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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!
Here are a few games that were notable for us at LNC, which generally means they are: going to be bought and/or wishlist and were incredibly delightful and indelible enough to make their way on our list somewhere (whether that be PC, Switch, or console). But, in reality, all of these games at LNC are going on the wishlist immediately — let’s be honest!
“Dead Pets Unleashed” (Triple Topping; TBA)
Platforms: PC (Windows and Mac).
Gamer Platform: Windows / Mac (PC).
LudoNarraCon Overview
After almost ten years, the struggling punk band “Dead Pets” are still searching for their breakthrough. Gordy has big plans for the future of its status, but as Gordy turns 30, life begins to change. With “Dead Pets Unleashed,” you will be able to unleash your inner demon, with a narrative, slice-of-life, and management-light game.
Gameplay
Among the games at LNC this year, “Dead Pets Unleashed” stood out as the most entertaining. As soon as the game begins, you can see how beautifully crafted the artwork is and how awesome the music is. While we did not know exactly what to expect before playing “Dead Pets Unleashed,” we got far more than we ever expected.
Besides this quirky feminist concept of demons, the game incorporates a lifestyle simulation and elevates that by giving the player the opportunity to work (make cash), earn life points in various areas, and create music (guitar hero style). You can also make your own hot dog and swipe on Tinder to find your purrfect demon, among other fun activities.
In terms of gameplay time, we probably spent more time on “Dead Pets Unleashed” than any other game because it was so fun to experience each element of the game. You can easily click and control the music sequences in the game, and the interface is easy to use. It was a clever and entertaining idea to include a map and allow users to “drop” themselves onto spaces on that map.
You will have the best time with this narrative game — and it features a dildo that we thoroughly enjoyed. Hence, this one has an 18+ rating due to its adult themes, but that is also what made it fun since we are on the cusp of 30 just like Gordy — just without the band, but there’s still time!
“Citizen Sleeper” (2022; Jump Over the Age)
Platforms: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass.
Gamer Platform: PC (Windows).
“Citizen Sleeper” will be featured in “Future Labors: Citizen Sleeper And Hardspace Shipbreaker In Conversation” with Elliot Hudson (director of “Shipbreaker”) and Gareth Damian Martin (creator of “Citizen Sleeper”) on Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 12 P.M. PDT.
LudoNarraCon Overview
A roleplaying game set in the ruins of interplanetary capitalism. Play the role of an escaped worker who washed up on a lawless space station on the edge of an interstellar society. Explore the station, select your friends, escape your past, and change your future in this TTRPG-inspired game.
Gameplay
Some weeks ago, I manifested that I would like to start playing tabletop role-playing games with my significant other. (I have also urged us to start experimenting with “D&D” as well.) As a result, “Citizen Sleeper” came at a fantastic time since it exposed me to many aspects of tabletop games and board games; though it was sometimes overwhelming, it was always enjoyable and digestible.
Upon pressing “play,” you are immediately struck by the stunning graphics on display in “Citizen Sleeper.” As a matter of fact, the graphics were the best part of the game, as they were one of the main factors in keeping you entertained for a long period of time, similar to the duration of a board game.
It is a very intricate map with numerous instructions, which are both thorough and informative. As a game, we found that the dice concept, along with the concept of survival, worked very well in “Citizen Sleeper” and it was a lot of fun for the time we spent at LNC. Even though it will take some time to sit down, play, and digest; this is a highly entertaining long-form gameplay game.
“Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly” (2023; Toge Productions)
Platforms: PC (Windows and Mac) and Nintendo Switch.
Gamer Platform: PC (Windows and Mac).
LudoNarraCon Overview
The much-loved coffee brewing and heart-to-heart talking simulator “Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly” is back with the second episode. It is time to dust off the coffee machine and prepare your warmest smile to meet your customers again.
Gameplay
The second episode of “Coffee Talk: Hibiscus & Butterfly,” like the first, is a very chill and entertaining game. Taking place in 2023, the narrative of the game revolves around the conversations that occur at this late-night coffee shop. However, the score is what truly distinguishes “Coffee Talk” from its competitors because it features some fantastic lo-fi music in the background throughout the entire gameplay.
Additionally, it contains a few interactive features, such as making coffee and checking your phone/feed/friends’ lives, which is quite engaging. The experience of playing this game at night is one of its most enjoyable features because the atmosphere is truly set to perfection. If you are looking for a game that will immerse you in the conversations of those around you as you make a little coffee, this is the game for you.
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, such as “The Invincible,” “Beacon Pines,” “Fall of Porcupine,” Sucker For Love: Date to Die For,” “Tails: Backbone Preludes,” and “Times & Galaxy” to name a few!
