LudoNarraCon, a digital narrative games festival, is back this year with a whole new set of narrative games to check out. I’m sharing the games that caught my eye and that I think you should check out.
BEACON PINES
Beacon Pines is a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. Sneak out late, make new friends, uncover hidden truths, and collect words that will change the course of fate!
I have had the pleasure of playing Beacon Pines, and I still pick it for this list because it really is a fun game with an intriguing story. With so many paths to take and choices that affect your fate, it is a worthwhile, replayable game.
COFFEE TALK EPISODE 2: HIBISCUS & BUTTERFLY
Dust off your coffee machine and prepare your warmest smile to meet your customers again in the second episode of the much loved coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator; Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly.
Coffee Talk returns, both with a second episode and also to the LudoNarraCon quick picks! I chose it last year, and I choose again for its heart-to-heart wholesomeness.
DEAD PETS UNLEASHED
Struggling punk band, Dead Pets, are still looking for their breakthrough after almost 10 years. Gordy has big plans for the group, but when you turn 30, life starts to get in the way. Dead Pets Unleashed is a narrative, slice of life and management-lite game; get ready to unleash your inner demon.
This may sound strange, but what captured my attention was the character turning 30. Since I am nearing that age myself, I found it intriguing to have a game explore that time of life and have us manage it to some extent.
DEATH TRICK: DOUBLE BLIND
The star magician of the circus went missing: rumors are flying, trouble is brewing, but the show must go on. In this non-linear detective game, gather clues, question suspects, and point out contradictions to unravel the mystery from two alternating perspectives.
The two alternating perspectives are what caught my eye for this game. I am interested to see how that plays out in a detective game.
FALL OF PORCUPINE
Fall of Porcupine is a unique story adventure. The collision of work and daily life – an exciting reflection of an unhealthy healthcare-system.
I have seen Fall of Porcupine before which is part of the reason I’m picking it for this list. It also reminds me a little bit of Night in the Woods, not just the art style and animal characters but also the mix of daily life and another focus.
GLITCHHIKERS: THE SPACES BETWEEN
Glitchhikers is a surreal journey through the spaces between places. A late night drive, a deserted airport lounge, a moonlit walk through an empty park, a quiet carriage on an overnight train. Who will you meet? What will you talk about? Where will the journey take you? Find yourself along the way.
Glitchhikers actually made my pick list for last year’s LudoNarraCon as well. There is something so intriguing about a game exploring the “spaces between places”.
KING OF THE CASTLE
Take your rightful place on the throne in this political party game for 4+ players. Rule the kingdom with an iron fist or silver tongue as you steer through bloodshed, intrigue & madcap disaster! Can you keep your crown when others plot your downfall? More importantly, can you keep your head?
Many games at LudoNarraCon seem to be single player, so when I saw this game being multiplayer I was intrigued. I’m curious to see how the multiplayer works, whether all players are vying to wear the crown or if it’s something else.
LOCO MOTIVE
On the Reuss Express a passenger has been murdered, and you’re the prime suspects. Uncover a thrilling mystery and solve satisfying point and click puzzles to prove your innocence! A slapstick adventure, packed full of deadly surprises, shocking twists and larger than life characters!
This game looks really fun. It definitely looks ridiculous and humorous, even with a murder mystery as the plot. I’m curious to see how the player being the suspects (plural apparently) will work.
MYTHWRECKED: AMBROSIA ISLAND
You’re shipwrecked on a lost mythical island. As backpacker Alex, you must befriend the forgotten gods of Greek mythology and restore their memories. Explore the dynamic island and its story sandbox to build new friendships, solve the mystery and save the gods.
This game is actually from Polygon Treehouse, who also developed a favorite game of mine Röki. With how well they handled Nordic mythology in Röki, I’m looking forward to seeing their take on Greek myths.
STRAY GODS
Gods. Romance. Murder. Musical Numbers?! Change fate with your choices in this interactive roleplaying musical. Play as Grace in a world where Greek Gods live in hiding. Draw friends, foes & lovers into song using your powers of musical persuasion to unravel the mystery of the Last Muse’s death.
I am actually a backer of this game from its initial crowdfunding campaign, so I am extra excited to see it coming to fruition. This is probably going to be the first demo I play during the festival.
THE STAR NAMED EOS
Capture photos and step back in time to experience the moments held within them in The Star Named EOS. Solve a variety of puzzles to help a young photographer uncover the truth about his mother’s disappearance and rediscover the beauty that is to be found in the world.
Photography games have been catching my attention lately since I do consider myself a photographer. Plus the fact this is a puzzle, which is a genre I enjoy and gravitate towards, makes me excited to check it out.
TIMES & GALAXY
Embark on an interplanetary adventure as the first robo reporter for the Times & Galaxy, the solar system’s most trusted holopaper. You’re just an intern, but if you can get the scoop, write great stories, and impress your colleagues, maybe you’ll get to keep your job!
There just seems to be something wholesome about this game that I’m looking forward to. Also, I can’t recall a game I’ve played that has a journalism focus, so this will be something new to me.
LudoNarraCon starts tomorrow, May 4th, and runs through the 8th. You can demo games and watch livestreams talking to the devs about their process and games.
Any of these games catch your eye? Tell me which ones with a comment!