Arcanbreak

I initially ignored this game because I was disappointed that this came out before [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1292860/For_Evelyn/][b]For Evelyn[/b][/url], and I thought its release got pushed back in favour of this game. I revisited this when I saw that it has a demo and decided to at least try the demo out. I was very confused about how I got this game. At first, I thought I purchased this after playing the demo, but apparently, [url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/1402400/discussions/0/3108016147992930413/]this was given to those who previously purchased[/url] [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/merrychristmasknight/recommended/1131540/][b]Light In The Dark[/b][/url], which is now a free game. [i](I purchased [b]Light In The Dark[/b] back in July 2020 during a sale. I paid 0.52 USD instead of 0.99 USD. [b]Arcanbreak[/b] is now showing up on my receipt as part of that purchase, even though it was released in October 2020.)[/i] [b]Arcanbreak[/b] is a very short game. I got to where the demo ended around 21 minutes in, and I got to the end credits in 56 minutes. After going back to get the rest of the achievements, I finished in just a bit over an hour. I liked the investigation aspect of the game. I particularly liked the mechanic of how choosing which inquisitor to play as also affected what can or cannot be observed and interacted with within the surroundings. This mechanic admittedly caused me to take more time playing because I tried to see how the characters differed in their comments for the objects they observed. I also enjoyed the minigames that didn't try to explain too much, so I had the freedom to figure things out myself. Storywise, there seemed to be many things that hinted at a much larger narrative. I read the lore carefully in case I needed them in my investigations. It did add some nuance to the setting, and I noticed some background details and decoration that I probably wouldn't have before reading it. I think it's too much information for a game this short, but if this game is to be treated as a side story connected to a much larger game universe, then it works in that sense. Regarding whether to recommend this game, given the game's length and its current price [i](50% off for 2.99 USD)[/i], I think it's worth a try. If you're someone who would like to get more gameplay for the full price [i](5.99 USD)[/i] but would still like to try this, I recommend waiting for a sale. ============= This is a bit off-topic, but I will discuss [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1292860/For_Evelyn/][b]For Evelyn[/b][/url] here, because it is a big reason why I even tried this game in the first place. The developer, [b]Kisuarts[/b], was not on my radar until after they released the first version of the [b]For Evelyn[/b] demo. I really, [i]really[/i] liked that initial demo and even purchased their [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/merrychristmasknight/recommended/1131540/][b]Light In The Dark[/b][/url] game while I was waiting for the full version's release. The [b]For Evelyn[/b] demo has been updated since then. There were significant changes made: the playable character was switched and the story was overhauled, which made a huge difference in tone. The gameplay (at least in the second version) also mirrored some of the sneak tactics here in [b]Arcanbreak[/b]. While I do appreciate some of the new additions, such as the reference to [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1377710/Lawmage_Academy/][b]Lawmage Academy[/b][/url], some of the casual, lighthearted, and humorous elements which drew me to the game were removed, and I feel like the game lost its charm for me. Unfortunately, based on the second version of the [b]For Evelyn[/b] demo that I played, I removed it from my wishlist. However, since the developer has been very considerate by giving [b]Arcanbreak[/b] for free to those who previously purchased [b]Light In The Dark[/b], I'm reconsidering checking out [b]For Evelyn[/b]. I enjoy supporting developers who listen to feedback, provide consistent updates, and care about their supporters. For that, I am sincerely grateful to [b]Kisuarts[/b] and I hope all the best for them as they continue to develop the game!