Gameplay

Interface & Input System:

The interface operates on a call-and-response system. As the story unfolds, an audio indicator will signal when a choice point is reached. The character will then "think aloud" about the two options, and the player can make a selection by either stating part of the desired choice or saying "one," "two," "first," or "second." If the player needs to hear the options again, they can request a repeat by using a phrase containing the word "repeat." Once a decision is made, the story will branch accordingly and continue from there.

 

Gameplay Loop:

The gameplay loop emphasizes player agency, ensuring that every choice impacts the narrative and shapes the game's outcome. Players will make two types of choices: Actions and Stories. Actions represent direct decisions Harold makes, such as choosing to stay or leave, resulting in immediate branching in the narrative. Stories influence the tales Harold tells, altering their themes and appealing to specific audiences. These require multiple smaller decisions that accumulate like "points," ultimately determining the story's direction. Both choice types serve as branching points, reinforcing the significance of player decisions and their ripple effects throughout the game.

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Progression System:

The progression system features a branching, scene-by-scene structure driven by narrative choices. Each scene transition moves the player to a new location and introduces different characters to interact with, shaping the story's flow. Players can manually save their progress using a "bookmark" system, enabling them to resume from saved points even after taking a break from the game. However, saving and loading are disabled during endings and executions, preserving the weight and finality of these pivotal moments.