It Comes Around - A Kinetic Novel (2016)

It Comes Around is an interactive visual narrative developed through the collaboration of Glass of Water Studios and Afterthought Studios, known for previous projects such as Forgotten, Not Lost and A More Beautiful World. The game originated from Singapore's Doujima and presents a compelling story centered around a school-based occult club.

Story Overview

The narrative begins with a ritual intended to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of a schoolmate. However, the ritual goes disastrously wrong, leaving both students and teachers of the Sugimori Occult Club trapped in a relentless, high-stakes game of survival. Players must navigate a tense and unpredictable environment where danger is ever-present and choices determine who lives and who falls victim to the nightmarish scenario. The story emphasizes suspense, psychological tension, and the consequences of decisions made under pressure.

Gameplay and Experience

As a kinetic novel, It Comes Around primarily focuses on delivering a linear narrative enhanced by immersive visual and auditory elements. The game does not rely on complex mechanics or branching storylines, allowing players to concentrate entirely on the unfolding events and character interactions. The pacing and structure are carefully designed to build a continuous sense of tension and engagement, maintaining a gripping atmosphere from start to finish.

Platforms and Accessibility

The game is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. This cross-platform support ensures that a wide audience can access the story without compatibility issues. Its affordability reflects the developers' intent to make the experience accessible to a larger community of readers and players, offering a unique blend of narrative-driven horror at a reasonable price point.

Development and Artistic Vision

Glass of Water Studios and Afterthought Studios collaborated closely to enhance the visual presentation and overall quality of the game. The development team actively encouraged community feedback, aiming to refine It Comes Around and integrate player insights into the creative process. Zechariah Ho of Glass of Water Studios emphasized the importance of feedback to improve both this project and future works, highlighting the studio’s commitment to delivering polished and engaging experiences.

Darren Kwok, founder of Afterthought Studios, focused on revamping the art and visual components, providing a significant update to reward early supporters who engaged with the Steam Greenlight campaign. The improvements underscore the developers’ dedication to quality and their responsiveness to community input, resulting in a more visually and narratively compelling game experience.

Reception and Player Expectations

While It Comes Around may not appeal to all players due to its specific focus on narrative horror and kinetic storytelling, it has garnered positive reactions from those who have experienced it. The game emphasizes a carefully crafted tension, dramatic storytelling, and detailed visual elements, appealing to enthusiasts of horror and narrative-driven games. Player engagement with the story and feedback has been a central component of the game's evolution, reflecting the developers’ commitment to continuous improvement and community involvement.

Conclusion

It Comes Around - A Kinetic Novel presents a unique and carefully developed experience that combines suspenseful storytelling with atmospheric visual presentation. Its narrative-driven gameplay, cross-platform availability, and responsive development process make it a distinctive title within the visual novel and horror genres. The game invites players into an intense, suspenseful environment where each moment is filled with uncertainty and the struggle to survive, all while benefiting from thoughtful design and the active participation of a dedicated development team.