Elven Curse

This simple, non-field RPG challenges you to escape a cursed forest.

-Prologue-

You're the village's best hunter. News of a national hunting tournament near the royal capital reaches you, and you journey to compete. After the opening ceremony, you enthusiastically enter the forest, setting up camp for the night. Upon waking, however, you discover something unsettling: your campsite is deserted, with only the remnants of numerous hunters' camps remaining. National guards usually oversee the tournament, yet there's no one in sight. Unsure of the situation, you begin to walk, only to realize you're lost, repeatedly finding yourself back in the same location. Despite your superior hunting skills and directional sense, you're inexplicably disoriented. The forest seems to defy logic; movement yields no progress. You try to remain calm, but the strangeness is unnerving, and you continue your trek.

-What is the "Elven Curse"?-

With the aid of a quarter-elf, you, the hunter, must escape this cursed forest. Gameplay is exceptionally streamlined, using a maximum of three buttons outside the main menu.

-Character Creation-

While character customization isn't available, you can re-roll your stats as often as needed. Stat increases per level-up are only visible on this screen and aren't accessible in-game. This screen serves as a return point. When your "talismans" fall below two, or your life force reaches zero, your character is lost.

-The Peddler, Foria (Quarter-Elf)-

A young quarter-elf you encounter in the forest. Despite their youthful appearance, they claim to be older than you. Though seemingly unconcerned with your predicament, they secretly aid your escape using the forest's ancient spirits.

-Scenario and Scene-

The prologue unfolds like a visual novel, with Phoria's dialogue presented in a cheerful tone. The game's world is conveyed through understated, evocative language.

-Exploration Mode-

Progress through the forest by exploring unexplored areas. The outcome of each exploration attempt is influenced by the "fog depth" of the area and your character's stats. If your life force is depleted, use poison to restore it, or, in some cases, use rare "talismans." You may need to return to Foria.

-Encounters with Beasts / Hunter Battles-

Ferocious creatures roam the forest, from wild dogs and wolves to surprisingly aggressive frogs and rabbits. Defeating them yields hides for trading with Foria. Unlike typical RPGs, combat doesn't offer experience points; the goal is simply to escape. Battles are entirely avoidable (though this requires luck or skillful play). As a hunter, you use a bow and arrow. Maintaining distance is crucial for attacking without being counter-attacked, allowing for the use of wound medicine. Closing the distance results in a one-sided attack. You can then choose to withdraw (success dependent on skill difference) or use a flash ball provided by Foria for guaranteed escape.

-Cloak / Layering System-

Using collected branches, resin, and leather, you create a cloak that enhances your abilities. Up to three layers can be worn, with the total ability boost being the sum of all layers. The top layer can be damaged and eventually become unusable. This is the only equipment modification in the game.

-Game Features-

• A game focused on the "play experience."
• A game with elements of "inflation" (likely referring to resource management).
• A game with randomly selected skills.
• A game testing reflexes, strategy, skill, and luck.
• A game featuring item collection, synthesis, and alchemy.
• A game where preparation (leveling up and acquiring items) is significant.
• A game that's relaxing and allows for flexible playtime.

-Autosave-

The game has an autosave function, but the timing isn't perfect (e.g., it doesn't save during battles). For reliable saves, exit to the base menu before closing the app.

-What's New in Version 1.2 (Last updated Dec 18, 2024)-

• v1.2: Fixed a bug causing unexpected transitions to the character creation mode.
• v1.1: Corrected typos in scenario text.
• v1.0: Minor bug fixes, message adjustments, and credit additions.
• v0.1: Test release.

Screenshot