Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s weekly catch-up news feature, the catch-up coffee. With each issue I will bring you the best news that you may have missed. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!
Dual-protagonist action adventure game Noctuary launches next week
Noctuary is an isometric action adventure game that the developer describes as a dual-protagonist visual novel. The duo protagonists are comprised of Alina Nightsong and Fancia Dream; Alina is from the Earthcaress Beacon and a bit slow on the uptake, while Fancia is the youngest sister in the Dream family. They both want to become Arborangers so they can fight Darkritters and protect everyone. The game follows the girls through the daily adventures while they gradually encounter the story of a mysterious girl who came from the sky.
Darkritters and ever-present, dangerous monsters. The main characters have different skills and fighting styles, and can be swapped out during battle. The friendships and blessings harvested along the way will provide strength in battle. Combine Blessing Petals embedded with features of different characters to customize battle style.
Developed by Gratesca Studio, Noctuary will be released for PC via Steam on November 28.
Korean interactive film Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth also launches (for consoles) next week
FMV game Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth is an interactive film that places the player directly into a Korean drama. There are branching events and multiple endings. Players gather information while interacting with in-game features, then decide whether to sympathise with Kimo when he tries to win over his date or intentionally mess things up for him. Kimo is 30 years old and he hasn’t ever been in a relationship, making him a Motesolo. In the game, he takes another step into the dating world but things just won’t go smoothly.
Blind dates have all sorts of choices, but is the one leading to a favourable outcome actually the right one? Simple choices can lead to unexpected outcomes. Find new information or items by investigating the café where the blind date takes place, or check out apps on Kimo’s phone. Will the blind date be a success, or will Kimo fail to find a girlfriend?
Developed by Indicava and published by CFK, Motesolo: No Girlfriend Since Birth will be released for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series on November 30. It is currently available for PC.
Horror RPG Catechesis re-announced for PC, consoles
The story behind Catechesis is an interesting one. Ten years ago, Baroque Decay announced pixelated survival horror game Catechesis… but it was too ambitious for the rookie developer. The game was put on hold while Baroque Decay went on to make The Count Lucanor and Yuppie Psycho, though players never stopped asking about the shelved title. Now, Catechesis has been re-announced as the developer’s next project.
Catechesis adapts Resident Evil mechanics and combines them with cute pixel art. Full anime-style cinematics highlight significant plot points. The narrative is a blend of horror and comedy, making it rather unsettling. Daniel is an altar boy of a fringe religion. His grandfather is sick, and Daniel prays for divine intervention. He then starts performing acts of kindness that end up improving his grandfather’s health. It’s too bad that these good deeds unintentionally trigger the opening of a gate to hell. Combat is slow-paced with primary ranged and secondary melee weapons; there is a twin-stick aiming system with roll evasion.
Developed and published by Baroque Decay, Catechesis will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One.
Story-driven life sim On Your Tail announced
Ready to become a sleuth? On Your Tail is a story-driven life sim comprised of relaxation and investigation. Follow Diana in her pursuit of the perfect summer vacation in the charming seaside village of Borgo Marina. Diana is curious, so she will explore her new surroundings, get to know the locals, chill out with some iconic recreational activities, and solve some of the area’s most puzzling mysteries.
Borgo Marina may seem idyllic, but it doesn’t take much looking to realize there are secrets there. Search the streets and shops for leads, and collect clues on characters/locations/events. It will take everything Diana has to unmask a thief menacing the town. Unravel the truth using a mix of investigation, interrogation, and deduction. The gameplay is inspired by card games. During Diana’s down time, cook local cuisine, fish to make some cash, or spend a night gazing at the stars.
Developed by Memorable Games and published by Humble Games, On Your Tail will be released for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch in 2024.
