itch.io

this game is passable. combat is very easy i only died once because i was trying to see what the full extent of the mechanics are but if you take the hit it till it dies approach you will win every fight. there seems to be a bug where the escape button didn't work which made the villain's "were not so different you and i" monologuing frustrating to sit through as it felt like i was forced to not be able to back out of combat just so the villain could have a very tiny point.

 visuals are nice but it is not verry horror and this is coming from someone easily scared by things not even horror labeled. the story is also passable its very standard and by the book these days not because it really leans into the themes but because almost everyone takes this direction when given any theming about responsibility. it was difficult to really relate and understand why the circus was appealing to the main character perhaps because I've personally seen parts of the world with little to no civilization or order (not a very pleasant experience) which made sitting through the villain's philosophy and nihilism for beginners' level of understanding dialog at the last encounter rough to sit through. maybe i am simply noy the target audience for this.

 as for following the theme it dose but it feels like it was added on last minute in order to fit both competitions the game is in. perhaps if the main character had a bit more introspection about his responsibilities, the importance of the sacrifices everyone around him is making not just the ones he's expected to make and the importance being the prince is to people around him it would feel more in line with the theme as the character growth can be boiled down to "this is scary im out of here back to the cozy castle and ill be more responsible from now on  i guess".

the combat was engaging and fun each skill had a use, and it required you to really think about what you are doing in order to win the fight. although there are a few bugs that prevent some things from working at times but seeing as it was made for a competition with a narrow time limit i do not hold it against the game. the story was excellent the characters were very charming with intriguing personalities fun banter and the hints at their backgrounds and motivations makes me wish i could have more time with them. the visuals were passable though could have had more polish it was obvious which elements were stock sprights and which were created by the game developer and some of the background could have used more work to make it a visual wonder. as for the theme it hits the nail on the head but doesn't do the bare minimum it goes above and beyond to make its mark on the theme while still keeping it in mind. overall, it is an excellent game that with more time to polish could be something rivaling the indi game dev industry.