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SKIN(S)CARE's itch.io pageResults
| Criteria | Rank | Score* | Raw Score |
| Category: Voice Acting | #29 | 4.000 | 4.000 |
| Story | #52 | 4.308 | 4.308 |
| Visuals | #55 | 4.538 | 4.538 |
| Category: Cinematography | #60 | 4.000 | 4.000 |
| Overall | #62 | 4.231 | 4.231 |
| Category: Music | #92 | 3.615 | 3.615 |
Ranked from 13 ratings. Score is adjusted from raw score by the median number of ratings per game in the jam.
Content Warnings
Contains extensive rumination on appearance and negative self image, some use of ageist language, depictions of workplace stress, moments of body horror (but no gore or violence), and brief instances of strong profanity
Log Line
Try the all-new visual novel SKIN(S)CARE for the skin of your dreams... Or nightmares. Free for a limited time only!
Team Credits & Cast
adrien minsan (writing, directing, voice acting, itch.io page, playtesting); Evan Moore (art, development, cinematography); Dr. Fronko (music, sound design, audio engineering)
Crowdfunding Pitch
n/a
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Comments
I loved this game! The claymation style characters and animation were a big part of the appeal for me: they really fit the creepy vibe in the horror sequences, but also worked with the more "comedic" scenes (like with the coworkers and the boss, or when you pet the sheep). I especially loved how it reflected the main character's changes as she keeps using glace.
On that topic, the voice acting was amazing, i loved how earnest and matter of fact the main character sounded, it really made you empathise with her stuggles, and feel bad for her after the ending. The lightbulb guy with the glasses was also extremely creepy with the delivery (which was a good thing).
The music was surprisingly fitting too, as well as the art direction and pacing: overall pretty good. The artstyle for the bgs was a little simple to be honest, but not too distracting. Maybe a 3D environment for the bgs would've fitted the game better.
Last but not least, the gameplay was really welcome. It was super fun to spot the mistakes and honestly i could've played that for ages.
Overall, amazing game, and an even more important message! I loved the metaphore of the main character losing her face as she becomes generically pretty, and eventually a source of light with no visible features. There's a lot of objectification of women and folks in general going on in today's hypercapitalist society. Great work!
The visuals are so creative. Using clay to show skin texture, and then smoothing it out as the protagonist uses more of the product... incredible work! I especially loved how, in the ending where the protagonist quits her job, her self-image has plummeted so badly that she feels the need to wear a mask over her face. No matter the choice the player makes, it always ends with applying more product until a bright light takes over. No more "ugliness".
I love commentary on beauty standards as a woman, and how society and companies who take advantage of that push women to make themselves look perfect or, at the very least, presentable by making their natural selves seem inadequate, or rather, inappropriate. It isn't "better"ing yourself, that implies your appearance is already good.
Really good game! I enjoyed it a lot!
Woah, super slick game bestie! I also like how you wove the advertising lingo into your game page, it really sets the mood. The claymation was such a strong choice especially for highlighting texture. Just a really great experience all around!
Thanks!
Absolut kino. Everything mixes together perfect for this game (albeit a bit linear) to create such a unique experience. In a sense this is not really a game but more of an interactive experience if that makes any sense, the use of mixed media really show the transformation as well. Me and my friends were scared shitless playing this, feeling like movie than game sometimes. The voice acting was also top notch.
I wonder if this game is partially inspired by that skincare episode in Black Mirror?
Thank you, it's great to hear that you played it with friends :)
What an incredible experience!! As a player it was really unsettling to realize how much of the dialogue and story felt natural and not out of the ordinary at all! This game will certainly force you to look past the in-game mirror and think more critically about how society and media influences what you see in your own mirrors.
Congrats to everyone who worked on this, you all truly outdid yourselves!
Thank you!
Adored this! Was lucky enough to playtest. This is a unique and expressive game with very very impressive art direction!
Thanks for the kind words and for being our first playtester :’)
Wow, this game is a piece of art. The theme is really good. Is there anything scarier than Skyn Care? You nailed it, congratulations!!!
Thank you so much!
Oh my gosh I love the mixed media art direction so much!! It really visually sets this game apart and tickles my brain in the right way haha
I also really like the copy editing minigame. I could do this forever. If bestie wants to quit her job I will happily take her place!!!
Awwww thanks!
I've never been a skin care freak, but this game made me even more scared - phenomenal work!
The fact that this was made for the game jam is really extraordinary. The sound design, the narrative, just the obsession over the more adults themes - well done. This really reminded me a lot of "The Substance". Loved all the interactions and I highly recommend all to check this one out.
Best of luck with the game jam and future projects!
Thanks, glad you liked it! And yes, you can stream the part with the ad. There’s no copyright on those stock video clips and no AI was used in any part of our game. :)