Game Cover

A single word can change everything.

Platform played on: PC

# Review

In this charming narrative adventure, the player assumes the role of Luka VanHorn, a 12-year-old boy who discovers odd things occurring in his hometown of Beacon Pines.

Luka exploring the town

The story and setting are both very cute. The player follows Luka as he and his best friend Rolo go explore the abandoned warehouse in the woods. I really dig the artstyle, which is very cartoonish and reminiscent of that of Bastion.

Luka's best friend Rolo

The story takes the form of a choose your own adventure story being written and narrated by the author (Kirsten Mize). The player makes choices which affect the outcome of the story. Unfortunately, despite the illusion of choice, the game is pretty linear. Despite this, the story is pretty cool and unique. I particularly liked the childhood adventure nature of the story which pits children against a larger sinister conspiracy; the story is like a more benign Stephen King novel.

A choose your own adventure story

# Conclusion

A very charming adventure visual novel.

# Overall rating: 7.7

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