A visual novel game with an eerie twist
Ghost Artifact Prototype is a free puzzle game made by indie developer Taylor Gregory. It's a text-based visual novel that features hand-drawn art. It tells a story of a group of friends recounting the events of the last time they all got together and the odd discrepancies in their recollection.
Similar to Mask of the Rose, Ghost Artifact Prototype employs a mystery theme. Where the former features branching stories and paths, the latter is focused on a singular narrative all throughout its entirety. Also, it takes on a more supernatural approach to its storytelling.
One night out with friends
Ghost Artifact Prototype is a visual novel that draws inspiration from two genres for its narrative, namely slice-of-life and mystery. It tells a story that is as ordinary and relatable as life itself—going out on the town with your friends. It revolves around a simple photo that is shared among a group of friends as they recount the last time they were all together in real life.
As they get to talk more through an online messaging service, things start to get curious and off. Some of them have discrepancies in their recollection of that night, and this is where the mystery aspect of the game comes into play. The photo shows someone not part of the group who was apparently with them when they posed and took a picture.
As tension rises, so too does their animosity for one another grows. Soon enough, things become less about the photo and more about questioning their bond and friendship instead. You'll just have to play it to find out more. Just be aware that the game is still in the early prototype stages of development. Thus, there are still plenty of aspects that need to be fleshed out.
A test of friendship
Overall, Ghost Artifact Prototype is odd and strange, but in a good way. The narrative is intriguing and the characters themselves are grounded and relatable. The whole experience takes you somewhere you would not expect when you first start playing it, and that's part of its appeal. If you like visual novel games, this title is well worth giving a try.
