I left a more detailed review on the itch.io page for this game, but I enjoyed it so much! The sound effects and music add perfectly to the abandoned atmosphere, and I loved finding out more of the story.
I struggled on the last puzzle just because (Spoiler - click to show)I had a habit of recycling most of what I got my hands on. There's probably a way to emphasize the importance of those two specific objects for the engine room, but then again, their mundanity was the point. So I'm not really sure what I'd suggest to fix it.
The flashback scenes with the crew were just awesome. I really enjoyed the ending, too.
If you have around 2 to 2 1/2 hours to burn and want something with environmental storytelling that will put your brain to the test, play Detritus!!
I loved playing this. It kept me interested the entire way through.
Near the end, I would have liked more messing around with the metaphor than laying things out so straightforwardly. But the narrative served its purpose and made me think and feel deeply. I also appreciated the funny way things were worded at times. It matched the vibe of the article very well.
I think this is an important work that more people should play. I'll be remembering that water cup scene with Jude for a long while.
I will end with my favorite quote:
"You realize that neither he nor the state will ever understand what it means to see people as people. They will never love."
I love my tiny tiny horse and jockey, toothpick and all.
The Horse Whisperer in that blurry text style is amazing.
"Sire (Father): Unnamed Donkey (diseased)" is my favorite line apart from "powerful Italian mustache."
The writing in this is funny, and I would love to see this game completed. The racing/placing mechanic seems a good challenge. As of now, it is riddled with typos (although, I think they add to the hilarity) and is very much still a work in progress.
Please, let me give them a good brushin', Don!
I liked the Goal/Obstacle/Complication setup. The different colors representing different approaches is a nice idea too.
I went in completely blind, not having read any of the instructions I pasted. Upon finishing my playthrough, I realized how little relevance the "programmed" story beats had. I basically skipped from step 1 to 4 by just asking simple questions and being incredibly straightforward.
I don't think this can necessarily be called a game. Maybe a writing exercise, but to me, interactive fiction requires at least a bit of intention. Your prompt has intention, but when it comes to the gameplay and storytelling itself, what's the point of playing within the rules if I can just turn your game into anything else that I want?
Here is a link to my ChatGPT transcript.
I laughed. The music was great. I will be recommending this to all of my friends who don't have the attention span for novels.