Interfectorem (2016)

In Interfectorem, players follow the harrowing journey of Alis, a young woman whose life is shattered when she discovers her younger sister has been violently murdered. Driven by overwhelming grief and a thirst for justice, Alis sets out to track down her sister’s killer, navigating a trail of victims left behind by the elusive murderer. Her mission is clear: return the favor of death to those responsible.

Game Overview

Interfectorem, meaning “killer” in Latin, is a murder mystery visual novel that blends suspense, dark humor, and engaging storytelling. Players are drawn into a tense narrative that challenges them to solve a series of interconnected murders while uncovering the motivations and secrets of both the protagonist and the killer. The game maintains a delicate balance between moments of levity and chilling horror, offering an experience reminiscent of combining classic detective tales with a modern comedic twist.

Gameplay and Features

• Investigation Mechanics: Players follow clues, examine crime scenes, and interact with key characters to unravel the mystery.
• Choice-Driven Narrative: Every decision influences the story’s progression, leading to multiple possible outcomes and endings.
• Atmospheric Art and Music: The game features distinctive visuals by Reimena Yee and an immersive soundtrack composed by Jon Peros, enhancing both suspense and emotional engagement.
• Humor and Horror: Interfectorem seamlessly combines comedic elements with chilling suspense, keeping players engaged and on edge throughout the experience.
• Character-Driven Story: Deeply developed characters provide personal stakes and emotional depth, allowing players to empathize with Alis’s journey.

Development and Team

Interfectorem was created by the team known as Team Who Must Not Be Named, consisting of four middle school girls aged 11 to 15. The team members included Summer Benn, Avalon Brevik, Izzy Penston (creative lead and writer), and Lucia Plymale. The game’s direction and programming were led by Andrew Dang, with additional support from programmer Kristani Alcantara. Artistic contributions were provided by Reimena Yee, while Jon Peros composed the musical score.

The project achieved notable recognition, winning the annual Grand Prize at Girls Make Games Demo Day. Following the competition, the game successfully raised over $12,000 through a Kickstarter campaign, demonstrating significant community support and interest.

About Girls Make Games

Girls Make Games is an organization dedicated to providing game development education to middle and high school girls worldwide. Its flagship program is a three-week summer camp conducted annually in 15 U.S. cities. The camp concludes with a Demo Day, where the top five teams are flown to the San Francisco Bay Area to showcase their games. Winning teams receive year-long mentorship and the opportunity to have their games professionally produced and published, fostering real-world experience in game development.

Critical Reception

Praised for its compelling narrative and unique approach to combining humor with horror, Interfectorem captivates players from start to finish. The interactive storytelling, challenging mysteries, and character-driven plot ensure that players remain fully engaged while exploring the dark and suspenseful world crafted by the young development team.

Conclusion

With its intricate plot, engaging gameplay mechanics, and a successful blend of humor and horror, Interfectorem provides a memorable visual novel experience. Players take on the role of Alis, navigating through a tense investigation filled with danger, intrigue, and moral choices, ultimately testing their problem-solving skills and resilience. This game exemplifies the creativity and potential of young developers in the field of interactive storytelling.

Interfectorem is a unique mix of mystery, horror, and dark humor that keeps you hooked from the first scene to the last. The story is intense, but the game balances it with clever jokes and moments of levity, making it surprisingly fun despite the grim theme. The visuals and music are charming and help pull you into the suspenseful world the young devs created.

The gameplay is straightforward and easy to follow, perfect for anyone who enjoys visual novels with a strong story and interesting characters. The plot twists are satisfying, and solving the mystery feels rewarding. It’s clear a lot of creativity and heart went into this project.

We recommend Interfectorem for players looking for a short, engaging, and well-crafted murder mystery experience. It’s entertaining, memorable, and a showcase of talent you’ll want to see more from.