This simple non-field RPG challenges you to escape a cursed forest.
- Prologue -
You're the village's best hunter. News of a national hunting tournament near the royal capital reaches you, and you journey to compete. After attending the opening ceremony and a night camping, you wake to find something amiss. Your campsite, once bustling with hunters, is deserted. National guards, responsible for tournament oversight, have vanished. You're alone.
Initially, you cautiously remain in place, but the unsettling silence persists. Eventually, you begin to explore, only to discover a disorienting reality: you've unknowingly retraced your steps and are back where you started. Your usually impeccable sense of direction has failed you. This isn't just disorienting; it's deeply strange.
- What is the "Elven Curse"? -
With the aid of a mysterious quarter-elf, you, the hunter, must escape the cursed forest. Gameplay is remarkably streamlined, employing a maximum of three buttons outside the main menu.
- Character Creation -
While character customization is limited, you can freely reroll your stats before starting the game. Status increase rates upon leveling up are only visible on this screen and are not viewable in-game. This is an important factor to consider before beginning. Character death occurs when your life force reaches zero, unless you possess at least two "talismans."
- Foria, the Peddler Quarter-Elf -
A young (or perhaps not so young) quarter-elf, Foria, encounters you in the forest. Despite their childlike appearance, Foria claims seniority and offers cryptic, albeit helpful, assistance in your escape, drawing upon the ancient forest spirits.
- Scenario and Presentation -
The prologue unfolds smoothly, reminiscent of a picture story. Foria's dialogue is lighthearted, contrasting with the ominous, subtly suggestive world presented through the game's narrative.
- Exploration Mode -
Progress involves exploring unexplored areas within each section of the forest to uncover new paths. The success of each exploration attempt is determined by the "fog depth" of the area and your character's stats. If your life force is depleted, you can use poison to restore it. Rare "talismans" may also prove crucial.
- Beast Encounters and Hunter Battles -
The forest teems with dangerous creatures, ranging from wild dogs and wolves to surprisingly aggressive frogs and rabbits. Defeating them yields hides, which can be traded with Foria. Unlike typical RPGs, combat doesn't grant experience points; the focus remains on escape. Battles are entirely avoidable, though this requires either substantial luck or strategic gameplay.
As a hunter, you use a bow and arrow. Maintaining distance is key to attacking without incurring counterattacks. At a distance, you can also use wound medicine. Closing the distance, however, leaves you vulnerable to a one-sided attack. Your options are to attempt a risky withdrawal or use a "flash" ball provided by Foria for a guaranteed escape.
- Cloak and Layering System -
Using gathered branches, resin, and leather, you craft a cloak that enhances your abilities. You can layer up to three cloaks, with the total ability boost determined by the number of layers. Some cloaks even offer life force restoration. Note that cloaks can be damaged and eventually become unusable. The bow and arrow remain your only weapon; no other equipment variations exist.
Game Features:
- Emphasis on gameplay experience.
- Random skill selection system.
- A blend of reflex, strategy, skill, and luck.
- Material collection, synthesis, and alchemy systems.
- Thorough preparation before progressing.
- Auto-save system (with limitations).
Version 1.2 Update (Dec 18, 2024): Fixed a bug causing unexpected transitions to the character creation mode. Previous updates included bug fixes, text corrections, and credit additions.
Tags : Role playing
