Comments

Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.

How old is the main character?  They speak very well for a child, though there are very smart, well-spoken children out there.  But if this game is aimed at average children, they might find some phrases confusing.

I was concerned about the direction this was heading at first, so I'm glad there was a less sinister explanation.  I won't comment about specific things, in case it spoils the surprise for other players.  I'm curious about where else you're going with this game, though.  On Reddit you said it was a prototype?

I think there needed to be more hints about the big reveal, though, because I wasn't expecting it.  I was, as I said, expecting a more sinister explanation, since the clues were pointed that way.

The mini-games were good.  Do you intend to have more of them in the finished version?

The lead character is supposed to be 13. I do agree that some phrasing may be a little over the head of some kids, as the target age group is 8-11. The challenge is that this is also a tool to get kids that are not into reading books, to do some actual reading, under the guise of "interactivity/game". As such, we do want to push the vocabulary and phrasing slightly beyond their comprehension at times, but not too much to be completely lost on the readers.

With this particular prototype, the plan is to clean up the dialogue, add a few more puzzles/mini games, sweeten up the UI and then release it to public schools we have relationships with as a beta. Ideally, we would continue the series if the beta period does well. This would be the first of many adventures with the lead character. Each adventure will uncover a new mystery/case that needs to be explored. 

This could potentially lead to other types of series and games that get produced. All with the intention of promoting reading/literacy.

I'm ALL for children's literacy.  :)  I've bought a bunch of classics that I want to read aloud and post on Youtube, partly because I have a niece on the other side of the world.  It would be nice for her to watch videos of her aunty whenever she feels like it, no matter the time difference.

I'll have to play the game again sometime, choose different responses to see what happens.  I agree that it's important to push children to learn new words.  I think that what you're doing is amazing.  Are you planning to continue creating protagonists who represent diversity?  Because that's awesome.

I'm glad you see the value in this type of storytelling for children. It can be a valuable tool in promoting literacy, among other things. And yes, I absolutely plan on incorporating protagonists and characters that represent diversity in many forms. That's just as important to me as the literacy component is.