SIX

DESCRIPTION:

A minimalistic text-based story following a recovering gambling addict's interactions with six eccentric individuals

Play the Express version, It's a better experience.

Spam enter if the game is dragging on too long and you want to skip to the ending.

You play as a troubled individual hooked on Six Shooter,  a simple chance dice game at the local casino. A demon haunts your dreams while you socialize with patrons of the High Roller Bar in the afternoon. Choose to try to help each other, be sympathetic towards them, or just go back and roll dice at the Casino.

The gameplay is in the form of a visual novel. The game opens up the main gameplay after the first week! You have until 6/1 (June 1st) in the game to explore (Keep playing until then even if you run out of money!). There is a "Just Watch" option to bet on that progresses time).

**** TRIGGER WARNING: This game includes depictions of gambling addiction, depression, and mental illness. Please consider not playing if these may upset you. I've also removed explicit references to alcohol as per my interpretation of the rules page,  but its presence is still heavily implied. There are also mild horror elements.***

If you are struggling with gambling addiction, know there are resources available to help such as https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/.

GAMEPLAY:

The game starts in April. Gamble for a bit and in May the High Roller Bar will become available where you can talk to the other characters. You have until 6/1 to gamble it all away or make new friends.

The normal download is cinematic but slow, the express version allows users to speed through text.

CONTROLS:

Escape: Exit Game

X: Stats and Controls

Return: Select option/advance text

Up and Down Arrows: Navigate up and down

No menu or anything! Sorry! No saving either. To restart close and rerun the game.

THOUGHTS (For those who are interested):

This was my first game jam and I really chose the wrong type of game to make, to be honest. Beyond just the differences in a story-based narrative, I think the rush made it very difficult to tackle an extremely sensitive topic in the best possible way.

It should go without saying that while I tried to make the characters relatable and complex, they are merely caricatures of the real-life hardships of addiction.

I do hope my rushed writing isn't too terrible, and at the very least doesn't get me canceled :p.  In the words of Mark Brown: I might be "running the risk of representing mental illness in too simple terms, with stereotypes and simple terms". (Video: What made Psychonauts Special)

I tried to make the characters people and not just stereotypical addicts. Addiction affects people in different ways after all.

TBH most likely it's just too cheesy. The endings are super rushed in particular.

Of course, the usual applies: game-breaking bugs are likely, and I didn't get to include half of the stuff I planned.

I do just hope a message of positivity and empathy is what is expressed by my game.

Thank you for listening to my soapboxing.