FIrst of all, a huge shoutout to the dev Chattercap for her extra effort to make sure that the Linux build works! It's super appreciated!!
Also I'm super impressed to have all the accessibility features coded and functioned well in this VN. I believe I read somewhere that it's all coded from scratch in Godot engine? How much the dev cares of all of these touched me. ;;-;;
(the following will write about the game, may contain spoiler)
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It has a very intriguing premise. In honesty, I'm not familiar with the myth it's inspired from (and now I want to learn more about it) but the more I progress, the more I felt the uneasiness creep on the back of my head. This is beautifully unsettling. I wanted to explore deeper into the Doctor's darkest heart. With the premise of abusive relationship, I wanted to see how far it could go.
Yumeko is very intriguing. Having a peek into non-human mind is super interesting for me, and this is one unique story that touches an under-explored 'what-if'. I really like it.
Each ending had its own flavour, and it was great to unlock each of them.
(For note: I'm able to safely explore all of this in fiction like this since I don't think I'll be able to handle this anywhere else, obviously. So, thank you for this amazing VN! It's so well-done!)
For the VN itself: Chattercap's beautiful art and writing is always a treat to have!! ^^ The VN itself is well done and coded (details above the spoiler mark). One last but not least thing: the Voice Actings!! I was confused of the multiple narrators voices, only at the very end I realised that the multiple narrators are actually an essential part of the story-telling. This VN would have been so much different (and perhaps lacking) without the voice actors! Everyone did a fantastic job in it!! <3
I'm so looking forward to playing more of your VNs!!
AHHH GOSH thank you for picking it up Kona, I'm so honored that you took the time to play 😭💦 (And thank you again for checking the Linux build, gosh, it was such a huge help!) FGHFGH YOU'RE TOO KIND, I do want to make sure that the reading experience is as comfortable/enjoyable as possible 😭
=======SPOILERS==========
OHH thank you so much!! I'm glad that it was enjoyable even without prior familiarity with the myth, I was rather worried about that 😓 and I'm happy that it inspired people to check out the original! 😂
AHHH I'm glad that the vibe was unsettling! I do love horror but I struggle with making things "scary" 💦 this was my first attempt at making a properly "scary" game (I'm not sure if I REALLY succeeded 💦 but at the very least I think it's scarier than Karamu? 😂) I'm also glad that you found Yumeko to be intriguing! While AI is pretty controversial in the world nowadays 🤣 I do find the idea of "robots" and "what it means to be human/conscious" to be quite an interesting question... and a particularly fascinating thing to explore in fiction!
(I'm glad fghfghgf I do explore some edgier/darker topics in my games, but I do hope that people can feel at ease/comfortable while they play!)
OHHHH I am very happy that you noticed the voice actors!! And that it's clear why there are three of them when you get to the endings! (Admittedly it was partially a logistical thing 😂 since I didn't want to burden one VA with too many lines - but I also really wanted to evoke the feeling of a Greek chorus, with each narrator representing one of the three endings!) The VA wasn't planned at the start but I am so glad that I added it (and found such talented and wonderful people to work with), I don't think it would have been half as good with their contributions.
Thank you again for playing, Kona!! 😭 And for taking the time to comment, it really means so much to me!
This morning, I hadn’t checked Itch.io in a while and finally returned to see that Chattercap made a new game! A game that’s a take on Pygmalion and Galatea but in Chattercap style? Let me at it!
So, I bookmarked it for after work and it didn’t disappoint.
—Spoilers—
So, because the ‘point’ in the description is to be the ‘perfect girlfriend’ I played the role the first time. I knew a guy who was …exactly like this dude so it was hilarious to see her reactions to all the things he would say and do…but it was also interesting playing this route first because I missed the loop mechanics (forgive me for calling them ‘loop’ mechanics, I just played two other games with similar mechanics this week and all three are so good ahhh!)
Of course, when I got to the end, I chose to live my own life, because I couldn’t do that to my lovely protagonist TT_TT. Imagine my surprise when I restarted for the other endings and realised exactly how he’s been tweaking the AI. Literally, brutally and…almost incompetently? removing your choices one by one because he lacks the competence to convince you or to even realise what the actual flaw is. It mimics violence (I assume this is the point) because rather than changing your mind, he’s removing your options–an entirely different and more sinister thing. So, the second ending I got was the outcome of repeated abuse. It’s depressing and fantastic and makes perfect sense. You’re literally trapped in a box with nothing to interact with aside from him, of course that’s the outcome to brute force.
So, then, admittedly, I went back and checked how many endings there were in case there was more than one left. With only one left, the final route became obvious and to me, this route is the most normal/common. Due to the pressure you’ve faced from all aspects of life, you are too afraid to leave. It’s such a common situation that so many people find themselves in and why I think it’s brilliant that you began the conversation about makeup–another thing that women often feels traps us. This game as a whole, is a fantastic statement on what it means to be a woman, and is also quite queer coded. I could see a trans person relating with the idea of being a doll, shaped like a femme, shaped like societal expectations. As a dark skinned woman of color, I’m often rejected from feminine society, by both women and men, so it’s definitely something I’ve had to think about. It makes me relate to the AI–not being ‘real’–I often feel like I’m not a woman, 😅 and like I need to work extra hard to fit in (well, I used to, anyway.)
I noticed that you never see the masculine figure, which I think was brilliant, while also thinking it’s brilliant that you do see the feminine because the entire point is that body. Between the man wanting a perfect body for his ‘wife’ to the AI wanting to escape the box and have it’s own body, to how that body is treated depending on your ending. It’s chef’s kiss.
The last time I played a game about Galatea I was like, 12, and it was also a text adventure. Pretty cool. Thanks for a great game as always, Cattercap! Sorry for the long post, and I didn’t even bring up the art aaa
EDIT: AAA I forgot to mention the Aspect Voices (sorry, didn’t know what else to call these) but it’s so cool that each identity had it’s own voice!
NOW I’M DONE FOR REAL AAA
OH GOSH thank you again for playing, Akazukin, and for always leaving such lengthy and thoughtful comments 😭💦 I'm very honored that you picked up another one of my games! (And relieved that it didn't disappoint 😂)
===SPOILERS===
I'm glad that the characterization was realistic 🤣 (I might have known a few guys like the Doctor as well...) - it is interesting how quickly people "catch" on to the mechanic... and no no, no need to apologize! Loop mechanics is exactly what I was going for! I always think it's very neat when VNs use the medium in an interesting way (particularly with "game loops") so I really wanted to think of a cool way to use them 🤔 (I would like to play around with such game mechanics in the future - since usually I write rather straightforward/linear stories!)
And YES, you caught on my intent exactly 😭💦 the Doctor, upon hearing an answer that he does not like, doesn't seek to investigate the cause of this "discrepancy" or persuade Yumeko - he takes the easiest way out, to just "remove" the error, because he doesn't understand, and he doesn't care to. Violence is precisely what I wanted to mimic here - as I wanted to see if I could convey the brutality of abuse without outright physical violence 🤔
And yes 😓 while I'd say none of the endings are "canon," the final route you mentioned is the one that I would point out as the canon route if I were asked for one 🤣 simply because, well, it's a realistic and all-too-common outcome in these situations. Thank you so much 😭 You're too kind! And I am SO HAPPY that you found it rather queer-coded as well! I did want to echo this kind of experience - of being forced into a "feminine box." (Fun fact, I actually considered naming the "freedom" ending "The Person" and allowing the player to pick their name/gender at the end - but in the end I didn't want to make the message too complicated or muddied 😭) Gosh I'm really glad that you could relate to the message/ideas in such a way! (As a rather "strong-minded" woman I've also found myself scraping/banging against societal expectations 😓 it's difficult...)
GOSH I AM VERY GLAD THAT YOU NOTICED THAT, that the Doctor doesn't appear while Yumeko does 🥹💦 I did want to convey in the end that the Doctor isn't that important 🤣 since this is about Yumeko's story - and her trying to find a body (and power) for herself.
AND THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THE NARRATORS, it was actually an idea that I had midway through production and I am so glad that I did 😭😭 all the VAs I worked with were absolutely stellar, and they added SO much to the experience that I can't imagine what the game would have been like without them! 😭
THANK YOU AGAIN for taking the time to play and leave all of your thoughts, they're really a treasure to read, gosh 🥹💦 and they really make my day (and my entire week!) I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 💕
This is so well crafted, I love the art and how you showed progress when you disagree. I honestly thought for a while that the doctor got a human body for us and that was interesting to learn the truth. You used color amazingly and I like that he isn't important, what he looks like isn't important. Her story is what is important.
GOSH this is very high praise, thank you so much 😭I'm really glad that you liked the reveal! And AHHHH this was my second foray into using really stylized colors so I'm glad that it was effective!!
And OHH you're the first person to mention this! That was absolutely my intent - that in the end he is a player in Yumeko's story, with no name, no face, no deep backstory. I really wanted the player to focus on Yumeko and her experience!
Thank you again for playing and for taking the time to comment, it means the world to me!
very meaningful. You have perfectly explained the "worthless women" culture from the past through an AI. I hope all women achieve their own "be a real woman" option in this life!
AMAZING deconstruction of various forms of misogyny in society; no themes are left untread imo-even the toxic masculinity side is mention, and in a tactful way that doesn't make the girl feel responsible for staying with him out of pity. Afterall, even if there is reasoning, pity inducing reasoning behind the way he is, he still has had and has free will. He has still hurt her and will likely continue to do so. And it's not her responsibility to deal with that.
I also liked the use of the "reprogramming" metaphor for what would otherwise be manipulation and abuse. The changes in code being the degradation and erasure of her sense of self, sense of choice. The clear pain in the resets likely representing abuse especially.
All in all a great tool to spread awareness of the many ways misogyny affects the lives of women that I think anyone would benefit from playing through. Great game, great use of the medium, great message.
Oh yeah I think those more enthusiastic about greek myth than me(as unfortunately i am not) would appreciate the usage of the tale to critique misogyny too!
WOW THIS IS SUCH HIGH PRAISE, gosh 😭😭😭 I'm really glad that you thought I tackled this (admittedly very complex) topic in a comprehensive way, I was a bit worried since the game is fairly short 💦💦 I'm glad that you noticed this detail! I think it's pretty important when addressing toxic relationships - that oftentimes the victim is tempted to stay because they have received love and they sympathize with the abuser in some way. It's often glorified in fiction (particularly romances) as well - this idea that you can "fix" someone who hurts you, when that's never your responsibility or something that can even be done.
OHHH THAT WAS EXACTLY MY INTENT, and you articulated it exactly perfectly (indeed, I did mean the "resets" to represent some kind of abuse - that slowly changes Yumeko's sense of self).
😭💦 Your comments are too kind, I really can't express how grateful I am to receive them! Thank you again for playing and taking the time to leave your thoughts, it means so much!
ACK I HOPE YOU WERE OKAY (as a horror game creator it's good to know that I successfully get under people's skin, but of course I want people to not feel TOO triggered by my games too) I am glad to hear that it resonated with you though, "The Wife" is definitely the most uncomfortable/saddest ending for me too.
Thank you so much for playing!! 🥹 I'm very glad that you enjoyed it!
Disregarding the amazing voice acting and everything around the feelings the VA's brought to the table, this is such a good embodiment of hatred without anywhere for it to go or be controlled.
Usually I get annoyed by repetitiveness in games like these but this one really brought more to the story. It shows that the Doctor, even though he might have some sick idea of love, did love her nonetheless. He just didn't give her a choice on whether she could or not do the same.
Now regarding the VA's I love how they embody the thoughts of what I'd imagine a woman's thoughts, trapped in a man's control would have done. I won't spoil much more for people who want to play it for themselves but I'd so, you 100% should!
And it really opened my eyes, as a man myself that there truly were situations like this in the past and seeing it from the woman's perspective made me more endearing and careful. I actually teared up at one moment in the game because I could relate to it myself.
Thank you for not only making such a beautiful game but also doing it for free. It truly was one of those games that broke my heart when I realised it was finished.
Your take is really on point, and in a way that I don't think I've seen articulated by anyone up until this point - that, over the course of the game, there is this anger/resentment that builds, with no outlet for it to be released.
I'M SO GLAD ABOUT THAT, I thought it would be a clever way of utilizing a "loop" in a VN (since I love games that can use time loops in a clever way), but I did worry about it being a bit repetitive... And yes, honestly I've been doing some research on abusive relationships, and what "love" means to an abuser - and I do think that the Doctor, by some definition, "loved" Yumeko - but they probably didn't have the same definition, LOL
And yes, your take on the VA is VERY on point! I really wanted the different VAs to embody different women's thoughts in such a situation, almost talking to Yumeko like voices in her head. And all of them did such a fantastic job - I couldn't have asked for a better cast.
I'M HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT, I did worry that men couldn't enjoy this considering how "distinct" the perspective is 😭 I do want everyone to be able to play my games and find something from them, so I'm really happy whenever I hear that a guy played this one and enjoyed it in some way (and gosh, especially that you found it relatable 🥹 even though it's a game about the female perspective, in the end it's also a game about toxic relationships, so I'm so happy it resonated with you!)
GOSH YOU'RE TRULY TOO KIND 😭😭 This comment really made my day (more like my entire week)! Thank you again for playing and taking the time to leave your thoughts!
Even with the fantasy of the A.I woman program, a lot of the dialogue felt so realistic... which is devastating because, sadly, there really are people in this world who think like the Doctor.
The way the story makes you feel so uncomfortable with all the misogyny and toxic masculinity spouting from the Doctor's mouth, the way Yumeko's appearance would change every time she protested or didn't agree with him, the way the screen would add horror-like images whenever Yumeko felt more and more horrified with her situation!! And the voice acting!! GOD, the voice acting!! It made me feel even more immersed, it was so good!!
I'm so glad there was a cathartic ending where Yumeko could actually be free from that MONSTER of a guy. When you see just how many women can relate with situations like these, it just goes to show how many women are trapped in abusive relationships and don't know how to leave out of fear.
Thank you so much for making this game, Chatt!! Your stories are truly something else, I'm always amazed at your storytelling skills; the way you write is so captivating that it always makes me want to keep reading!!
AHHH PRI YOU PLAYED 🥹 Gosh I'm so touched, thank you so much for taking the time 😭
I'm really glad that you found this game "uncomfortable" (well I guess that's a little bit of a weird thing to say 😂 but I did want to experiment with a kind of different type of "horror" here, one that was more based on discomfort rather than outright "terror"). I was worried that it would end up being too boring/obnoxious to play through 😭 so I'm glad if it was interesting!! And YES, the voice actors were all so fantastic, I was so lucky to have they volunteered their time 😭 Truly some of the most professional and talented people I've ever worked with, and their voices were all so perfect for their respective parts!
And yes 😂 if I'm being honest, I think that "The Wife" is probably the ending I find the most realistic, given Yumeko's situation, but I definitely wanted to include some kind of cathartic/more optimistic ending here - a taste of freedom that many women can't achieve in real life.
GOSH YOU'RE TOO KIND??? You're making me melt 😭I don't deserve such high praise... Thank you again for taking the time to play and leave your thoughts!!
This is amazing! I love it so much. I like how Yumeko has 3+ voice actors. It really adds to the drama of the statue ending, when the speaking voice switched. You also adopted the myth well, in my opinion. Like how Pygmalion in the myth formed the statue, chipping away at the stone until it looked how he wished it, The Doctor also took away whatever he found unattractive. Unfortunately, it isn't just marble or stone that he was chipping away. It was her code, her being, her true personality. I think that's why I feel the saddest for the statue ending.
I got the happy ending first, which was nice. The doctor was being really annoying, and seeing his downfall was cathartic. Speaking of, the doctor was really detestable. I just disliked him every time he spoke. His voice actor did a really good job, to make me detest him so much! And the writing for him was awesome too! I especially liked Yumeko's thoughts on everything the doctor said. It made me chuckle a bit.
I also love the visuals, especially for the statue ending. The last sprite of yumeko in the computer made me so sad, with the fingerprints on her neck. Getting that ending really pained me, and i think the visuals really helped with that.
GOSH this is incredibly high praise, thank you so much 😭💦💦 I'm especially glad that you liked the usage of the three VAs for the narration - I've really wanted to do a fully narrated game, and I thought that it would be a good way to utilize it to convey the tones of the various endings! And AHHHH I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED THIS TAKE ON THE MYTH, at times I thought that I was going too far from the source 😂 In the end it's a very loose adaptation of the original myth, but your analysis on how the Doctor "chips" Yumeko away captured my intent absolutely perfectly 😭
The VA for the Doctor did an ABSOLUTELY fantastic job with him, I was so lucky to work with such talented people 😭 And I'm happy that you find the Doctor detestable 🤣 I tried to make him that slimy kind of detestable where he thinks he's a good guy, but you know he's really not. Thank you so much for your compliments on the visuals too - I usually don't work in this style, so it was pretty experimental 🤣 Your comments really fill me with so much joy, thank you so much! 🥹 Thank you so much for playing, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
Wow, you did such a good job at making me feel uncomfortable! What a freaking show this was! I can't wait until you do more! I'd love to see some more branches in other stories too! 5/5!
This game gave me chills on multiple occasions, especially the voice acting. I can't even describe how much despair, repulsion, and fear i felt.
I don't think I really can put any of my (especially deeper) thoughts into words, but I think this game is an important experience, especially in order to understand the oppression women go through. So yeah, I liked it a lot!!
AHH GOSH this comment is too kind, thank you so much 🥹 I'm so glad that it gave you chills, as I do struggle with the actual horror part of my games 😂 The voice actors did SUCH a fantastic job adding to the experience, I was too lucky to be able to work with them!!
GOSH THAT IS VERY HIGH PRAISE, I'm so flattered 😭😭😭 Thank you so much for playing and taking the time to comment 😭 I really appreciate it!
Oh gosh, I hope you and your loved ones are safe 💦 Thank you for giving my game a try during this stressful time! I hope you enjoyed it, and thank you for taking the time to comment!! A FEMALE KRATOS 😂 honestly accurate...
Good, and no one got hurt except the factory owner, and honestly, there weren’t any tough times. I was thinking about writing a newspaper, but then I thought no one cares, and I forgot to include a picture for the endings."
I loved this game! Not only can it be seen as a metaphor for abusive and controlling relationships, but it also draws a lot of attention to the ethics of AI usage. As AI becomes more common, there will be people who legitimately do this sort of thing. Sure its not a human, but does that make it okay to do this? Lots of moral quandries here.
I got all endings in the game as well! Really enjoyed it
AHHH I'm so honored that you took the time to play, and that you found it thought provoking! 😭 💦 I do wonder about the AI thing myself 🤔 as indeed, I haven't quite decided... Though I do think that if we are going to create "intelligent life" for humanity's "use," then we have a responsibility to not make them so advanced that they can "suffer" and feel pain 😂 (if only to avoid a Skynet situation...)
Thank you again for playing and taking the time to comment!! 💜
I'm right there with you! With the current state of technology it is definitely something to consider... As a content creator it genuinely concerns me the amount of children that have come in my lives etc bragging about how they "torture AI" because it's "funny to see them have a mental breakdown". Like... what? This technology is meant to mirror actual intelligent life so this is super concerning behavior. Why do people want to inflict pain so badly? Really reflects how they probably feel about actual people. Even if they aren't truly sentient, why would you want to inflict harm on something that mirrors human sentience? Messed up if you ask me. AI art ethics and such are definitely important, but I feel like we should be exploring the more social aspects as well.
DANG WHAT 😟 I haven't heard that before, but I completely agree with you, that is very concerning, particularly for young people... Regardless of whether harming an AI is ethical or not, teaching people that it's all right to treat certain things without empathy and respect is not a good thing (particularly things that, for all intents and purposes, mimic real people). Someone did bring up that perhaps it's better that the Doctor abuses a fake woman, as opposed to a real one, but 💦 I do think there could be troubling implications of allowing people to do things like that 💦 It's definitely a problem without clear or easy answers.
TBH with how things are going, I'm really scared for a Detroit become human type of future lmao. Yes, while it is better to hurt something "not real" than an actual human, the concept is so trashy. Like you said, for all intensive purposes they are meant to mimic a real human. What happens when they have bodies and are nearly indistinguishable from the average joe? Is it still okay to treat them as lesser when the seemingly only difference is the way we are brought to existence? Anyways I will get out of your comment section with all the philosophical rants on AI ethics lmao. Regardless, great game. Lot's of food for thought, which I very much appreciate! I hope others feel the same.
Hiya! I've been trying to run this on my Mac for a little bit now, but a pop-up keeps appearing that states that the application cannot be run. I even downloaded it within the itch.io app -- same error message. Is there any chance that it's a glitch that can be fixed? Because I really love the concept of this game and would love to play it! Thanks. :,)
Oh no 😭 I'm sorry to hear that! That's strange, as it should work with the itch app to bypass the security problems 💦 Is there any chance that you're using MacOS Monterey? For some reason my games don't work on that version, and I don't have a Monterey Mac available to debug the issues. Other than that my only suggestion would be to try to add the game to your security exceptions (either by ctrl-clicking to open or going to your security center to add it to your exceptions)?
1. Copyright issue: The game may contain copyright infringing material, which will result in it being banned from the site.
2. Inappropriate content: If the game contains inappropriate content or violates the site's policies (such as excessive violence, abuse, or illegal material), this may result in a ban.
3. Technical or temporary issue: Sometimes the ban is due to technical or temporary issues on the site, such as a system glitch or automatic ban being activated unintentionally.
4. Country restrictions: Some games may be banned in certain regions or countries due to local laws.
Ahh the poor Internet speed might be causing it 😓 The first two shouldn't be a problem (all of the content is either original except the music and SFX, which is cleared for use; the game doesn't have any particularly inappropriate content, either) and I'm not sure about 3 and 4 (although I would be very surprised if the game is banned anywhere? There isn't really that much in terms of objectionable content, no sex or graphic depictions of violence, even).
Ah yes it is, I'm sorry 😔 Basically happens with all builds of my games since they're not "signed" (since signing apps costs quite a bit of time/money) so they're not "officially" recognized by the OS, but they should be quite safe to run!
😂 HONESTLY I have the Midas touch, except everything I touch turns into depression instead of gold 😂 I am waiting to enter my comedy era... 😭 but I'm glad that you liked the art and the concept!! Thank you for playing 😂
HELLOOO THIS IS WONDERFUL... i lowkey relate to "yumeko" (am i cooked?) BUT this is absolutely fantastic. I love the art, the voice acting, especially the potrayal of these characters. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I LOVE THIS IMMENSELY!!!
DKFJD thank you so much, I'm so flattered 😭 💦 💦 I'M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED!! (I relate a bit to her too 😂 although I hope you're not trapped like her, if you are please blink quickly to communicate that you need help...) Thank you again for playing and taking the time to comment 💜
Just download the version for your OS! On Windows, click the exe, and on Mac open the application (and whatever you do on Linux too, haha!) On Android you'll have to install the APK. For all of the options you'll probably have to let the application through your security so it will run.
If you're having problems, I recommend running through the official itch app for the smoothest process!
Fire fricking game. This was one of the first games I played while trying to get into visual novels, and goodness it started this genre off strong. It's themes and premise are so interesting and well executed. Subtle things like the handprints around the main character's neck were so awesome and subtle, and perfectly depicted the story in a visual way. It was also quite disturbing, many things caught me off guard and made me feel very uneasy. The endings were all great in their own ways (though 'the woman' ending literally had me cheering). Overall amazing game, I will definitely be checking out more visual novels, and more of YOUR games :]
😭 💦💦 Gosh, thank you so much for the kind words, I really don't deserve the praise... I'm so proud that my game helped sway you to the visual novel format 🤭 There are so many interesting things you can do with it (and so many stellar games doing such creative things, I keep a notepad of inspiration 😂) I'm so glad that you picked up on some of the smaller details too! 😭 This comment really made my day, thank you for taking the time to play and leave your thoughts!! I hope that you enjoy the others 🤭 (and any other VNs you decide to try, of course!)
I wasn't expecting too much but the 3 endings were awesome. This is the kind of game that we need to support to get better topics to represent in video games. The fact that all 3 endings represent different visions of relantionships or marriages left me thinking a lot. I liked it!
AHH thank you so much!! 😊 💜 Your comments are too kind 😭 I'm so honored that it was thought-provoking, that's one of the highest compliments I can receive as a dev 😭 Thank you again for playing, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺️
haven't played it, but now i have the idea of this game, except instead of just a dickhead talking to an AI, it's a bored idiot talking to an AI and they're just breaking the fourth wall and going on power trips and stuff
Heyya, Chatter~ Made some time and played this on my phone! Got all 3 endings in under an hour, woo! 🥳✨💞
All 3 routes are so well-written and thought-provoking that it intrigued me to check out the mythology. I'm actually surprised it has a happy ending since these usually end in tragedy 😂😂
I'm glad you decided to explore the creepy conotation in Pygmalion and Galatea's relationship. Making it about a sentient AI and her abusive creator is 100% fitting! Major props for the modern concept fr 😌👌🏻✨
All in all, really love the execution, especially how the reboot continues the story on in a loop kind of implies that the Doctor traps Yumeko in a pre-programmed and pre-recorded scenario until she succumbs to his wants and needs, whilst the real him sits back and watch until she's ready. Def amps up the creepiness for me 💯
I also appreciate how the narrative tastefully mirrors similar situations in real life. I've seen firsthand how women would succumb and actually delude themselves into thinking they love the men who abuse them, just to make it mentally easier to go through. Fawning being one of the best methods of survival is also accurate; fawn and trick them until you see a chance to escape. Sadly, most decide to choose the former route due to a lot of complicated factors. I can only hope society improves in this regard fr :' )
Really love the art and everything too! Making this by yourself is seriously amazing! Thanks for making this game and giving us a great experience 😁✨💞💞
L.!!!! Thank you so much for playing 😭 💦 💦 💕 I'm so honored!!!
I'm so flattered that playing made you inspired to check out the mythology 😂 I went into it a bit in my postmortem, but I basically made the game because of how much I dislike the ending of the original myth 🤣 Imagining waking up for the very first time to find a guy fondling and kissing you, declaring that the gods gave you to him - how horrific 😭
I'm very glad you liked the setup!! I wasnt sure if I was going to do myth jam initially since I'm not really a myth connoisseur 😂 but I came up with the reboot idea and thought it would be a good way to convey the theme and make use of the VN format! (And I've always wanted to make a game that makes good use of a "loop!")
UGHH I'm happy that you thought I handled the subjects tastefully 😭 💦 I was worried about it since they are quite sensitive topics. And I'm glad that it accurately reflected what you've seen IRL as well - "fawning" really is a tool people use to survive when they're stuck in abusive situations. And it's easy to tell people "just leave" - but obviously there are always a lot of other factors, and sometimes it's not possible 😓 I agree with you, I hope that society improves in this regard...
Thank you again for taking the time to play and leave such a lovely comment 😭 💦 💕 Trying to level up my game making prowess with each release 💪 💪 💪
You're welcome! I just read the postmortem and left my thoughts there! With how you're actively tackling your weaknesses, I can definitely see how you're getting better and better with each release. Mad props fr! 😁👌🏻✨💞
And yeah, sadly things like abuse can be truly complicated to solve IRL. If it were simple, habitual abusers won't even exist. Like in the case of Galatea's story in this game, realistically her tragedy continues on after The Woman ending as well. Pygmalion's body would rot, someone would notice the smell, and the authorities would be contacted. Pygmalion left trails of her existence, so Galatea would spend her life on the run, still affected by his shadow. Though her being an AI, it should be easier for her to find some respite eventually, so that ending is still quite fitting for the setting. But yeah, IRL, it's far more complicated and heartbreaking ;v;
Anyways, at least Galatea has a chance and I'm glad she can find some respite in the end. Stories like this give courage and hope, so thank you 🥰💞
Man, there are worse cases about women locked away and being used as tools. Some women are like properties of those men, they have to cover themselves from head to toes and don't dare to go alone on a street without a male relatives. Don't forget they even force young girls to marry much older men, and then there's human trafficking. The most heartache story comes from a woman who is trafficked in China. Her tongue was cut and her teeth are all broken. She was used as a breeding machine, gave birth to 8 children when she herself was locked in a dark, damp room with a chain in her leg. The fucking village where she was trafficked to even tried to hide and attack the ones who went to rescue her. I heard China Government covered that story up and even "handled" the people who rescued the poor woman. They all "mystery" disappeared overnight. This game is cute and all but true horror is many women are locked in a dark box just like this game, and treated as some tools by both men and other women.
Ugh yes, it's too true 😓 It's still so unsafe to even exist as a woman, in many parts of the world - and toxic relationships (especially marriages) are prevalent, regardless of where you live. Recently I was speaking with a family acquaintance about how his cousin, who was of similar age to me, got married to a man twice her age and moved to another country, in exchange for a dowry that was paid out to her family. He framed it as a very business-like transaction - a "good deal," in fact, since she got a wealthy, reliable husband and was able to support her family (as he paid out quite a lot in her country's currency), but I couldnt help but think that it was a bit tragic, and scary for her. Even if her husband wasnt abusive, even if he was a good guy - in the end she was sold to a stranger, sent to live in a strange country where she didn't even speak the language, in exchange for money that she didn't receive. (The acquaintance then implied that maybe I might consider a similar deal 😂 luckily I'm in a position where I dont need to.)
In the end, reality is much more horrific than what I depicted here, because honestly I couldnt bear to be any more cruel (for instance, the Doctor does not fondle Yumeko's body, since it disgusted me too much to include). It's a message that is often repeated, but I dont think it can be repeated enough - Women (anyone really, but truly this applies to women in particular) are not objects to be "carved."
(Thank you so much for playing and leaving your thoughts!!)
Aww thank you so much 😭 💦 I'm glad you enjoyed it! The voice actors were so talented, I was so lucky to have the chance to work with them!! Thank you for playing and taking the time to comment! 💜
You outdid yourself with this one, Chatter! Great commentary on women's position in society and the expectations that come with it. Very good pacing, compelling storytelling, and three well-balanced endings. 👌
[mild story spoilers below]
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The doctor annoyed me so much, it was exhausting to listen to him yap about how hard he has it. What a loser! And an incel. Tbh his whole character makes me feel so icky. (also, the fact that he works with Sandra and Adriel! some freaking nerve to make Yumeko call him 'the doctor'! 💢)
It's just gut-wrenching that you have to agree with his bull to proceed in the game. And the fact that he holds freedom over Yumeko's head like that? Disgusting. What annoyed me the most was probably the kids thing. He wants three because it'd look good in a picture?????? I'm frothing at the mouth in hatred for this douchebag. 🤬
Overall, it's an excellent game! Made me feel all kinds of things (mostly anger and disgust, and sympathy for poor Yumeko). The art is very pretty and I think you did a great job translating the myth into a modern setting!
LOL HIRO DON'T BE SORRY I LOVE IT (honestly part of my goal was to provoke sheer rage, so I'm glad to know that I succeeded for you... 🤭) Thank you so much for the compliments 😭 I did try a bit harder to make this one a small but complete package so I'm happy that it worked out 🙏
===MILD STORY SPOILERS BELOW===
LMAO I'M GLAD, I did want the Doctor to evoke that icky feeling 😂 Luckily Sandra and Adriel know to ignore him... And you had the reaction to the Doctor that I intended 😭Holding her freedom over her head when he KNOWS that she wants it... And you're THE ONLY ONE SO FAR WHO HAS MENTIONED THE KIDS THING GOSH, I'm so glad you did 😭😭😭 Truly I feel like that's one of the Doctor's worst moments, not because he's particularly bad in saying it but because it really showcases his fakeness and his hypocrisy. He only wants kids for the shallowest reasons, and he doesn't really care how many he has 😂 because he won't be taking care of them...
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLAYING and for taking the time to comment, it's always such a pleasure to hear that something I made evoked an emotional reaction 😂 It's the highest form of praise!
i love this game so much, the voice acting was really good and helped set the tone for the scenes reading the dev log on it and getting more insight on it was really cool too! thank you all for making this game
GOSH this is such a kind comment 😭 💦 💦 Thank you so much! I'm SO glad that you liked the VA, it was a relatively late addition and I was so lucky to work with such lovely and talented people! And you read my long rambling devlog too 😭 Thank you for playing and taking the time to comment, it means so much!
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FIrst of all, a huge shoutout to the dev Chattercap for her extra effort to make sure that the Linux build works! It's super appreciated!!
Also I'm super impressed to have all the accessibility features coded and functioned well in this VN. I believe I read somewhere that it's all coded from scratch in Godot engine? How much the dev cares of all of these touched me. ;;-;;
(the following will write about the game, may contain spoiler)
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It has a very intriguing premise. In honesty, I'm not familiar with the myth it's inspired from (and now I want to learn more about it) but the more I progress, the more I felt the uneasiness creep on the back of my head. This is beautifully unsettling. I wanted to explore deeper into the Doctor's darkest heart. With the premise of abusive relationship, I wanted to see how far it could go.
Yumeko is very intriguing. Having a peek into non-human mind is super interesting for me, and this is one unique story that touches an under-explored 'what-if'. I really like it.
Each ending had its own flavour, and it was great to unlock each of them.
(For note: I'm able to safely explore all of this in fiction like this since I don't think I'll be able to handle this anywhere else, obviously. So, thank you for this amazing VN! It's so well-done!)
For the VN itself: Chattercap's beautiful art and writing is always a treat to have!! ^^ The VN itself is well done and coded (details above the spoiler mark). One last but not least thing: the Voice Actings!! I was confused of the multiple narrators voices, only at the very end I realised that the multiple narrators are actually an essential part of the story-telling. This VN would have been so much different (and perhaps lacking) without the voice actors! Everyone did a fantastic job in it!! <3
I'm so looking forward to playing more of your VNs!!
AHHH GOSH thank you for picking it up Kona, I'm so honored that you took the time to play 😭💦 (And thank you again for checking the Linux build, gosh, it was such a huge help!) FGHFGH YOU'RE TOO KIND, I do want to make sure that the reading experience is as comfortable/enjoyable as possible 😭
=======SPOILERS==========
OHH thank you so much!! I'm glad that it was enjoyable even without prior familiarity with the myth, I was rather worried about that 😓 and I'm happy that it inspired people to check out the original! 😂
AHHH I'm glad that the vibe was unsettling! I do love horror but I struggle with making things "scary" 💦 this was my first attempt at making a properly "scary" game (I'm not sure if I REALLY succeeded 💦 but at the very least I think it's scarier than Karamu? 😂) I'm also glad that you found Yumeko to be intriguing! While AI is pretty controversial in the world nowadays 🤣 I do find the idea of "robots" and "what it means to be human/conscious" to be quite an interesting question... and a particularly fascinating thing to explore in fiction!
(I'm glad fghfghgf I do explore some edgier/darker topics in my games, but I do hope that people can feel at ease/comfortable while they play!)
OHHHH I am very happy that you noticed the voice actors!! And that it's clear why there are three of them when you get to the endings! (Admittedly it was partially a logistical thing 😂 since I didn't want to burden one VA with too many lines - but I also really wanted to evoke the feeling of a Greek chorus, with each narrator representing one of the three endings!) The VA wasn't planned at the start but I am so glad that I added it (and found such talented and wonderful people to work with), I don't think it would have been half as good with their contributions.
Thank you again for playing, Kona!! 😭 And for taking the time to comment, it really means so much to me!
The voice acting was incredible and set a really strong, fitting mood for all endings.
The visual effects of "progression" were haunting. So well made!
I greatly enjoyed my time playing this and it broke my heart quite a bit🥲✨
OH GOSH thank you so much for taking the time to make a playthrough 😭 and to leave such a kind comment!! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 💕
This morning, I hadn’t checked Itch.io in a while and finally returned to see that Chattercap made a new game! A game that’s a take on Pygmalion and Galatea but in Chattercap style? Let me at it!
So, I bookmarked it for after work and it didn’t disappoint.
—Spoilers—
So, because the ‘point’ in the description is to be the ‘perfect girlfriend’ I played the role the first time. I knew a guy who was …exactly like this dude so it was hilarious to see her reactions to all the things he would say and do…but it was also interesting playing this route first because I missed the loop mechanics (forgive me for calling them ‘loop’ mechanics, I just played two other games with similar mechanics this week and all three are so good ahhh!)
Of course, when I got to the end, I chose to live my own life, because I couldn’t do that to my lovely protagonist TT_TT. Imagine my surprise when I restarted for the other endings and realised exactly how he’s been tweaking the AI. Literally, brutally and…almost incompetently? removing your choices one by one because he lacks the competence to convince you or to even realise what the actual flaw is. It mimics violence (I assume this is the point) because rather than changing your mind, he’s removing your options–an entirely different and more sinister thing. So, the second ending I got was the outcome of repeated abuse. It’s depressing and fantastic and makes perfect sense. You’re literally trapped in a box with nothing to interact with aside from him, of course that’s the outcome to brute force.
So, then, admittedly, I went back and checked how many endings there were in case there was more than one left. With only one left, the final route became obvious and to me, this route is the most normal/common. Due to the pressure you’ve faced from all aspects of life, you are too afraid to leave. It’s such a common situation that so many people find themselves in and why I think it’s brilliant that you began the conversation about makeup–another thing that women often feels traps us. This game as a whole, is a fantastic statement on what it means to be a woman, and is also quite queer coded. I could see a trans person relating with the idea of being a doll, shaped like a femme, shaped like societal expectations. As a dark skinned woman of color, I’m often rejected from feminine society, by both women and men, so it’s definitely something I’ve had to think about. It makes me relate to the AI–not being ‘real’–I often feel like I’m not a woman, 😅 and like I need to work extra hard to fit in (well, I used to, anyway.)
I noticed that you never see the masculine figure, which I think was brilliant, while also thinking it’s brilliant that you do see the feminine because the entire point is that body. Between the man wanting a perfect body for his ‘wife’ to the AI wanting to escape the box and have it’s own body, to how that body is treated depending on your ending. It’s chef’s kiss.
The last time I played a game about Galatea I was like, 12, and it was also a text adventure. Pretty cool. Thanks for a great game as always, Cattercap! Sorry for the long post, and I didn’t even bring up the art aaa
EDIT: AAA I forgot to mention the Aspect Voices (sorry, didn’t know what else to call these) but it’s so cool that each identity had it’s own voice! NOW I’M DONE FOR REAL AAA
OH GOSH thank you again for playing, Akazukin, and for always leaving such lengthy and thoughtful comments 😭💦 I'm very honored that you picked up another one of my games! (And relieved that it didn't disappoint 😂)
===SPOILERS===
I'm glad that the characterization was realistic 🤣 (I might have known a few guys like the Doctor as well...) - it is interesting how quickly people "catch" on to the mechanic... and no no, no need to apologize! Loop mechanics is exactly what I was going for! I always think it's very neat when VNs use the medium in an interesting way (particularly with "game loops") so I really wanted to think of a cool way to use them 🤔 (I would like to play around with such game mechanics in the future - since usually I write rather straightforward/linear stories!)
And YES, you caught on my intent exactly 😭💦 the Doctor, upon hearing an answer that he does not like, doesn't seek to investigate the cause of this "discrepancy" or persuade Yumeko - he takes the easiest way out, to just "remove" the error, because he doesn't understand, and he doesn't care to. Violence is precisely what I wanted to mimic here - as I wanted to see if I could convey the brutality of abuse without outright physical violence 🤔
And yes 😓 while I'd say none of the endings are "canon," the final route you mentioned is the one that I would point out as the canon route if I were asked for one 🤣 simply because, well, it's a realistic and all-too-common outcome in these situations. Thank you so much 😭 You're too kind! And I am SO HAPPY that you found it rather queer-coded as well! I did want to echo this kind of experience - of being forced into a "feminine box." (Fun fact, I actually considered naming the "freedom" ending "The Person" and allowing the player to pick their name/gender at the end - but in the end I didn't want to make the message too complicated or muddied 😭) Gosh I'm really glad that you could relate to the message/ideas in such a way! (As a rather "strong-minded" woman I've also found myself scraping/banging against societal expectations 😓 it's difficult...)
GOSH I AM VERY GLAD THAT YOU NOTICED THAT, that the Doctor doesn't appear while Yumeko does 🥹💦 I did want to convey in the end that the Doctor isn't that important 🤣 since this is about Yumeko's story - and her trying to find a body (and power) for herself.
AND THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THE NARRATORS, it was actually an idea that I had midway through production and I am so glad that I did 😭😭 all the VAs I worked with were absolutely stellar, and they added SO much to the experience that I can't imagine what the game would have been like without them! 😭
THANK YOU AGAIN for taking the time to play and leave all of your thoughts, they're really a treasure to read, gosh 🥹💦 and they really make my day (and my entire week!) I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 💕
This is so well crafted, I love the art and how you showed progress when you disagree. I honestly thought for a while that the doctor got a human body for us and that was interesting to learn the truth. You used color amazingly and I like that he isn't important, what he looks like isn't important. Her story is what is important.
GOSH this is very high praise, thank you so much 😭I'm really glad that you liked the reveal! And AHHHH this was my second foray into using really stylized colors so I'm glad that it was effective!!
And OHH you're the first person to mention this! That was absolutely my intent - that in the end he is a player in Yumeko's story, with no name, no face, no deep backstory. I really wanted the player to focus on Yumeko and her experience!
Thank you again for playing and for taking the time to comment, it means the world to me!
very meaningful. You have perfectly explained the "worthless women" culture from the past through an AI. I hope all women achieve their own "be a real woman" option in this life!
Thank you very much 😊 I hope so too!! 💪 And thank you for playing and taking the time to comment as well! 🥹
SPOILERS!!
AMAZING deconstruction of various forms of misogyny in society; no themes are left untread imo-even the toxic masculinity side is mention, and in a tactful way that doesn't make the girl feel responsible for staying with him out of pity. Afterall, even if there is reasoning, pity inducing reasoning behind the way he is, he still has had and has free will. He has still hurt her and will likely continue to do so. And it's not her responsibility to deal with that.
I also liked the use of the "reprogramming" metaphor for what would otherwise be manipulation and abuse. The changes in code being the degradation and erasure of her sense of self, sense of choice. The clear pain in the resets likely representing abuse especially.
All in all a great tool to spread awareness of the many ways misogyny affects the lives of women that I think anyone would benefit from playing through. Great game, great use of the medium, great message.
Oh yeah I think those more enthusiastic about greek myth than me(as unfortunately i am not) would appreciate the usage of the tale to critique misogyny too!
=======SPOILERS===========
WOW THIS IS SUCH HIGH PRAISE, gosh 😭😭😭 I'm really glad that you thought I tackled this (admittedly very complex) topic in a comprehensive way, I was a bit worried since the game is fairly short 💦💦 I'm glad that you noticed this detail! I think it's pretty important when addressing toxic relationships - that oftentimes the victim is tempted to stay because they have received love and they sympathize with the abuser in some way. It's often glorified in fiction (particularly romances) as well - this idea that you can "fix" someone who hurts you, when that's never your responsibility or something that can even be done.
OHHH THAT WAS EXACTLY MY INTENT, and you articulated it exactly perfectly (indeed, I did mean the "resets" to represent some kind of abuse - that slowly changes Yumeko's sense of self).
😭💦 Your comments are too kind, I really can't express how grateful I am to receive them! Thank you again for playing and taking the time to leave your thoughts, it means so much!
Didn't read all of this comment, just wanted to thank youfor clearly marking spoilers!
The ending "The wife" makes me feel really uncomfortable. Good job.
(No, really! I'm not a person that is triggered easily, but I had to take a short break before continuing which I really didn't expect)
It was a short game but I really enjoyed it!
ACK I HOPE YOU WERE OKAY (as a horror game creator it's good to know that I successfully get under people's skin, but of course I want people to not feel TOO triggered by my games too) I am glad to hear that it resonated with you though, "The Wife" is definitely the most uncomfortable/saddest ending for me too.
Thank you so much for playing!! 🥹 I'm very glad that you enjoyed it!
This game is amazing!!
Disregarding the amazing voice acting and everything around the feelings the VA's brought to the table, this is such a good embodiment of hatred without anywhere for it to go or be controlled.
Usually I get annoyed by repetitiveness in games like these but this one really brought more to the story. It shows that the Doctor, even though he might have some sick idea of love, did love her nonetheless. He just didn't give her a choice on whether she could or not do the same.
Now regarding the VA's I love how they embody the thoughts of what I'd imagine a woman's thoughts, trapped in a man's control would have done.
I won't spoil much more for people who want to play it for themselves but I'd so, you 100% should!
And it really opened my eyes, as a man myself that there truly were situations like this in the past and seeing it from the woman's perspective made me more endearing and careful. I actually teared up at one moment in the game because I could relate to it myself.
Thank you for not only making such a beautiful game but also doing it for free.
It truly was one of those games that broke my heart when I realised it was finished.
THANK YOU SO MUCH 😭
Your take is really on point, and in a way that I don't think I've seen articulated by anyone up until this point - that, over the course of the game, there is this anger/resentment that builds, with no outlet for it to be released.
I'M SO GLAD ABOUT THAT, I thought it would be a clever way of utilizing a "loop" in a VN (since I love games that can use time loops in a clever way), but I did worry about it being a bit repetitive... And yes, honestly I've been doing some research on abusive relationships, and what "love" means to an abuser - and I do think that the Doctor, by some definition, "loved" Yumeko - but they probably didn't have the same definition, LOL
And yes, your take on the VA is VERY on point! I really wanted the different VAs to embody different women's thoughts in such a situation, almost talking to Yumeko like voices in her head. And all of them did such a fantastic job - I couldn't have asked for a better cast.
I'M HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT, I did worry that men couldn't enjoy this considering how "distinct" the perspective is 😭 I do want everyone to be able to play my games and find something from them, so I'm really happy whenever I hear that a guy played this one and enjoyed it in some way (and gosh, especially that you found it relatable 🥹 even though it's a game about the female perspective, in the end it's also a game about toxic relationships, so I'm so happy it resonated with you!)
GOSH YOU'RE TRULY TOO KIND 😭😭 This comment really made my day (more like my entire week)! Thank you again for playing and taking the time to leave your thoughts!
This was such a fantastic game!!!
Even with the fantasy of the A.I woman program, a lot of the dialogue felt so realistic... which is devastating because, sadly, there really are people in this world who think like the Doctor.
The way the story makes you feel so uncomfortable with all the misogyny and toxic masculinity spouting from the Doctor's mouth, the way Yumeko's appearance would change every time she protested or didn't agree with him, the way the screen would add horror-like images whenever Yumeko felt more and more horrified with her situation!! And the voice acting!! GOD, the voice acting!! It made me feel even more immersed, it was so good!!
I'm so glad there was a cathartic ending where Yumeko could actually be free from that MONSTER of a guy. When you see just how many women can relate with situations like these, it just goes to show how many women are trapped in abusive relationships and don't know how to leave out of fear.
Thank you so much for making this game, Chatt!! Your stories are truly something else, I'm always amazed at your storytelling skills; the way you write is so captivating that it always makes me want to keep reading!!
AHHH PRI YOU PLAYED 🥹 Gosh I'm so touched, thank you so much for taking the time 😭
I'm really glad that you found this game "uncomfortable" (well I guess that's a little bit of a weird thing to say 😂 but I did want to experiment with a kind of different type of "horror" here, one that was more based on discomfort rather than outright "terror"). I was worried that it would end up being too boring/obnoxious to play through 😭 so I'm glad if it was interesting!! And YES, the voice actors were all so fantastic, I was so lucky to have they volunteered their time 😭 Truly some of the most professional and talented people I've ever worked with, and their voices were all so perfect for their respective parts!
And yes 😂 if I'm being honest, I think that "The Wife" is probably the ending I find the most realistic, given Yumeko's situation, but I definitely wanted to include some kind of cathartic/more optimistic ending here - a taste of freedom that many women can't achieve in real life.
GOSH YOU'RE TOO KIND??? You're making me melt 😭I don't deserve such high praise... Thank you again for taking the time to play and leave your thoughts!!
Dantes got the "real girl" ending on first try
🙌🙌🙌 Congratulations on becoming a real girl!! 😂
This is amazing! I love it so much. I like how Yumeko has 3+ voice actors. It really adds to the drama of the statue ending, when the speaking voice switched. You also adopted the myth well, in my opinion. Like how Pygmalion in the myth formed the statue, chipping away at the stone until it looked how he wished it, The Doctor also took away whatever he found unattractive. Unfortunately, it isn't just marble or stone that he was chipping away. It was her code, her being, her true personality. I think that's why I feel the saddest for the statue ending.
I got the happy ending first, which was nice. The doctor was being really annoying, and seeing his downfall was cathartic. Speaking of, the doctor was really detestable. I just disliked him every time he spoke. His voice actor did a really good job, to make me detest him so much! And the writing for him was awesome too! I especially liked Yumeko's thoughts on everything the doctor said. It made me chuckle a bit.
I also love the visuals, especially for the statue ending. The last sprite of yumeko in the computer made me so sad, with the fingerprints on her neck. Getting that ending really pained me, and i think the visuals really helped with that.
All in all, 10/10
GOSH this is incredibly high praise, thank you so much 😭💦💦 I'm especially glad that you liked the usage of the three VAs for the narration - I've really wanted to do a fully narrated game, and I thought that it would be a good way to utilize it to convey the tones of the various endings! And AHHHH I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED THIS TAKE ON THE MYTH, at times I thought that I was going too far from the source 😂 In the end it's a very loose adaptation of the original myth, but your analysis on how the Doctor "chips" Yumeko away captured my intent absolutely perfectly 😭
The VA for the Doctor did an ABSOLUTELY fantastic job with him, I was so lucky to work with such talented people 😭 And I'm happy that you find the Doctor detestable 🤣 I tried to make him that slimy kind of detestable where he thinks he's a good guy, but you know he's really not. Thank you so much for your compliments on the visuals too - I usually don't work in this style, so it was pretty experimental 🤣 Your comments really fill me with so much joy, thank you so much! 🥹 Thank you so much for playing, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
Wow, you did such a good job at making me feel uncomfortable! What a freaking show this was! I can't wait until you do more! I'd love to see some more branches in other stories too!
5/5!
AHH thank you so much for playing 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Very terrifying, very well made 10/10 !!!!
This game gave me chills on multiple occasions, especially the voice acting. I can't even describe how much despair, repulsion, and fear i felt.
I don't think I really can put any of my (especially deeper) thoughts into words, but I think this game is an important experience, especially in order to understand the oppression women go through. So yeah, I liked it a lot!!
AHH GOSH this comment is too kind, thank you so much 🥹 I'm so glad that it gave you chills, as I do struggle with the actual horror part of my games 😂 The voice actors did SUCH a fantastic job adding to the experience, I was too lucky to be able to work with them!!
GOSH THAT IS VERY HIGH PRAISE, I'm so flattered 😭😭😭 Thank you so much for playing and taking the time to comment 😭 I really appreciate it!
After Iran bombed Tel Aviv and after the fire in the sponge factory (in the same area where I live) ended, I was free at night and played the game
(I will not rate the story because I write stories and I may be unfair to her story because I have different points of view)
Drawing and graphics:10
Audio:10
The game:10
I added a stupid joke when they said about that idiot, by God (aistaghfir and there is no god but Allah)
I siad in myself: she now a female kratos
And finish this ✌️🗿
Oh gosh, I hope you and your loved ones are safe 💦 Thank you for giving my game a try during this stressful time! I hope you enjoyed it, and thank you for taking the time to comment!! A FEMALE KRATOS 😂 honestly accurate...
Good, and no one got hurt except the factory owner, and honestly, there weren’t any tough times. I was thinking about writing a newspaper, but then I thought no one cares, and I forgot to include a picture for the endings."
I got all endings in the game as well! Really enjoyed it
AHHH I'm so honored that you took the time to play, and that you found it thought provoking! 😭 💦 I do wonder about the AI thing myself 🤔 as indeed, I haven't quite decided... Though I do think that if we are going to create "intelligent life" for humanity's "use," then we have a responsibility to not make them so advanced that they can "suffer" and feel pain 😂 (if only to avoid a Skynet situation...)
Thank you again for playing and taking the time to comment!! 💜
I'm right there with you! With the current state of technology it is definitely something to consider... As a content creator it genuinely concerns me the amount of children that have come in my lives etc bragging about how they "torture AI" because it's "funny to see them have a mental breakdown". Like... what? This technology is meant to mirror actual intelligent life so this is super concerning behavior. Why do people want to inflict pain so badly? Really reflects how they probably feel about actual people. Even if they aren't truly sentient, why would you want to inflict harm on something that mirrors human sentience? Messed up if you ask me. AI art ethics and such are definitely important, but I feel like we should be exploring the more social aspects as well.
DANG WHAT 😟 I haven't heard that before, but I completely agree with you, that is very concerning, particularly for young people... Regardless of whether harming an AI is ethical or not, teaching people that it's all right to treat certain things without empathy and respect is not a good thing (particularly things that, for all intents and purposes, mimic real people). Someone did bring up that perhaps it's better that the Doctor abuses a fake woman, as opposed to a real one, but 💦 I do think there could be troubling implications of allowing people to do things like that 💦 It's definitely a problem without clear or easy answers.
TBH with how things are going, I'm really scared for a Detroit become human type of future lmao. Yes, while it is better to hurt something "not real" than an actual human, the concept is so trashy. Like you said, for all intensive purposes they are meant to mimic a real human. What happens when they have bodies and are nearly indistinguishable from the average joe? Is it still okay to treat them as lesser when the seemingly only difference is the way we are brought to existence? Anyways I will get out of your comment section with all the philosophical rants on AI ethics lmao. Regardless, great game. Lot's of food for thought, which I very much appreciate! I hope others feel the same.
I downloaded it at night and found out that bad internet was the reason and now I can play the game 🇮🇶🗿👍
+I changed my image in Don't Worry I was one of those disgusting frogs
AHHH I'm so happy to hear that, I hope you enjoy 😊
Ok sis
Hiya! I've been trying to run this on my Mac for a little bit now, but a pop-up keeps appearing that states that the application cannot be run. I even downloaded it within the itch.io app -- same error message. Is there any chance that it's a glitch that can be fixed? Because I really love the concept of this game and would love to play it! Thanks. :,)
Oh no 😭 I'm sorry to hear that! That's strange, as it should work with the itch app to bypass the security problems 💦 Is there any chance that you're using MacOS Monterey? For some reason my games don't work on that version, and I don't have a Monterey Mac available to debug the issues. Other than that my only suggestion would be to try to add the game to your security exceptions (either by ctrl-clicking to open or going to your security center to add it to your exceptions)?
Oh no, I just checked, and I use MacOS Monterey. Dang it... thanks for trying to help anyways. :,)
The art style and the difference in colors throughout each ending really made the visual novel more detailed! :)
Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked these details! 😊 Thank you for playing!
I was downloading the application and it said that it was banned (I am from Iraq)
Oh no 😭 😭 I'm sorry, I have no idea why that would have happened! 💦 I suppose it was a regional ban?
I think it's because of the bad internet speed.
And I ask chat GPT and he tell me this
1. Copyright issue: The game may contain copyright infringing material, which will result in it being banned from the site.
2. Inappropriate content: If the game contains inappropriate content or violates the site's policies (such as excessive violence, abuse, or illegal material), this may result in a ban.
3. Technical or temporary issue: Sometimes the ban is due to technical or temporary issues on the site, such as a system glitch or automatic ban being activated unintentionally.
4. Country restrictions: Some games may be banned in certain regions or countries due to local laws.
Ahh the poor Internet speed might be causing it 😓 The first two shouldn't be a problem (all of the content is either original except the music and SFX, which is cleared for use; the game doesn't have any particularly inappropriate content, either) and I'm not sure about 3 and 4 (although I would be very surprised if the game is banned anywhere? There isn't really that much in terms of objectionable content, no sex or graphic depictions of violence, even).
I will upload it after people go to sleep and I will tell you if it succeeds or fails.
hello!! i just wanted to ask if the error "windows protected ur pc" is normal, because im a bit scared to get a virus
Ah yes it is, I'm sorry 😔 Basically happens with all builds of my games since they're not "signed" (since signing apps costs quite a bit of time/money) so they're not "officially" recognized by the OS, but they should be quite safe to run!
That was depressing... but love the art and the idea.
😂 HONESTLY I have the Midas touch, except everything I touch turns into depression instead of gold 😂 I am waiting to enter my comedy era... 😭 but I'm glad that you liked the art and the concept!! Thank you for playing 😂
i absolutely love the face that the programmer is called pygmalion from the greek myth, 10/10 game
😂 Thank you so much, I thought it would be an interesting reimagining of Pygmalion! I'm glad you enjoyed, and thank you for playing 😊
Great game. Also I would recommend doing all three endings to really get what the author is going for here.
Thank you so much for playing!!! 😊 (And thank you for doing all three endings, I do think it gives you the most complete experience 🫡)
HELLOOO THIS IS WONDERFUL... i lowkey relate to "yumeko" (am i cooked?) BUT this is absolutely fantastic. I love the art, the voice acting, especially the potrayal of these characters. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I LOVE THIS IMMENSELY!!!
DKFJD thank you so much, I'm so flattered 😭 💦 💦 I'M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED!! (I relate a bit to her too 😂 although I hope you're not trapped like her, if you are please blink quickly to communicate that you need help...) Thank you again for playing and taking the time to comment 💜
im in my visual novel era and i must say i like it
👏 👏 👏 May your visual novel era be long and prosperous 😊
How do you play the game
Just download the version for your OS! On Windows, click the exe, and on Mac open the application (and whatever you do on Linux too, haha!) On Android you'll have to install the APK. For all of the options you'll probably have to let the application through your security so it will run.
If you're having problems, I recommend running through the official itch app for the smoothest process!
Fire fricking game. This was one of the first games I played while trying to get into visual novels, and goodness it started this genre off strong. It's themes and premise are so interesting and well executed. Subtle things like the handprints around the main character's neck were so awesome and subtle, and perfectly depicted the story in a visual way. It was also quite disturbing, many things caught me off guard and made me feel very uneasy. The endings were all great in their own ways (though 'the woman' ending literally had me cheering). Overall amazing game, I will definitely be checking out more visual novels, and more of YOUR games :]
Also your art and UI is so cute and amazing! One day I hope to make a game half as thought out as this haha.
😭 💦💦 Gosh, thank you so much for the kind words, I really don't deserve the praise... I'm so proud that my game helped sway you to the visual novel format 🤭 There are so many interesting things you can do with it (and so many stellar games doing such creative things, I keep a notepad of inspiration 😂) I'm so glad that you picked up on some of the smaller details too! 😭 This comment really made my day, thank you for taking the time to play and leave your thoughts!! I hope that you enjoy the others 🤭 (and any other VNs you decide to try, of course!)
YOU TRULY DO DESERVE THE PRAISE THIS GAME IS SO AMAZING
I wasn't expecting too much but the 3 endings were awesome. This is the kind of game that we need to support to get better topics to represent in video games. The fact that all 3 endings represent different visions of relantionships or marriages left me thinking a lot.
I liked it!
AHH thank you so much!! 😊 💜 Your comments are too kind 😭 I'm so honored that it was thought-provoking, that's one of the highest compliments I can receive as a dev 😭 Thank you again for playing, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! ☺️
BRO THAT VOICE ACTING WAS HILARIOUS
Loved this one, unlocked 3 endings. Unique idea well executed. Extremly aesthetic
AHH thank you so much 😭 💦 You're too kind; I'm so glad you enjoyed it 😊
haven't played it, but now i have the idea of this game, except instead of just a dickhead talking to an AI, it's a bored idiot talking to an AI and they're just breaking the fourth wall and going on power trips and stuff
Bro didn't play the game 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
Blud thought he knew the plot without playing the game 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
i read the description
😂 It's not really meta/fourth wall breaking! I think other games have already tackled that angle way better than I could ever do 😂
I enjoyed it
Thank you so much for playing!! 😊 💜
Heyya, Chatter~ Made some time and played this on my phone! Got all 3 endings in under an hour, woo! 🥳✨💞
All 3 routes are so well-written and thought-provoking that it intrigued me to check out the mythology. I'm actually surprised it has a happy ending since these usually end in tragedy 😂😂
I'm glad you decided to explore the creepy conotation in Pygmalion and Galatea's relationship. Making it about a sentient AI and her abusive creator is 100% fitting! Major props for the modern concept fr 😌👌🏻✨
All in all, really love the execution, especially how the reboot continues the story on in a loop kind of implies that the Doctor traps Yumeko in a pre-programmed and pre-recorded scenario until she succumbs to his wants and needs, whilst the real him sits back and watch until she's ready. Def amps up the creepiness for me 💯
I also appreciate how the narrative tastefully mirrors similar situations in real life. I've seen firsthand how women would succumb and actually delude themselves into thinking they love the men who abuse them, just to make it mentally easier to go through. Fawning being one of the best methods of survival is also accurate; fawn and trick them until you see a chance to escape. Sadly, most decide to choose the former route due to a lot of complicated factors. I can only hope society improves in this regard fr :' )
Really love the art and everything too! Making this by yourself is seriously amazing! Thanks for making this game and giving us a great experience 😁✨💞💞
L.!!!! Thank you so much for playing 😭 💦 💦 💕 I'm so honored!!!
I'm so flattered that playing made you inspired to check out the mythology 😂 I went into it a bit in my postmortem, but I basically made the game because of how much I dislike the ending of the original myth 🤣 Imagining waking up for the very first time to find a guy fondling and kissing you, declaring that the gods gave you to him - how horrific 😭
I'm very glad you liked the setup!! I wasnt sure if I was going to do myth jam initially since I'm not really a myth connoisseur 😂 but I came up with the reboot idea and thought it would be a good way to convey the theme and make use of the VN format! (And I've always wanted to make a game that makes good use of a "loop!")
UGHH I'm happy that you thought I handled the subjects tastefully 😭 💦 I was worried about it since they are quite sensitive topics. And I'm glad that it accurately reflected what you've seen IRL as well - "fawning" really is a tool people use to survive when they're stuck in abusive situations. And it's easy to tell people "just leave" - but obviously there are always a lot of other factors, and sometimes it's not possible 😓 I agree with you, I hope that society improves in this regard...
Thank you again for taking the time to play and leave such a lovely comment 😭 💦 💕 Trying to level up my game making prowess with each release 💪 💪 💪
You're welcome! I just read the postmortem and left my thoughts there! With how you're actively tackling your weaknesses, I can definitely see how you're getting better and better with each release. Mad props fr! 😁👌🏻✨💞
And yeah, sadly things like abuse can be truly complicated to solve IRL. If it were simple, habitual abusers won't even exist. Like in the case of Galatea's story in this game, realistically her tragedy continues on after The Woman ending as well. Pygmalion's body would rot, someone would notice the smell, and the authorities would be contacted. Pygmalion left trails of her existence, so Galatea would spend her life on the run, still affected by his shadow. Though her being an AI, it should be easier for her to find some respite eventually, so that ending is still quite fitting for the setting. But yeah, IRL, it's far more complicated and heartbreaking ;v;
Anyways, at least Galatea has a chance and I'm glad she can find some respite in the end. Stories like this give courage and hope, so thank you 🥰💞
Man, there are worse cases about women locked away and being used as tools. Some women are like properties of those men, they have to cover themselves from head to toes and don't dare to go alone on a street without a male relatives. Don't forget they even force young girls to marry much older men, and then there's human trafficking. The most heartache story comes from a woman who is trafficked in China. Her tongue was cut and her teeth are all broken. She was used as a breeding machine, gave birth to 8 children when she herself was locked in a dark, damp room with a chain in her leg. The fucking village where she was trafficked to even tried to hide and attack the ones who went to rescue her. I heard China Government covered that story up and even "handled" the people who rescued the poor woman. They all "mystery" disappeared overnight. This game is cute and all but true horror is many women are locked in a dark box just like this game, and treated as some tools by both men and other women.
Ugh yes, it's too true 😓 It's still so unsafe to even exist as a woman, in many parts of the world - and toxic relationships (especially marriages) are prevalent, regardless of where you live. Recently I was speaking with a family acquaintance about how his cousin, who was of similar age to me, got married to a man twice her age and moved to another country, in exchange for a dowry that was paid out to her family. He framed it as a very business-like transaction - a "good deal," in fact, since she got a wealthy, reliable husband and was able to support her family (as he paid out quite a lot in her country's currency), but I couldnt help but think that it was a bit tragic, and scary for her. Even if her husband wasnt abusive, even if he was a good guy - in the end she was sold to a stranger, sent to live in a strange country where she didn't even speak the language, in exchange for money that she didn't receive. (The acquaintance then implied that maybe I might consider a similar deal 😂 luckily I'm in a position where I dont need to.)
In the end, reality is much more horrific than what I depicted here, because honestly I couldnt bear to be any more cruel (for instance, the Doctor does not fondle Yumeko's body, since it disgusted me too much to include). It's a message that is often repeated, but I dont think it can be repeated enough - Women (anyone really, but truly this applies to women in particular) are not objects to be "carved."
(Thank you so much for playing and leaving your thoughts!!)
The art is so pretty. The voice acting was fantastic. It was a short game, but I really enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing!
Aww thank you so much 😭 💦 I'm glad you enjoyed it! The voice actors were so talented, I was so lucky to have the chance to work with them!! Thank you for playing and taking the time to comment! 💜
Anddd you are out here with another interesting game again!
I kinda have final exam so I can't play it yet but I'll definitely try it!
Also I love your art style!
Tell me if I got too friendly because some people I know don't like it when people act too friendly with them even they aren't close 😅
AHH thank you so much, I hope you enjoy it!! 😊 (Best of luck with your final exam!)
(And not at all 😂 I do that too 😆)
OH MY LAAWWWDDDDD THIS GAME WAS SO SUGOI DESU WHAT THE SIGMA I LOVE THE ART STYLE SO MUCH WHAT THE FLIPPP
😂 😂 😂 I'M GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT, THANK YOU!!! 😊
I am so incredibly uncomfortable 10/10
My mission has been achieved... (Thank you for playing!!)
You outdid yourself with this one, Chatter! Great commentary on women's position in society and the expectations that come with it. Very good pacing, compelling storytelling, and three well-balanced endings. 👌
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[mild story spoilers below] --------------------------------------------------------
The doctor annoyed me so much, it was exhausting to listen to him yap about how hard he has it. What a loser! And an incel. Tbh his whole character makes me feel so icky. (also, the fact that he works with Sandra and Adriel! some freaking nerve to make Yumeko call him 'the doctor'! 💢)
It's just gut-wrenching that you have to agree with his bull to proceed in the game. And the fact that he holds freedom over Yumeko's head like that? Disgusting. What annoyed me the most was probably the kids thing. He wants three because it'd look good in a picture?????? I'm frothing at the mouth in hatred for this douchebag. 🤬
Overall, it's an excellent game! Made me feel all kinds of things (mostly anger and disgust, and sympathy for poor Yumeko). The art is very pretty and I think you did a great job translating the myth into a modern setting!
(this turned out as a rant, i'm sorry ;_; )
LOL HIRO DON'T BE SORRY I LOVE IT (honestly part of my goal was to provoke sheer rage, so I'm glad to know that I succeeded for you... 🤭) Thank you so much for the compliments 😭 I did try a bit harder to make this one a small but complete package so I'm happy that it worked out 🙏
===MILD STORY SPOILERS BELOW===
LMAO I'M GLAD, I did want the Doctor to evoke that icky feeling 😂 Luckily Sandra and Adriel know to ignore him... And you had the reaction to the Doctor that I intended 😭Holding her freedom over her head when he KNOWS that she wants it... And you're THE ONLY ONE SO FAR WHO HAS MENTIONED THE KIDS THING GOSH, I'm so glad you did 😭😭😭 Truly I feel like that's one of the Doctor's worst moments, not because he's particularly bad in saying it but because it really showcases his fakeness and his hypocrisy. He only wants kids for the shallowest reasons, and he doesn't really care how many he has 😂 because he won't be taking care of them...
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PLAYING and for taking the time to comment, it's always such a pleasure to hear that something I made evoked an emotional reaction 😂 It's the highest form of praise!
i love this game so much, the voice acting was really good and helped set the tone for the scenes
reading the dev log on it and getting more insight on it was really cool too!
thank you all for making this game
GOSH this is such a kind comment 😭 💦 💦 Thank you so much! I'm SO glad that you liked the VA, it was a relatively late addition and I was so lucky to work with such lovely and talented people! And you read my long rambling devlog too 😭 Thank you for playing and taking the time to comment, it means so much!