A very atmospheric game thanks to the hand-drawn illustrations and matching music. The endings are sad, gloomy and calming at the same time.
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GitHub repository URL
https://github.com/MagicalYuto/Secret-Funeral
Game description
After waking up, she solemnly put on her hat and crossed the forked road to attend a secret funeral.
What kind of funeral did she go to?
Theme interpretation
I took a leave to attend a funeral in my freshman year of high school. After returning to school, it was time for physical education class. My classmates were all in the playground. I calmed down in my seat alone. When everyone returned to the classroom, my eyes were no longer red and swollen. No one knew what I took a leave to do. I didn't dare to say it. Death happened quietly.
Comments
Really thought-provoking entry. It feels like reading one of those darker children's story books like The Giving Tree or some of Shel Silverstein's other works. I've always been impressed by the combination of maturity and innocence those books manage to balance, so hats off to you for managing to evoke it so clearly.
I also get a sense that this is a very personal tale for you (the developer), and the emotion definitely comes through the screen. Well done!
A really nice story with solid atmospheric music. I also thought the art-style was fantastic, great work!
One of the best games in the jam. Fit the theme with short and lovely story.
I absolutely love the art. And the story itself is also very nice. Overall, it is a great experience. Good job!
As many others have said, the art looks amazing, and it's a very creative story line, nice job!
Too heavy, and it will sink.
This story felt deeply personal to me. It represents how I experienced my own "rebirth" after my father's death. At first, you're overwhelmed by sadness. You're fully in tune with the emotions in your heart, feeling as though embracing that sorrow completely is the right thing to do. It feels poetic. But in doing so, you end up dragging everyone else down (and, metaphorically, destroying them, much like the boat in the story).
Then you realize that we are meant to lie a little in this world. We are all liars in some way; it's what makes us practical. We must fight for ourselves because that is the only path to a proper rebirth...
The game is absolutely beautiful and feels surreal. It reminds me a lot of The Boy and the Heron. For some reason, it also slightly brings Kingdom Hearts to mind. Maybe it’s the piano or the UI sound effects? Either way, I loved it.
I am really happy to read your thoughts.
Most of the emotions and details you feel are what I want to convey.
The Chinese version of the name of Boy and the Heron你想活出怎样的人生 means What kind of Life you want to Live. The Chinese version of the movie title is very straightforward (this is rare in Miyazaki's movies). Because of this title, when watching the movie, I always have a feeling that the author wants to think and choose with me.
Life is always just one person, We must fight for ourselves.
Finally, thank you very much for playing!!!!
Incredible art! The story is very unique and interesting. Poetic, gj!
I like the crayon-esque artstyle, it together with the character designs and the music sets the tone of the game.
A very heartfelt game, with great graphics and symbolism to depict the story's theme. The music was also exemplary. Just a solid game and experience all around! Great work :)
Wow this is not at all what I was expecting. The art style is cute and the music is sad but comforting at times idk. Great choice. I tried 3 branches. My heart felt a bit heavy . Beautiful game. While I am too dense to get some of the inner meanings, is there some cultural /folk story thing with Witches being born after getting buried? Also can you make a video or something going through your thought process and what was going on in your mind when you made this game? It will be an interesting watch.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions. I just realized that some of my ideas come from Chinese culture. I have integrated the funeral process of modern China, the rebirth of the phoenix in traditional culture, and the magic elements of Western witches. I will consider making some videos detailing these in the future!
Thanks again for your trial and comments!^o^
I'm echoing a lot of other posts here, but this is absolutely beautiful. The art and storytelling are both so magical and poignant. Amazing work.
Wow the art blew me away and the story really touched me, I actually teared up at the end of the game.
Well the art is gorgeous, just gorgeous, it very much feels like a weird dream, got the vibe down to perfection.
It isn't quite a game, feels more like a "choose your own adventure" books, but great job it was really pretty!
This game is gorgeous, I absolutely love the art style. The game immediately pulled me in and had me wondering what was going to happen next. The butterfly moment made me so happy, and the ghost that popped up scared me lol. Overall, adorable game with a touching story.
Such a beautiful art style and story! I was blown away by your artwork, I felt like I was absorbed into this world while playing - you're a very talented artist and storyteller. I do wish there was more multi-choice options to choose from, for example 3 or 4 options instead of just 2, but this was still extremely moving and a fun experience :) Keep up the great art!
Beautiful and moving. Any game that lets me summon butterflies by clicking a button is a 10/10 in my book.
Love the hand drawn artwork. It's nice to see the photos of that in your screenshots, too!
A beautiful visual novel with a beautiful art and music. The narrative and storytelling are unique.
Thank you for share this little and emotional story. Beautiful work!
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