Posted December 16, 2025 by Despa Development
#gameboy #haikou #retro #release #horror #mystery
After a little over a year, this 7 day GameJam project has evolved into a full fledged narrative. This project has taught me a lot about the game dev process and how to use the engine to its fullest potential. As the game progresses you might notice the quality of the art, writing, and mechanics linearly increase. This reflects everything I was discovering at the time and what developed as a direct result of new tricks and ideas. I decided to leave these artifacts in because this will not be the last full-sized game I make and I want to remember the process! This was eye opening and extremely fun to do. I now have a new appreciation for game dev as an art form and can rest easy knowing I made something that I would like to play.
As you uncover more about the world keep a keen eye out, there are a lot of hidden extras in the game and full portions of the narrative locked behind 'hidden' puzzles. There are also a few references to things i just like IRL. I plan on doing a limited run of about 20 carts, with boxes and manuals in the future. Let me know if that's something you would be interested in! IF I run out and there is still demand I will release a batch again but the originals will be marked and signed (if you want). So happy this game can finally get into the hands of every other Gameboy enthusiast here!
Without any further adieu, I present to you, dear reader...
Haikou.
The story of a young college student in Japan, as he faces something his community long ago laid to rest. Why was Tazawa Gakuen abandoned? What happened there in the dark halls and recesses that is now considered taboo to even mention? What drove a student to do the unthinkable? That is for you to find out. Watch your step and don't breath too loud...