The Return

Choice-based narrative with branching endings that incorporate aspects of an RPG adventure and visual novel-style interactions within the game.

STORY 

“The Return” is an RPG/Visual Novel game that follows the journey of a character who finds themselves in a place that feels familiar yet unrecognizable. As the player explores, they can interact with NPCs and items they find.

By investigating the environment, the player uncovers clues about their past. The narrative centers on the character’s encounters with what seem to be fragmented memories of their past, allowing the player to intervene in key moments, alter outcomes, and unlock different story paths. 

With multiple unique endings, the game offers players a chance to delve into the themes of childhood trauma and the process of reconciling those experiences in adulthood, uncovering more of the story with each playthrough.

Trigger Warning

Allusions to Child Abuse, Substance Abuse, Suicide, Familial Death, Mental Health

Credits/Acknowledgement

This project was made as a year-long studio project for the University of Central Florida's Digital Media Master's program. 

Creator: Emrys Murphy (they/them) - UCF Digital Media Master's Program

Studio Chair: Matthew Mosher (they/them) -  UCF Professor of Games and Interactive Media Program

Studio Committee Member: Kenton Taylor Howard (he/him) - UCF Professor of Games and Interactive Media Program