Nocturnals Game Presentation Notes

Introduction to Nocturnals

• Type of game: Choices Matter
• Setting: Zombie apocalypse (or similar apocalypse scenario)
• Player's choices significantly affect the story.

Game Settings and Play Style

• Players can choose their play style:
  • Immersive experience without story hints
  • Immersive quick time events for a challenging experience
• The speaker opts for an immersive experience.

Setting the Scene

• Welcome to Landgarth, a town impacted by the apocalypse.
• Humor and sarcasm are used to cope with the grim situation (e.g., comments about taking items, skeletons in cars).
• Nostalgic references to Newgrounds and Flash games.

Game Mechanics

• The player's choices shape the story.
• Specific interactions (e.g., gathering items, navigating environments).
• Importance of inventory management (finding weapons, supplies).
• QTE (Quick Time Events) introduce a sense of urgency and action.

Characters and Dialogue

• Interactions with characters like Diego and Mia introduce emotional depth.
• Themes of trust, loneliness, and survival are discussed during dialogues.
• The player's decisions influence relationships and story outcomes.

Plot Developments

• Encounter with a child-like character creates tension.
• Choices made during confrontations affect the immediate story arc.
• Importance of survival skills is emphasized (e.g., stitching wounds).

Game Environment

• Exploration of various locations (e.g., train yard, high school).
• Collecting notes provides backstory and context for the apocalypse.
• Environmental storytelling through scattered items and notes.

Key Events and Decisions

• Key confrontation where choices lead to different paths (e.g., helping characters, keeping items).
• Dialogue choices lead to relationship development between characters (e.g., Ted and Diego).
• The exploration leads to potential dangers and the need for strategic decisions.

Conclusion

• Reflection on the game’s themes: survival, trust, loss, and companionship.
• Choices lead to multiple endings, encouraging replayability.
• Discussion on the game’s pacing and potential for further development.
• Final thoughts on character relationships and the emotional impact of choices.

Overall Impressions

• The game presents an engaging narrative with emotional stakes.
• Replayability is a significant aspect due to branching paths and multiple endings.
• The speaker expresses satisfaction with the endings achieved while acknowledging the potential for further exploration.