Ratings and Reviews by manonamora

witchhat is a micro Twine piece where you are a hat, specifically a witch’s hat, slowly becoming sentient. You “carnalize” words, concepts, and other metaphysical things, to learn more about yourself and your environment. It reminded me of the “I think therefore I am” adage, but more in the “oh, I am? what am I? huh? WHY AM I?”. We don’t know how would a hat think, but the prose does make a convincing argument that “am hat” would probably be the way if it did. It was a neat piece!

Obsesssion is a micro Twine piece where you search through a dark cabin, looking for a specific item. After a few attempts you find some papers; a few more search clicks and you find some more; and after even more clicks, you finally get what you were looking for (more papers!). Because there isn’t any restart or rewind button, if you search too fast, you will miss those side paths and the little information it will convey about your obsession and the object of said obsession. Though I found the manner it was conveyed a bit confusing (maybe for the best).

blue line is a short almost kinetic visual novel, where you are riding a train (of life?) while dealing with stuff. The train “conductor” strikes up a conversation with you, hoping to get your spirits up. The message of the game is really sweet, underneath the train metaphor. And the simple visuals were so cute. I really liked it.

Yaan Versus the Party is a short time-sensitive Twine, where you play as Yaan, trying to timely leave from a work party. Many obstacles (colleagues) are obstructing his way, trying to keep him away from freedom. Each obstacle has multiple options to get around it, affecting both the clock on the side, and your approval from the party.

It took me a few tries to find one of the correct combinations, but even the “failed” actions are entertaining. There’s quite a bit to do for the little amount of words. And the writing style adds to the time-sensitive feeling conveyed. You feel the annoyance of Yaan being delayed, and you really want to help him get out!

Life is like a Trampoline is a micro Twine piece about life and its ups and downs. Starting with prompts going from bad to worse, you are given the option to “bounce back” from them, like you would a trampoline, or dive further down. There are three endings, each with a little message about life, and that it’s worth living.

Refusal of the Call is a micro fantasy Twine with a time-loop mechanic. You are a wizard trying to convince the Chosen One that they are the Chosen One and to go on their adventure. Except that you’re not that great of a wizard, and they are a moody teenager.
It’s pretty funny, and the looping is neat here, since you can’t “undo” your actions.

Method in My Madness is a short experimental Twine piece about a borderline-mad person’s obsession over a man. Through stylized text, unfinished sentences, and hidden choices, you get a cool visual sense of the broken-like thoughts bouncing in one’s mind. There are two endings, leading to blank screens.

It seems more like a proof of concept/prototype than a fully realised piece. I think it would need just a bit more fleshing out.

The Ocean View from the Keiyo Line is a micro slice-of-life Decker piece. Sitting in a train, you spot the calm ocean afar, and wonder whether you should go and take a plunge or continue on your journey. It is pretty sweet and hopeful, with only a hint of maybe bitterness or insecurity with one of the path, though both end pretty happily in their own way. It was touching and dreamy.

A Clean Getaway is a micro Ink game about strategy and chance. You are an outlaw in a Western setting, trying to escape the law after your last botched bust. You have a few days worth of supplies and the authority at your heels. How long will you manage to stay out?
I still haven’t managed to reach a fortnight, getting caught pretty early on often, even while trying to lay low as much as possible. While it is possible to bribe the authority to get out of their grasp, I have yet to manage a clean getaway…
Pretty fun and addictive!

Out Of My Mind is a kinetic-like micro Twine about letting go and trusting the ones you love. Your sister has a crush on your trans best-friend, and you fear what could happen if it doesn’t work out between them (she’s your sister and he has a tendency of ghosting after breakups) or what would happen if they do (losing them to each other).
It was at time a bit difficult to realise who was talking when, but it was a cute short entry. The game may force you a certain path, but it does make sense with the personality given to the narrator.