a choice-driven visual novel where even the smallest decisions can carry lasting consequences.

The weight of your actions begins to unfold as early as Chapter 2. Choose wisely—fate rarely grants second chances.

Main Character: 

You play as the reclusive caretaker of a hidden orphanage, buried deep within the ancient Witchwood.

She craves peace. Isolation. Safety.

But is her solitude a sanctuary—or a gilded cage? And when the world comes knocking… will she rise to meet it, or retreat deeper into the shadows?

Important characters:

He likely never expected to be rescued—certainly not like this, and not by them. But fate rarely asks permission. Now that he’s free, one question remains: what future awaits a man shaped by silence and suffering?

They’ve learned the world is not as kind as they once believed. The words of their “Sister” no longer shape their truth—there’s more beyond the safety of the Witchwood. Much more.

Romance:

While romance is not the focus of The Eclipse Mage, it is available as an optional path for those who seek it. You’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with at least two characters—for now.

Content Warnings:

This game contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all players.

Includes: • Violence • Blood and slight gore • Mild sexual content • Strong language

Estimated Playtime:

Chapter 1: ~20–30 minutes (approx. 4,000 words)

Additional chapters will vary in length

Development Status:

Currently in development.

The story will be released in chapters, leading up to a full version at launch. Follow for updates as the tale unfolds.

Credits:

Music: Purple Planet Music

Everything else—art, story, design, and development—by yours truly: Liya (Bart van D’Art)

🔗Play here 🔗Bluesky 🔗My art blog

Enjoy the journey, and thank you for playing! 

[bartgames]

Dev Log #2 – Chapter 1: The Mask in the Dark

The release of Chapter 1 is getting closer—just a bit more than two weeks to go, and you'll finally be able to play it!

In preparation, I’ve updated the game’s itch.io page with more detailed information and new visuals. I hope it gives a clearer picture of the world I’m building.

About Chapter 1

Titled The Mask in the Dark, this first chapter is relatively short—around 3,700 words, so it should take 10 to 30 minutes to complete depending on your reading pace.

While I see it as more of a prologue, it’s not light on content. A lot happens in a short time, and intentionally so—my goal was to make the first chapter intense, disorienting, and emotionally charged. The main character has no idea that her peaceful life is about to unravel.

Progress on Chapter 2

I’ve already begun working on Chapter 2! It’s longer than the first one and follows a slower, more deliberate storytelling rhythm. More worldbuilding, more time with the characters—and more choices that will begin to show consequences.

What’s Next?

Next on my to-do list:

Playtesting Chapter 1 with friends

Gathering feedback to improve writing and pacing

Bug fixing and UI adjustments before release

Your support means a lot—thank you for following along with The Eclipse Mage. This story means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share it with you soon.