#interactive fiction recs

[the-six-that-thrive-if]

CHAPTER FIVE RELEASE DATES

It's been so long since I last updated!! I'm sooo happy to finally post and share chapter five cause I've been so happy and Excited. Literally running laps! Especially with the new character introduction! Be ready for Monday 😩.

Early Release - Three Weeks - November 6th

The [REDACTED]'s Holy Light Tier

Early Release - Two Weeks - November 13th

The Warden's Endless Tier

The Armadillo's Lovebug Tier

Early Release - One Week - November 20th

The Dragon's Treasure Tier

The Angel's Songbird Tier

Public Release - November 27th

✦ DEMO ✦ PATREON ✦ DONATE ✦ DISCORD ✦

[martplays]

Interactive Fiction Recs

It’s been a while, so I thought I’d update and expand on my previous list of favorite interactive fiction works in progress! 

Did anybody ask for this? No. Am I making it anyway to satisfy my obsession for list making? Maybe. Anyways, recommendations under the cut! Damn this got long...

(Updated 9/5/22)

ACTIVE:

THE EXILE (18+) by @exilethegame - Play as the once-famed Commander who has fallen from grace after committing a horrific crime you have no memory of. You’ve lost everything... your title, your home, your loved ones; but when a mysterious noble hires you as their bodyguard, you are ripped out of your forced retirement and thrust back into a life you never thought you’d see again. It seems fate isn’t done with you yet...

(GENRE: dark fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: March 21, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~530k)

LARKIN by @larkin-if - Play as a vampire-hunter-turned-priest... Not a path you would have necessarily chosen for yourself, but your mentor and surrogate father-figure Wyatt left you little choice. In the process of hiding from the bounty on your head, you’re forced into your biggest con yet, fooling the small town of Larkin into thinking you’re their new preacher. However, things in the town aren’t as they seem, and soon you’re dealing with a cult, the strange family who runs the town, and a string of mysterious deaths. What could go wrong? 

(GENRE: supernatural western; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: July 2, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~101k)

A TALE OF CROWNS (16+) by @ataleofcrowns - Play as the long-lost Crown of Arsur, hand-picked by the spirits to rule. You’ve been running your whole life, but with the death of your parents (and your father’s last words ringing in your ears) you decide that it’s time to come out of hiding and be the Crown that the empire so desperately needs. With assassins nipping at your heels, a desperate public searching for stability and guidance, and annoying nobles breathing down the back of your neck, will you rise to the occasion and save Arsur? Or will it fall under your hand? 

(GENRE: high fantasy romance; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: March 21, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~257k)

THE NORTHERN PASSAGE (18+) by @northern-passage - Play as a hunter tasked with investigating a series of disappearances up north. When your latest job takes you to the shady port town of Blackwater, you discover that things are different than you thought and much worse than they seem. With a corrupt government, mysterious disappearances, and not to mention the disturbing dreams of rot that haunt you when you sleep, you quickly discover that this job is bigger than you could’ve imagined. Can you save the people of Blackwater and beyond from the supernatural (and human) forces that threaten them? And more importantly, can you save yourself?

(GENRE: horror fantasy; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: July 5, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~378k) 

WAYFARER (MA-17) by @idrellegames - Play as a Wayfarer, a non-magical fighter, one of the only ones left after your order was destroyed years ago. After you and your partner take a mercenary job in a pirate city that’s... less than ideal, to say the least, you wind up having to accept a contract that you and your fellow Wayfarer never imagined you’d take. Tasked to steal an ancient magical artifact said to be blessed by the gods, located in the biggest magical city you’ve ever been to, all while dealing with conflicting politics, enemies, and rising tensions... What could go wrong? Will you manage to save the city and its people, or will your choices lead it to its doom?

(GENRE: dark fantasy; FORMAT: twine; LAST PUBLIC UPDATE: July 1, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~927k)

ATTOLLO (17+) by @attollogame - Play as a normal young adult who gets sucked into a world bigger than you ever could’ve imagined. When your little sibling goes missing, leaving you only with a cryptic text to go off of, you never imagine the trouble you’re about to find yourself in. After a seemingly normal stop at a gas station and some weird black goo, you find yourself transported to a city known as Attollo--a city you never knew existed. Dealing with known and unknown dangers in a totally unfamiliar environment, will you find your sibling before it’s too late? 

(GENRE: cybernoir thriller; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: August 12, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~408k)

PROJECT HADEA (18+) by @nyehilismwriting - Play as the best elite operative that secret government organization Scytha Industries has; a title indicated by the hyper-advanced AI module currently living in your head. An AI module that is coveted by many and going for billions on the black market. Good thing nobody knows about it, right? Not that they’d be able to take it from you anyway, what with your skillset. At least, that’s what you think. Hopefully there won’t be any pesky planetary invasions or morally questionable strangers with a surgical compass anytime soon!

(GENRE: sci-fi; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: March 11, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~50k)

THE BASTARD OF CAMELOT by @llamagirl28 - Play as Mordred, bastard child of King Arthur and Morgana that almost nobody knows about. Few know of your... controversial origins, nor the fact that you are the only heir to the Camelot throne. With a dark, mysterious prophecy hanging over your head, will you wind up bringing Camelot to its knees, or will you prove the people (and the prophecy) wrong?

(GENRE: arthurian/fantasy; FORMAT: twine; LAST PUBLIC UPDATE: February 9, 2022; unsure of WORDCOUNT)

MYRK MIRE by @catt-nuevenor - When you and the child in your care stumble across a mysterious, half-drowned body at the edge of the water, you never imagined how much your life would change. Will you discovery why supernatural forces both good and bad have taken notice of you before it’s too late? Discovering the mysteries of the Mire while protecting both you and your charge will prove harder than it seems... 

(GENRE: low fantasy horror; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: August 15, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~401k)

FIELDS OF ASPHODEL by @asphodelgame​ - When all-powerful Zeus betroths you to his brother, Hades, without your consent, your life as a demi-god is upheaved. Will you fight your newfound situation every step of the way, or will you find the Underworld to be the chance of freedom you never expected?

(GENRE: greek mythology/slice-of-life; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: June 6, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~559K)

OFNA: BIRDS OF A FEATHER by @ofna - After a strange encounter with a bird, your normal, unassuming life becomes anything but. You never exactly imagined yourself joining a bird cult ornithological society, but hey, how bad could it possibly be? Besides, they’re not exactly taking no for answer... 

(GENRE: urban fantasy/romance/mystery; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: August 9, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~99k)

SPEAKER by @speakergame​ - You escaped the family curse by mere minutes. The first child in each generation is born a Seer, haunted by visions of the future they have no power to stop. Your twin sister inherited the curse, and you, as the second-born twin, were born with the rare gift of being a Speaker, the sole person who can understand and interpret your sister’s visions. However, your sister’s visions are becoming more frequent, and more strange. Will you, along with the companions you picked up along the way, be able to figure out what’s happening before it’s too late?

(GENRE: modern fantasy; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: August 25, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~238k)

DIASPORA by @diasporatheblog - Play as the heir to your Clan Maghnus, as you try to find a new home for your people.  When you land on the small island of Divio to gather supplies, you quickly find yourself immersed in a land of politics and negotiations you’ve never experienced before. Will you be able to find your way through them? And will you stick to the CIne’s roots, or will you help your Clan discover a new way to live?

(GENRE: low fantasy politics; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: December 16, 2021; WORDCOUNT: ~799k)

DEFILED HEARTS: THE BARBARIAN (MA) by @defiledheartsblog - Play as one of the last of a tribe that the Romans all but destroyed. In a desperate search for vengeance, you enlist in the Legion under a fake name and a fake past. When a mysterious voice urging you to kill appears in your head, will you fight its influence and discover who or what is behind it? And will you find the strength to heal from your past, or will the burning flames of vengeance consume you? 

(GENRE: romance/low fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: August 9, 2022; WORDCOUNT; ~160k)

WOLFSBANE (18+) by @wolfsbane-if - Play as a Wolfsbane, a professional hunter of the supernatural. However, unlike many of your kin, you know that being supernatural and being a monster are two very different things. 

(GENRE: low medieval fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: June 28, 2022; unsure of WORDCOUNT) 

RAIDERS OF THE CARAVAN (16+) by @leftski-if - Play as a human, elf, or an orc who has been forcibly uprooted from their once quiet life. After being taken from your bed by people with less than noble intentions, a pair of Orc brothers sweep in to save the day. How will you adjust to your new life in the city?

(GENRE: low fantasy slice-of-life; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: April 8, 2022; unsure of WORDCOUNT)  

DEAR DIARY, WE CREATED A PLOTHOLE by @ddwcaph-game​ - The day after you and your twin finally finish writing the story you began long ago with your mother, it becomes clear why she never finished it. The two of you unknowingly created a plot hole--a portal to different story worlds--and all of the villains from past stories you’ve written have come to life. Now they’re here to crash your field trip and end your mother’s story for good... 

(GENRE: lighthearted, slice-of-life fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: September 4, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~227k)

SHEPHERD’S OF HAVEN by @shepherds-of-haven​ - Play as a newly appointed Shepherd, one of the few magic users in the realm with the authority to actually use their powers... but only to protect the world against the evil endarkened. Will your organization of fighters manage to save the world, or is it already too late? 

(GENRE: fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST PUBLIC UPDATE: August 2021; WORDCOUNT: ~270k)

WITCHES OF FERNGROVE (18+) by @witchesofferngrove​ - Play as the eldest sibling in a family of witches who hail from the small town of Ferngrove, a quaint town where nothing ever happens. You grew up sheltered in a town full of humans, unaware of the magical world apart from the few aspects your parents deemed safe enough to tell you. Now a successful journalist, you haven’t stepped foot in your hometown for years... that is until the phone call that changes everything. With your mother now dead, will you be able to unravel the mystery surrounding her death and the secrets she carried during life? But be careful, there’s a storm brewing... 

(GENRE: urban dark fantasy; FORMAT: choicescript; LAST UPDATE: January 30, 2022; unsure of WORDCOUNT)

FALLEN LIGHTS (18+) by @fallenlightsif​ - Play as the half-sibling to your High General brother, in a country gripped by war and drenched in forgotten secrets of the divine and arcane. You’ve lived the last 12 years of your life in the capital city, training and honing your skills. You’ve died once already... will you be able to avoid dying again?

(GENRE: fantasy; FORMAT: twine; LAST UPDATE: June 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~79K)

OUR LIFE: NOW AND FOREVER by @gb-patch​ - A coming of age story where you grow up alongside your two neighbors in your quaint, quiet cul-de-sac. Grow and shape not only your personality, but the personalities of your neighbors, and form relationships that will last a lifetime. 

(GENRE: nostalgic slice-of-life/coming of age; FORMAT: visual novel/itch.io; LAST UPDATE: June 18, 2022; WORDCOUNT: ~50K)

COMPLETED, AWAITING PUBLISHING:

BLOOD MOON by @barbwritesstuff (finished, undergoing editing) - Play as a werewolf, part of a pack who just moved to a new city, an environment uncharacteristic for your kind. Things start normal, but everything changes when you run into a packless werewolf all by herself late one night. The encounter throws you deep into the city’s underground paranormal scene, and soon you’re dealing with vampires, witches, hunters, and a whole host of things who want you dead. Lucky for you, you won’t have to face it alone.

(GENRE: supernatural romance; FORMAT: choicescript; WORDCOUNT: ~439k)

THE PASSENGER by @the-passenger-if​ (full game submitted) - Play as an Eldritch abomination forced to live in a human’s body after narrowly escaping your demise. Will you be able to regain the energy you need to free yourself from your human prison before the monster you were fleeing finds you? And more importantly, with the human connections you’ve made... will you even want to?

(GENRE: eldritch shenanigans; FORMAT: choicescript; WORDCOUNT: ~150k)

I, THE FORGOTTEN ONE (MA) by Bacondoneright (full game submitted) - You were only a child when you were disinherited by your royal parents, cast from the family and marked as a bastard; and you were only a child when your father sent you to lead your kingdom’s army to fight in The Border Wars, witnessing atrocities no child should ever see. Five years have passed since then, and when your father is assassinated, the entire kingdom is thrown into turmoil. Will you be able to fight in a new war when you haven’t even recovered from the last one? And will you manage to be the guiding hand your younger sister needs to successfully rule? (TW: graphic depictions of medieval violence, self-harm)

(GENRE: medieval war; FORMAT: choicescript; WORDCOUNT: ~337k)

[nineblooddances-if]

If you could describe each ro with three to five words what would they be?

WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE ROS

COMMANDER AAPO I LIBERTAS 

Sadistic. Charismatic. Confident. Fashionable. Egocentric.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER ANIL/AIDEN II LUXURIA 

Arrogant. Sarcastic. Aloof. Reliable. Accepting.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER ALICE III GULA 

Loyal. Hot-Headed. Adventurous. Friendly. Gluttonous.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER ERIC/EDWARD IV AVARITIA  

Reserved. Polite. Generous. Fair. Forlorn.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER LOUIS V IRA  

Boastful. Cowardly. Bossy. Vindictive. Stingy.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER GABRIEL VI MENDAX 

Soft-Spoken. Pessimistic. Peaceful. Sneaky.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ── 

COMMANDER DAMEION VII VIOLENTI 

Stubborn. Charismatic. Cocky. Laid-Back. Determined.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER LUCY OR LUCIUS VIII FICTUS 

Vulgar. Detached. Spineless. Jealous. Cunning.

── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──── ⋅ ⋅ ✶ ⋅ ⋅ ──

COMMANDER TRENT IX PRODITIO 

Secretive. Apathetic. Adaptable. Bright. Humorous.

[wildmelon]

i played through @lacunafiction's the fernweh saga book 1 last night and was totally blown away. as someone who's usually very romance-focused the plot was so gripping and i was dying to solve the mystery. i always say i don't like horror, but i like being creeped out, and this delivered so brilliantly on well-written creep factor and a sense of growing unease. the author describes it as slow-burn horror, and i enjoyed it so much because of how genuinely spooky and smart all the symbolism was.

even if you don't play if i would 100% recommend this if you like the sound of a supernatural small-town psychological horror murder mystery. i can't overstate how compelling i found the creepy elements. also i'm in love with both j and r.

[galpalaven]

Anticipating being in pain when I wake up—any suggestions for Hosted Games I can play on my phone?

I have just finished getting all the achievements I think I have it in me to want in The Fernweh Saga so I’m looking for something new to pass time~

Edit: my pinned has the games I have played!

[moody-mae]

Looking for a pastime? A new game to play? A new story to immerse yourself in? A new role to play? A bit of magic? Bit of drama? Bit of murder mystery? Bit of college simulation?

Might I recommend Disenchanted, an interactive fiction game on itch.io . I finished playing the demo just the other day and really enjoyed myself.

I got to pick my mythical species (I chose siren, but there are lots of other cool options, like cambion, nephilim, banshee, and more). I got to customize my appearance, including the COLOR OF MY SCALES. How awesome is that? And my personality is beginning to solidify with every choice I make. I'm establishing relationships with other characters already, and there's a diverse and intriguing cast playing dynamic roles in the story.

I recommend this IF very highly, and I very much look forward to chapter updates. So far, Chapter One constitutes the entirety of the demo, but with fan support, I'm sure the capable dev will accomplish lots!

Screenshots:

Link to Disenchanted Demo

Link to Disenchanted Forum

So go take a peek. Transform into a mythical being. Grapple with the sociopolitical fallout of being dubbed "Unchosen". Make friends and enemies. Solve murder (on the DL ;) ).

DISCLAIMER: I'm not affiliated with the developer of this game. I'm just a fan who wants to spread the news about its excellence and support the game and its dev in any way I can. So, yeah, this is just my genuine and delighted take on Disenchanted as a fan.

[aquarii-if]

Demo 84K words (Updated 5/24/24) /// The Gods /// Ask Boundaries

After being abducted by two aliens, their spaceship crashes and leaves you stranded on a galaxy called 'Aquarii", which is populated by a species called 'Mitans'.

You're taken in by the Queen of Aquarii, where she reveals you are a child of one of Aquarii's gods. A cool idea in theory, but it appears the Mitan's aren't particularly happy with a human being half-god.

The queen believes that your arrival is a sign an upcoming war between Mitans and gods can be prevented, while others believe this war is inevitable.

As you are forced to fight for your right to live, you're left with one question:

Can a universe survive without gods?

Choose your pronouns, sexuality, and appearance.

Join forces with an unusual group of aliens with unique features.

Choose between five RO's, two female, two male, and one non-binary option.

Become a demigod and pick one of twelve gods to be the child of.

Deal with a strange device that has been turned against you and the Mitans (along with the alien that built it).

And fight an emperor!

RO Descriptions

Liviana Vlahos, The Queen (she/her)- The queen of Aquarii and all Mitans, she is beloved by all her people for defeating the tyrant who ruled before her. She was kind enough to lend her hand in your time of need, but it's hard to tell if she genuinely cares for you. If you don't prove to be helpful, she may just throw you into the fray.

Estelle Alinac, The Chief (she/her)- The chief of the Justice Association of Aquarii, Estelle is known to be a cold and intimidating woman. She doesn't like you, or humans, and makes that abundantly clear every time you talk to her.

Amare Mailon, The Recruit (he/him)- A new member of the Justice Association of Aquarii, Amare can appear quite naive and unserious. With others, he's sarcastic and witty, but with you, he's nervous and paranoid. Being a member of the JAA, anyone would assume he's just worried about something happening to you. But you know from the way his eyes flick to your arms and legs that the fear runs deeper. You can't tell which matters more to him; stopping a war, or preventing humans from finding Aquarii. Ellery Torres, The Doctor (he/him)- Liviana's personal doctor and the most renowned doctor in the galaxy, Ellery appears as someone you can trust. He can make you feel at ease with his playful humor and light-hearted personality. He has sworn to the queen that he will do everything in his power to keep you alive and healthy. He doesn't appear threatening, but who can you trust in this unknown galaxy?

Vega Ramos, The Mastermind (they/them)- Not much is known about the one who lives in the apartment on Fiery Pass, but it's kind of weird how they never turn their purple lights out...

[hellkeepers-if]

DEMO (prologue out) UPDATES

Set in an alternate version of Singapore, you're a fresh university graduate bumbling through life as you desperately look for a job.

...Or that's what your mother thinks. In a world where occult ceremonies are as common as an existential crisis, there's no way you were ever going to be a perfectly average office worker. Just like your twin brother, you work for the International Society Of Exorcists (ISOE) which deals with supernatural occurrences, demonic rituals, and the like.

When a tragic event befalls your older sister, it uproots your entire life and everything you ever knew about the supernatural. With it, comes a forced need to come to terms with a family history straight out of the movies. 

After all, how the hell did it take twenty years to find out that you're descended from the freaking king of the underworld?

"I have a duty to myself, but more importantly, my family."

——————

Inspired by Supernatural, Fullmetal Alchemist, Noragami, and the Percy Jackson series, Hellkeepers is a +18 urban fantasy/paranormal interactive fiction, involving elements of Chinese and Southeast-Asian mythology. In every playthrough, you will...

• Play as a female, male, or non-binary Chinese demigod/ess.

• Determine the relationships between you and your family members. After all, they will play a big part in your story...

• Peel apart the full truth behind you and your siblings' birthright. Your parents can't hide it forever.

• Learn more about Chinese and Southeast Asian mythology as you warp into different dimensions, unlike anything you've seen before.

• Learn more about who you were in your past life.

| Nishimura Kazuo (he/him)

Age: 26

Ethnicity: Japanese

With a penchant for mischief and a charm that woos even the most stubborn of grandmas, Kazu is the wildcard of your organization. You think he's an anarchist, and the only reason he's tied down to the ISOE is so that he has an excuse for whatever havoc he wreaks on the supernatural. 

The A-ranked exorcist is your colleague and your brother's mentor, though you rarely ever see him in his office. But if you ever need him for demon fighting, he'll be there. Most of the time.

"Mind taking that pesky thing out for me while I take a quick nap?"

| Quentin Khanh (Quan) (he/him)

Age: 25

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Quentin, more affectionately known as Quan, was your childhood friend. After he moved overseas, the weekly texts you sent him fizzled into nothing but a lost friendship.

Since then, he's returned to Singapore as a forensics pathologist and researcher under your organisation. Whether you like it or not, you have to no choice but to work with him for most of your investigations.

"If your bribe doesn't involve a penthouse worth of money, don't talk to me."

| Reyna Aliyah Santos (she/her)

Age: 23

Ethnicity: Mixed (Filipino-Chinese)

You've never quite met someone like Reyna. A halfling with a demon mother and a human father. Being raised in Singapore all her life with little knowledge of her parents, it's natural that Reyna would come to the ISOE for help at the mere instance of a fox tail and white fur.

You've been tasked to help her mask and get comfortable with her supernatural powers, but she won't make it easy for you. After all, foxes do bite. 

"Technically, I'm not stealing anything if they don't notice."

| Song Huayun (she/her)

Age: ????

Ethnicity: "Uhh...from Hell?" Chinese

| You don't know too much about Huayun, except for the fact that she lives in Diyu, the Chinese Underworld. As Diyu's gatekeeper, Huayun has seen countless depravities committed by humans before their deaths. That alone has made it hard for her to like them, and the contempt she shows you is no different than what she shows everyone else.

But with time, maybe she'll finally learn what it is like to feel human…and what a smile is.

"If it isn't the star of tonight's show. Welcome to Diyu."

| The Arbiter of Fate (m/f)

Theyre a stranger, or so you say. But this deity knows everyone...especially you.

[notsogreatdion]

✶ INTERACTIVE FICTION RECS 2.0 ✶

✶ College Tennis: Origin Story - @collegetennisoriginstory (wip)

✶ REMEMBER, YOU WILL DIE - @vapolis (wip)

✶ Crown of Exile - @ramonag-if (wip)

✶ We Wretched Creatures - @darkfictionjude (wip)

✶ The One Chosen - @parrotwatcher (wip)

✶ Checkmate in three moves - @checkmatein3moves (wip)

✶ Zorlok - @zorlok-if (wip)

✶ Chop Shop - @losergames (wip)

✶ Such Happy Campers - @girlfromthecrypt (wip)

✶ The Bureau - @morbethgames (wip)

✶ Citadel - @bouncyballcitadel (wip)

✶ A Tale of Crowns - @ataleofcrowns (wip)

✶ Bad Ritual - @heart-forge (wip)

✶ The Onryō Of Osaka - @osakaonryoif (wip)

✶ Insert-Rich-Family-Name - @when-life-gives-you-lemons-if

✶ A Mage Reborn: Book One - @mage-parivir (there's also a demo for book 2 but I think the author isn't working on it anymore??)

⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣ ✶

VN'S

✶ Reanimated Heart - @reanimatedheart (wip)

✶ Midheaven: Winds of Ambition (wip)

✶ Witches x Warlocks

✶ Chronicles of Tal'Dun (you can play the first chapter for free)

✶ Going Live! (this one gave me trauma :D)

✶ Therapy with Dr. Albert Krueger

✶ Wake Me Up If You Need Me

⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣ ✶

if recs 1.0

[interact-if]

Hello! Might I ask if there are any recommended IFs where you can play explicitly as an asexual MC without being locked out of romancing characters? Becuase there had been times where chosing to play as ace resulted in some games removing all romances completely, Thank you for your time!

Hi Anon! Here is a list of what you're looking for:

Completed:

Crème de la Crème by @hpowellsmith

Royal Affairs by @hpowellsmith

Demos:

Attollo by @attollogame

Birds of a Rose by @reinekes-fox

Checkmate in Three Moves by @checkmatein3moves

Coffeelock'd by @perpetualnovelboyfriend

Crown of Exile by @ramonag-if

Drink Your Villain Juice! by @drinkyourvillainjuice

Our Life: Now and Forever (VN) by @gb-patch

Shepherds of Haven by @shepherds-of-haven

The Exile by @exilethegame

The King’s Hound by @the-kingshound

The Northern Passage by @northern-passage

The Spirited: Origins by @yuveim

Wayfarer by @idrellegames

When Twilight Strikes by @evertidings

Please let us know if you know others that fit this list as well, thank you so much!

[the-six-that-thrive-if]

CHAPTER THREE:

PATREON EARLY RELEASE

RAH! As of Today, my darlings! I have completed chapter three and the early patreon release is also today! I am utterly excited and happy. Getting this chapter out has taken far too long!

✦ CHAPTER THREE ✦

Public Release Date: July 16th 2023

Word Count: 37.0K

✦ DEMO ✦ PATREON ✦ DONATE ✦

[wildmelon]

hey lush how r u? soo i know you’ve spoken b4 abt ur favourite interactive fictions but how would you rank the ones you’ve read 1-5?

i’m a bigbig wayhaven girl but i’m also currently on chp7 of a tale of crowns (which i’m liking so far), and i LOVED project hadea and other wips like chop shop+infamous,, i also have mind blind on my wait list (i started a while back but couldn’t get into it) as well as when twilight strikes…

no pressure to answer i just need to speak on it😓

hiiiiii tysm for asking! been way too long since i geeked out about IF... ooof a top 5 is soooo hard. im gonna leave out wayhaven bc DUH we all love wayhaven but it'd probably take the #2 spot.

a tale of crowns is my all time favorite. i'm completely obsesed with the worldbuilding, the mc, and XELEF AHHHHH (who r u romancing ???)

shepherds of haven is SO dear to me. the world is just so expansive and alive and it's so thorough, it has such RPG vibes. particular blade & chase simp :D

throne of ashes changed my brain chemistry tbh... ruben's route is the only complete one currently but im completely head over heels in love with him. i love how it deals with trauma and healing. & the bonus content from the author's patreon lives in my head rent free.

the exile should be studied bc the impact it's had on me relative to the number of chapters it has so far... love love love the angst, familial drama, and mc backstory. nikke slut <3

the soul stone war is one of the earliest i read and it just makes me feel warm and cozy, i just love the romance and friendships and it'll always be a comfort IF for me.

honorable mentions to mind blind, the bastard of camelot, superstition, & fallen hero <3

i'd love to know your top 5 too!!!! i used to be a lot more tuned in to the WIP scene than i currently am, so i haven't played project hadea or chop shop & it's been a while since i played when twilight strikes but i rly enjoyed it, infamous is obv AMAZING as well. mind blind will likely be published in full soon, give it another try then if u want!! i kinda did it dirty here but it really does live rent-free in my head, my faves are very affected by nostalgia :,)

[nineblooddances-if]

CH.ZERO DEMO RELEASE

I have had a fantastic time writing Chapter Zero, and setting up every for later chapters and just yay!! I hope you enjoy just as much as I do!!

CHAPTER ZERO

[moody-mae]

I'm working my way through this slice of life IF I found on itch.io called You Live and Fern. In it, you're a barista who's also part of a team trying to run a successful science channel.

I'm on Chapter 3, which brings you to your day job: the cafe. Your boss and co-worker, Charlie, is the most easygoing dude. He's handing out freebies to just about everybody, and at a certain point, you're given the choice to voice your concern that he (or both of you) may get in trouble. You know, because this is a chain restaurant you work at, with policies and such. Allow me to share with you his response:

This guy cannot be bothered. XD

Okay, so if you want to check this out, you can play it here.

That link will take you to this page:

Yeah, so give it a go. Nice, simple, laidback IF. ;) I'm digging it so far.

[horsemenoftheapocalypse-if]

(First ever collaboration IF between the Author of King's Despair and Dragon's Edged.)

Writer's Links: Dragon's Edged & King's Despair

(Warning: 18+ The story includes the following: Violence, , self-doubt, cliché’s, child abuse, torture, trauma and many more will be added in the future.)

Kroz&Author

"Greetings, Reader!

You are about to enter a world of darkness, danger, and deception.

A world where a child has been sold to the most powerful underworld company known as the Fates. A world where you will have to make life-or-death decisions for them. This is not a typical story of an orphan or a survivor.

This is a story of a child who has to learn how to kill, lie, and manipulate in order to survive in the dark side of New York City. A city where crime never sleeps and where the Fates control everything from the shadows.

You are not just a passive observer of this story. You are an active participant. You are the voice, the intuition, the gut feeling of the child protagonist. You will have to guide them through their trials and tribulations, their choices and consequences, their victories and defeats. But be careful, Reader.

The Fates are watching your every move. They have plans for you and the child. Plans that may not end well for either of you.

Are you ready to take on this challenge, Reader? Are you ready to face the Fates? Reader I beckon you to join them on this extraordinary adventure, where danger lurks at every turn, and the stakes are unimaginably high.

Through your unwavering presence, you will empower our young hero to face their fears, outsmart their enemies, and ultimately shape their own destiny.

Prepare yourself for a thrilling and immersive experience. Brace for the adrenaline-pumping encounters, the unexpected alliances, and the heart-wrenching decisions that will test the limits of our protagonist's resilience.

The fate of our young protagonist lies in your hands. Choose wisely, for their life depends on it. Decided are we?

Then come closer, and let me tell you more about this story…"

Introduction:

You were a kid, was a kid, now your a cold-blooded killing machine.

Dispensing justice and vengeance using your guns and knives. A modern robin hood you ask? Nope your not wearing any leotard pants or cap.

You're a merciless executioner, killing anyone who crosses your way. But underneath all that bloodshed and brutality, you still have a soft spot for kids.

It all started when you were taken by a prolific assassin, who decided to make you his protege. Armed with guns and knives, he taught you how to kill, track and hunt. But there was one rule that he made you live by, "No children, we never hurt them". That code fueled your respect for the man.

Through rigorous training, you became an expert in sharpshooting, knife throwing, and stealth. You even surpassed the master assassin, becoming the leader of your own hit squad. Together you and him started cleaning the streets from drugs, hoodlums, pimps and mafias. That made you a hero to the poor and downtrodden. But you were known by the authorities as a murderer and vigilante.

Despite all the havoc you reaped, you kept your code. Whenever you had a child captive, you would send them back to their families or orphanage. But one day, rumors of a powerful entity known as "The Fate's" were spreading they deal with guns, prostitution, alcohol, guns for hire, and mercenaries.

It was said that they're the Top Dog of the black market, the consigners of death and terrorisms. You know because your were one of the victims in their child trafficking business.

Now it's up to you to take down "The Fates", the only problem is that you couldn't seem to find any hard evidence against them. It was rumored that they cover their tracks so meticulously.

Until one day a member of their organization was sent to the hit list.

The client? The Fates their selves wanting to kill one their own. Yet there is one problem, your just still a rookie under the eyes of your teacher and he's not getting any younger.

"We need you to get a team and a back-up plan," your mentor said. "To get to The Fates, we need to be ready for everything they throw at us."

Despite his worring tone, you were confident that you can end this once and for all.

Now it's up to the great assassin and their protege, to bring the dark side of the world to light and serve justice to those who deserve it.

"It's time, kiddo," he smirked as he patted your back. "You've proven yourself more than ready for what's ahead, you will be leading this team but under my supervision of course!"

This was an exciting step towards finally taking down the Fates. With your mentor and you leading the team, you were sure it will be successful. After all, this was his legacy, and you will be a part of it. Together, you and him gathered a group of skilled mercenaries, sharpshooters, and information brokers.

You knew it wasn't going to be an easy mission. The Fates were known for their ruthless methods and their underhand tactics. To take them down, you needed to be able to outsmart them.

But this wasn't a rite of passage or even a battle of egos. This was a race against time, a race to save countless souls like you, who were trapped and used for the Fates' twisted plans.

Elizabeth Baker, The Rider of Death

"Appearances can be deceiving. I don't have to be gentle with my words to save your life."

She was once a respected doctor at a prestigious hospital, admired by colleagues and loved by patients. Her passion for saving lives and talent for surgery were well-known. However, everything changed when she uncovered the hospital's dark truth. They were charging exorbitant fees while using second-hand equipment and expired drugs. The medical director was involved in a corruption scheme, siphoning off millions of dollars.

When Elizabeth confronted him, he responded with threats and violence. In self-defense, she accidentally killed him with a scalpel. Fleeing the scene, she left behind her career and reputation, going into hiding. In the underworld, she became a freelance doctor, offering services to criminals and outcasts.

Operating in secret locations, she used whatever tools and resources she could find. Her prices were high, but she maintained high standards. Morality and legality didn't matter to her clients as long as they paid well and respected her rules. With a sharp tongue and a cold heart, she became the most sought-after doctor in the underworld.

Over time, her skills grew, and she began performing complex procedures like organ transplants and limb replacements. You and your mentor have made countless deals with Death, even cheating him a few times, so you know how to handle someone like her.

~

Nate O'Neil, The Rider Of Conquest

"The beauty of an explosion's light surpasses that of a sunrise!"

Nate is an unpredictable force within the group. He excels at causing explosions and demolishing obstacles, making him the go-to person for such tasks. Nate embodies chaos and has a twisted love for destruction.

Recklessness defines Nate. He thrives in dangerous situations, embracing the adrenaline rush that comes with each explosive endeavor. With a devil-may-care attitude, he charges into any situation, leaving destruction in his wake. His disregard for personal safety often leaves his comrades on edge, unsure of what he might do next.

Nate's passion for pyrotechnics is unmatched. He finds beauty in the chaos and destruction that fire brings, taking pleasure in watching things go up in flames. His eyes light up at explosions, and his laughter echoes through the chaos as he revels in the fiery spectacle. He is a true pyromaniac, using the world as his canvas to paint with flames.

But Nate is not just a reckless demolition expert; he is also the life of the party. With his larger-than-life personality, he fills the room with infectious energy. His boisterous laughter and dark jokes keep everyone entertained, even in dire circumstances. Nate can turn any situation into a comedy show, ensuring there is never a dull moment.

He possesses an innate talent for determining the right amount of explosive power needed to achieve the desired result, whether it's breaching a secure facility or creating a distraction with a chaotic firework display.

Nate is also one of the most loyal members of the group. He always has their back, regardless of the situation. He willingly puts himself in harm's way to protect his comrades and will fight fiercely for them if necessary. His bravery knows no bounds, and while his recklessness can sometimes lead to trouble, it is ultimately his heroic actions that make him the beloved daredevil he is today. Nate O'Neil is a wild card, a dynamo of destruction, and the heart of humor in the group. He reminds everyone that even in the darkest times, laughter and explosions can still exist, and he is always ready to ignite excitement wherever he goes.

~

Haley Jones, The Rider Of Famine

"When I look through the scope, all I see is you."

Haley, a Texan country girl, was born and raised on a ranch. She had a fiery spirit and a talent for precision. While she was no stranger to hard work and the thrill of the open fields, it was the touch of cold metal and the weight of a sniper rifle that truly ignited her passion.

From a young age, Haley displayed an uncanny talent for marksmanship. Her ability to hit headshots with unwavering accuracy earned her the title of the best sniper in her town's academy. Instead of pursuing a military career, Haley chose to become an assassin, targeting key figures who committed heinous acts.

Haley's movements were as precise as her shots. She never missed a target and always completed her missions efficiently. Her sass and flirtatiousness added to the mystique that surrounded her. She often used her curves to distract opponents, giving her time to get into optimal shooting position. People said that if you heard Haley's rifle, it was already too late - you had been marked and there was no escaping your fate.

Despite being an elite assassin, Haley never lost sight of her roots. She took pride in her Texan heritage and maintained a strong work ethic. After every assignment, she would return home to the ranch to decompress from the chaos. Among familiar faces, she would tend to the fields or go horseback riding, finding solace in the simplicity of her upbringing.

~

David Garcia, The Rider Of War

"I don't engage in meaningless conversations. Prove your worth or go away."

David is a mysterious and versatile individual. In private, he is quiet and reserved, preferring simple communication. However, during missions, he surprises even his closest allies with his various personas.

David is quick-witted and can easily become a charismatic trickster. With his clever wordplay and silver tongue, he can turn the tide of a battle without using force.

Flirtation comes naturally to David, and he uses it to manipulate and gather information. It's hard to determine his true intentions when encountering him.

Regardless of the roles he assumes, David is always dedicated to completing his missions. He will do whatever it takes to accomplish his tasks, whether it's infiltrating an enemy stronghold or uncovering a sinister plot.

[2nd-toughest-in-the-infants]

Crown of Ashes and Flames (WIP) on itch.io Review

Author: @coeluvr

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Choice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Replayability: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: 4/5

Pros: ANGST ANGST ANGST‼️, absolute monster of an antagonist, compelling characters, regular updates.

Cons: awkward dialogue from younger characters, no return button on UI.

**SLIGHT SPOILERS**

Notes:

TW!: Family Death, Murder, Forced Marriage, Child Marriage, Bullying, Isolation, Struggles with Mental Health

Crown of Ashes and Flames is another really strong IF WIP on itch.io with a very active author and so far it’s been receiving regular updates so I’m quite excited to see how the story develops as the game updates further. As it stands, I still want to share my thoughts on what is available to play so far.

So, Crown of ashes follows the MC who is the last surviving royal of Vesphire after King Luceris of a neighbouring kingdom, Rosea, declares war on Vesphire, murders MCs entire family, takes them back with him to Rosea and forces MC to marry him and become the new Royal Consort (at age 9?!?!) all for the sake of avenging the death of his wife, who he believes was killed by MCs older sister. As you can probably tell by that quick summary, this is an IF that is absolutely LOADED with Angst and drama, so, naturally, I was drawn right in!

I have to start off by saying how good of a job the author did in managing to create a cast of characters that are all so uniquely compelling in their own right. It can be the case that sometimes IF authors will focus too intently on just one or two main ROs while the others can feel like a bit of an afterthought, but in CoAaF, I feel as though all the characters are given equal opportunity to shine. That isn’t to say that there aren’t stand out characters, because there absolutely are and the first that comes to mind has to be Luceris. For me he stands out because not only is he an incredibly well-written, complex villain I find it rare that I have as much of visceral hatred of a fiction character as I do for him. I mean, what he does to MC in the name of ‘vengeance’ and the way he justifies himself just solidifies him as one of the most delusional and twisted villains I’ve read in an IF.

Also, the setting and minor characters in the story really serve to highlight how the MC is ostracised in their new ‘home’ as punishment for their sisters crimes. And it really is sickening how both adult and young characters justify the way they effectively bully MC because of something MC doesn’t have any control over and really serves to highlight the theme of injustice vs. justice that has been present throughout the game so far.

Furthermore, I enjoyed the amount of choice given to the player over the way MC reacts to what they’ve been through as well as to how the people around them treat them (both good and bad) and provides the player with the opportunity to explore how the traumatic events of the game impacts the MCs attitude and mental state.

It’s also quite interesting to see how the MC develops as they grow as the story starts with the MC as a nine year old and eventually grows up. This however, can be quite tricky from a writting perspective as typically authors can have difficulty with writing young child characters. Unfortunately, this is something that I have noticed was the case with this author as I felt that a lot of the dialogue exchanges between the younger characters (particularly the MC) just didn’t really feel accurate coming from a nine year olds mouth. Aside from that however, I feel as though the rest of the dialogue fits very well and overall I would say the writing is of a good quality.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this game to anyone interested in picking up a new, angsty WIP and I will certainly be patiently awaiting updates!