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It is that time for LudoNarraCon (also known as “LNC”) — by Fellow Traveller — once again, and The Daily Fandom has backstage access! Check out our recap of last year’s convention here, here, and here if you missed it! (From LudoNarraCon ’22!)
LudoNarraCon is a free Steam convention that celebrates all things digital narrative gaming; so, stay tuned to learn more, as it takes place between May 4th and May 8th, 2023 — alllll day long, baby!
“LudoNarraCon aims to create a platform to showcase and celebrate interesting and innovative narrative games, replicating as many of the aspects and benefits of the physical convention experience as possible within a digital format.”
(( LudoNarraCon. 2019-. LudoNarraCon. LudoNarraCon. ))
Since I (the author of this piece) am a person who loves narrative gaming more than anything else, this convention always seems destined for those of us who enjoy long-winded, verbose games; you know those games that are basically a book for gamers? Yes, those kinds!
So — let’s gather together all gamers who enjoy the art of narrative/role-playing/adventure/(and sometimes even) pixel games, and rejoice for LudoNarraCon 2023!
Listed below are a few games that have not yet been released, but are on our radar for future wishlist releases because they were so darn enjoyable!
“Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid On The Block” (Team Lazerbea, Prismatika; RD: “Coming Soon”)
Platforms: PC (Windows and Mac).
Gamer Platform: Windows / Mac.
If you enjoy “dating sims,” you will also enjoy the LudoNarraCon panel on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 11 A.M. PDT: “Forming Meaningful Relationships In Games” with Cam Perry, Jamie Camera, Monica Fan, and Radiant G. This panel will discuss how to form relationships with video game characters; dating sims will be explored, how they entice players, and why they are valuable. The mechanics used in these games will be discussed.
LudoNarraCon Overview
Here is your chance to kick ass and break hearts!
This wrestling dating sim combines elements of RPGs with punk games to create a uniquely anarchic experience.
Gameplay
There is nothing I love more than dating simulation games, truly. (“Dream Daddy“/ “Later Daters.”) “Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid On The Block” offers a unique perspective on the incredible potential of dating sims; since wrestling games are rare, coming across this game at LNC was a real treat. (It is also based in 1994!)
It features such zany and cool graphics as well as a very cool score. You can also customize your own wrestler (which is you) and create a great deal of what he or she or they will look like in the game. The game gives enough character design for you to make it your own while keeping it very enjoyable to play. Additionally, the gameplay includes some stunning montages of graphics that create a frivolity and engrossing atmosphere.
We look forward to seeing more about “Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid On The Block” as it should be coming soon.
“Stray Gods” (Summerfall Studios, Humble Games; RD: 08/03/23)
Platforms: PC (Windows).
Gamer Platform: Windows.
LudoNarraCon Overview
You will be given the opportunity to decide your fate in a musical role-playing game, set in a modern fantasy world, written by the lead author of Dragon Age, David Gaider.
Gameplay
“Stray Gods” was an incredibly entertaining game to play, and being able to choose much of the dialogue made it even more enjoyable. It was a pleasure to play this game; the characters were well-developed, as was the music.
The ability to choose the dialogue was very engaging, even though this is more of a storytelling game; the fact that there were so many choices to make and so many different paths to take when interacting with each character was very enjoyable.
“Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island” (Polygon Treehouse, Whitethorn Games; 2023)
Platforms: PC (Windows).
Gamer Platform: Windows.
“Mythwrecked” will be featured in “A Fireside Chat” with Malindy Hetfeld (writer of “Mythwrecked” y’all!) & Scott Chen (co-founder of SIGONO) on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 3 P.M. PDT.
LudoNarraCon Overview
As a shipwrecked passenger, you find yourself on a mythical island. Alex, a backpacker, must become friends with the forgotten gods of Greek mythology and restore their memory; to solve the mystery and save the gods, you must explore the dynamic island and its story sandbox.
Gameplay
Among the games we played, “Mythwrecked” was the coolest, as well, and the score was excellent. With such well-designed controls and graphics, the game provided an entertaining experience as you navigate the island at the beginning of the game. One of the distinguished features of this game is that the protagonist, whom you play as, is a person of color.
Various characters are encountered and befriended in the game, but having so many different types made the game quite enjoyable, along with the mystery behind the island’s inhabitants. Even in the demo version, the gameplay is seamless. With the controls, you are able to move around the island and collect various elements around you as you search for debris left behind; you are also able to interact with numerous characters and use a map which is incredibly helpful in showing you where to go on the island. (When you start the game, you know nothing about where anything is, so the map helps tremendously!)
“Mythwreacked” is scheduled for release this year, but make sure you add it to your wishlist because this game is certainly going to make it onto our wishlist!
LudoNarraCon 2023
We have listed only a few games that stood out to us, but we encourage you to explore all that LNC has to offer. In addition to these games, there will be other games at the convention, too! Enjoy and have a blast this weekend!