Retention (2015)

Retention (2015) is a game centered on a character who has spent his life constantly moving forward, avoiding reflection on his past. The protagonist rarely rests, and despite the 24 hours granted each day, he struggles to find enough time to pause and recuperate. One day, during a routine journey, an unexpected accident occurs. He finds himself lying on the cold ground, trapped beneath his bicycle, facing a sudden and critical moment in his life.

Game Concept

As the protagonist lies immobilized, fragments of his life flash across his mind. The player’s role is to assist him in navigating these memories and determining whether he can regain his strength to rise once more. The gameplay revolves around exploring his recollections and understanding the events that shaped his life.

Key Features

• Memory-driven storytelling: Players experience the protagonist’s life through the lens of his memories, piecing together his personal history.
• Unique genre: The game introduces a “Game-Photo Album” genre, blending interactive gameplay with reflective narrative elements.
• User-friendly interface: Designed for accessibility, ensuring smooth navigation and intuitive controls for players of all levels.
• Multiple endings: The game offers eight distinct outcomes, including four positive and four negative conclusions, each shaped by the player’s choices and interactions with the protagonist’s memories.
• Original soundtrack: An exclusive musical score accompanies the game, enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere of the experience.
• STEAM Trading Cards support: The game is integrated with Steam’s trading card system, providing additional engagement and collectible elements.

Gameplay Experience

Players are challenged to guide the protagonist through his internal journey, examining moments from his past that resurface as vivid slides in his mind. The game emphasizes reflection and decision-making, allowing players to influence whether the protagonist can overcome his current predicament. By exploring each memory, players unlock different narrative paths, leading to diverse endings based on their choices.

Visual and Audio Design

Retention (2015) combines visual storytelling with its distinctive photo-album gameplay, presenting scenes from the protagonist’s life in a manner that encourages players to engage deeply with the story. The original soundtrack complements the visuals, reinforcing the emotional tone and making the player’s experience more immersive. The interface design focuses on simplicity and clarity, ensuring that the gameplay remains accessible while maintaining narrative depth.

Conclusion

Retention (2015) offers a reflective gaming experience that merges narrative exploration with interactive gameplay. Its unique approach, involving memory exploration and multiple endings, provides players with an opportunity to engage with the story in a meaningful way. With an intuitive interface, original music, and Steam Trading Cards support, the game is designed to deliver a comprehensive and memorable experience for anyone seeking a story-driven adventure.