itch.io

This is a nifty idea for a CYOA style game, but the real draw is the author's sensibilities in creating a game of this match and type. I am drawn by the level of detail and immersion from his other works (check out his Wordpress page), and anyone who embraces Lovecraft while accrediting Ludwig Boltzmann has done his homework. I can't help but find parallels with the craft and my own methods of storytelling in my own text-based game. 

My intentions were to do a quick playthru, but the rabbit hole goes deep and Dominion of Darkness has its own level of addiction. Keep up the good work!

One thing, the artwork no longer loads on my "offline" version.

In preparation for Steam Next Fest I made a demo while waiting for credentials to be finished, which means my itch followers can give it a try NOW! 

DEMO LIMITATIONS:

• 30 turn limit (full version: unlimited)

• Easy Mode only (full version: includes Hard Mode & Permadeath)

• Save/Load disabled (full version: save anytime)

The demo gives you a taste of the interrogation mechanics, clue gathering, and supernatural atmosphere. The full version unlocks unlimited investigations, higher difficulty challenges, and the complete Victorian horror mystery experience.

Scroll up a bit for the link and enjoy! And thank you for purchasing when you see what's in store for you 🤩

Thank you very much for the thorough review! I must say you may well have been the luck of the draw, meaning not encountering any monsters. Which means you may have played the game very well, and not just as an average player. I'm curious what would happen if you increase the difficulty level? 

Flavor text is easy and I encourage whenever possible so I'll probably make some adjustments on that. As far as the potions, I need to look in a little bit further. I did not experience any anomalies with inventory items during my playthroughs. 

Looks excellent, unfortunately I cannot play these types of games without a means of controlling the mechanics of the camera perspective using an Inverse-Y feature.

Just tested the download on my system, it works so file integrity is not the problem. Can you provide what OS you are using? It sounds like a Windows 10/11 UAC control issue. If you see a splash screen that says "Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?" just accept the "risk" and you should be fine. Windows treats Itch games in this manner because MS wants to see a digital certificate for every install, but that is prohibitive to most independent developers.

New update!

Updates to Hexenland include enhanced game balance and streamlined character creation elements. 

• The Divine Favor table was expanded for greater nuance, and a clear rubric was introduced to define mystic characters, ensuring their rarity. 
• Occupation and reputation systems were refined, with new tables linking occupations to starting skills and reputation modifiers, making backgrounds more meaningful and balanced. 
• Reputation now integrates occupation-based modifiers for logical, thematic starting points. Game balance adjustments were also made to skill allocation and bestiary stat blocks, ensuring monsters and encounters are consistent and fair. 
• Additional formatting of many campaign elements as part of a prettier presentation. 

These changes improve clarity, streamline play, and support a more balanced and immersive game experience.

This will follow the rubric and canon of the TTRPG, meaning the stories and choices you create at the table can be made here in this JRPG inspired adaptation.

A demo for the 2D sprite turn-based game is coming! This  means the choices, legends, and stories you create at the table can be taken to its video game counterpart... shaping the world, characters, and quests of the JRPG inspired adaptation.

Made some real progress. Trying to avoid the water a mile deep and one inch thick syndrome. Doing a good job pacing it after the TTRPG ruleset!

New materials for Hexenland are coming soon! Dive into a campaign module set in a historic, superstitious town where witch accusations threaten the welfare of its citizens. Remember, in Hexenland, superstition doesn’t mean the danger isn’t real... Prepare for intrigue, suspicion, and supernatural peril. Stay tuned for more details!

Coming real soon... adventure packs! Starter campaigns to help get things rolling for all you game masters!

Placed the ruleset on sale!

Full color physical copy for order coming soon!

WIP!

Hide, trust, and save/load bugs were fixed, and the trust/kindness system now works as intended.

Made a new video! Check it out!

Thanks everybody! You all made this happen on itch.io 🚀: 

• #1 Victorian game 
• #2 Lovecraftian Detective game
• #4 Roguelike

Woohoo!

I've been working with the sound capabilities of the code and have included ambient effects throughout the game! I think it really opens up the experience, try it! This can be toggled on/off at the title screen and later in the adventure as a global command ("sound").

I am considering including additional chiptuney music as well (boss fights, standard combat sequences and sound effects).

Like the post says new features and enhancements! Still the #1 new & popular Lovecraftian Horror Roguelike on Itch.io!

If you like the game, please rate and comment!

At the sign post up ahead: new features and enhancements! 

Still the #1 new & popular Lovecraftian Horror Roguelike on Itch.io!

If you like PLEASE rate and comment!

I already did that very thing when it comes to the clues. If you confront a suspect with a clue, in selecting one the description gets truncated so it shouldn't be difficult to pose a suggestion like this. There is already a "wandering insanity" to somewhat address the extra room details you mention.

Well, Persuasion has been on the Itch digital storefront for less than ten (10) days and already it is the #1 New and Popular Victorian game! It has also reached the top 5 in horror roguelikes, top 10 RPG roguelikes and (can't remember where exactly) but it was doing pretty well on the horror RPG front as well. Thank you everyone for being a part of it all!

Want to stoke the success? RATE THE GAME! Haha! This is the one metric that seems stuck given the number of downloads. I'm happy with the traction the game is getting but could use more input from you folks, so that I can improve upon it.

If you haven't downloaded the game yet, do so now! See what the fuss is about. And FOLLOW! Updates are frequent!

And I provided an update (should not break any saved games) which, depending on public interest, incorporates some optimization and scaffolding for future GUI integration, along with sound and graphics. It's a longer haul but something I've been considering for a little while. It will depend largely on feedback from y'all. Hence the need for ratings and comments. 

Love to hear if anyone has reached the endgame but remember... no spoilers!

Update 0.62 posted. Check the Devlog for details!

UPDATE: Update 0.61 ensures the fog of war prompt appears for every new game, fully resets map exploration and visited rooms, and prevents inventory, journal, and fog of war data from carrying over between sessions.

Update 0.61 posted. Check the Devlog for details!

Thanks for the feedback. With the last update I revamped the menu system, inducing the redundancy bit. I fixed the game so it now purges the previous content including FOW. I cannot recreate the surplus of attribute points past the 18 mark, but I introduced a condition that should prevent this from happening.

UPDATE: Added total turns and gametime tracking to the score screen, more robust logic for persuasion skill checks and hypnotic minigame benefits and fixed some duplicative syntax and better global command handling.

UPDATE 0.60: Added total turns and gametime tracking to the score screen, more robust logic for persuasion skill checks and hypnotic minigame benefits and fixed some duplicative syntax and better global command handling.

Got some requests to upload some more screenshots, I am happy to oblige!

That's odd, I have not heard of this. My only guess is a Windows update is needed, it is somehow being falsely identified on your machine. And you can always whitelist it through Defender. Be sure it's in a dedicated directory, like C:\games\Persuasion

A promising beginning, especially with the strong download count and visibility in such a short time. If you’re enjoying the game, please consider rating it and sharing your feedback here.  I'm actively working on expanding its scope.

Uploaded ver 0.59. Added a title screen and start instructions, some backdrop and a pretty logo.

Uploaded ver 0.59 today. Made some title screen improvements and start instructions, some additional backdrop and a pretty logo (see screenshot 😉) 

Enjoy! You may need to download this to a dedicated directory (not the Download, My Programs or My Documents directory)

Treat this like an update and feedback forum. Commentary, bug reports, etc... place them here!