Waking up with little memory of who you are is terrifying enough as it is. Couple this and being trapped in a tower with a dark, all-consuming maw can send even the bravest warriors spiraling into madness. Maybe you are mad already? That would explain the bloody dreams, unexplainable happenings, and the mysterious stranger that appears before you. Nothing seems to make sense as your mind is muddled with questions. Can Ilar be trusted? Who are they? What is happening? And most importantly, what have you done?
Developed and published by Square Weasel Studios, Chronicles of Tal’Dun: The Remainder is a gorgeously illustrated choose-your-own-adventure game. This 2D visual novel is filled with enigmatic characters and an alluring storyline that will have you just as wrapped in its mysteries as the protagonist is. If you can even call Vyn, the main character, a protagonist as many clues lead to the very questionable experimentation that has gotten them into this mess. With Vyn missing almost all their memories and Ilar speaking in riddles, it is difficult to know where to even begin.
The one thing that stands out like a beacon in the darkness of confusion and uncertainty is ironically the inscrutable Ilar. They were there when Vyn woke up and they continue to try to “help” Vyn in stopping the encroaching black hole that threatens their lives. Who are they truly? Are they your friend? Your magus partner? Perhaps even more and you were lovers? There certainly is chemistry between Vyn and Ilar, even if most interactions are tense. There is a softness to them and if there is anything that’s transparent about Ilar, it’s that they care for Vyn. This could be the key to solving the mystery of the tower, the lost memories, and the looming abyss.
Unfortunately, not everything is going to be so black and white, but in a perpetual state of gray. Nevertheless, what matters most is how are Vyn is going to get out alive. Be sure to pay attention to the choices you are given, Ilar’s reactions, and the subtle clues that are scattered throughout your attempts in recovering your memories. Some interactions or dialogue are incredibly subtle and may not make much sense in the first playthrough.
Finding and piecing together all the clues Vyn will encounter is just one facet of this visual novel. Dealing with Vyn and Ilar’s secretive bond and questionable motives is a whole other elephant in the room. Your patience, vigilance, and tenacity will be your most trusted assets as not everything is as simple as it seems. Continue pushing forward, no matter how painful the truth might be. Not even death can bring Vyn easy answers, at least not the first time.
CONS: Can be quite confusing, easy to miss clues, and replaying and re-reading everything can become rather time-consuming.
PROS: Fascinating storyline, certainly leaves you speculating, gorgeous artwork and ambience, has nonbinary characters, which is uncommon in games or visual novels, but not unwelcome, and great playability factor.
SCORE: 8/10
Chronicles of Tal’Dun: The Remainder is available for PC via Steam.
Video games have always been a huge influence in my life and have definitely shaped me to who I am today . Some of my best memories growing up were the many adventures and stories I was able to experience and become immersed in. If my hands aren't either covered in clay, typing, editing, creating, or helping shoving food in my mouth, they would either be gripped to a controller, tapping away at the screen of my phone, or clicking away on my PC. I am always up for trying something new because why live just one life when you can live many.
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