I like the lighting, the models, and especially the shift between "locations" mid-game. It felt fluid and wonderful! On the other hand, I feel the therapy session didn't match up with how therapy works (i.e. reporting for intended self harm/external harm), and the therapist's dialogue felt rushed/forced.
To preface the spoiler below I definitely do not think this game is a bad experience! It has lovely sequences and looks visually great, I think I would happily play a different game with these aesthetics and general game play mechanics as a paid experience. There is a lovely amount of attention and detail paid to different sequences and camera angles (slow zoom out at the beginning, the soft illumination of the therapist) which I don't often see in itchio games.
Spoiler:
With that in mind, I feel the overall tone of the game is not "assistance is out there" but rather - if you feel guilty, whether it be your own perception or the perception of those around you - self harm is a valid option. The paranormal/horror themes do not become offset by more positive tones (from the therapist or even an acknowledgement of "what if it didn't have to be like this"), which I think could have been helped with a second ending, or a more overt nudge towards a paranormal force influencing MC beyond reason. We get a kind of hint that we truly are being haunted by our sister via the hotel staff note, but I feel this note can be too easily misconstrued as circumstantial and not paranormally based. (i.e. this is in our head, not "we are being truly haunted") The sequences and endings are not ambiguous enough to say we are not being haunted.
We are told MC is resilient and we see her taking a single step to get assistance, only to quickly have that narrative undone. If not a second ending, perhaps a little longer of a game with another sequence of therapy and perhaps another sequence of notes from staff and MC pushing back against the 'haunting' would help, even if it ultimately resulted in the same ending. We could see MC fight back until she truly can't anymore - worn to nothing by the vengeful spirit of her sister - instead of what we have now: that she is resilient and just starting her efforts, which she immediately "gives up" on.
Not every game has to be made to my specifications of course, this is just thoughts and feelings I had based on my own lived experience with these topics (well, not the paranormal side ofc haha). Ultimately thank you for the game! The camera work and overall visuals are very enjoyable. :)
Thanks a lot for playing my game. I deeply appreciate the feedback and what a generous share of thoughts and ideas about the game. I wrote a comment on your channel and I hope that explains a bit about what my intentions were with this game. I liked how interesting your take was on the game and definitely the subject matter isn't light, very dark and heavy. Once again all the best to you and your channel ✌ Edit: I will definitely note the suggestions you gave both about the story and some aspects of the game - like the therapy. Initially, the therapy was supposed to be very different, but again, given the circumstances of my own life issues, I decided to cut the edges and focus more on the story, have it condensed. So, there can be multiple choices and variations for this, which I would love to explore, but as a short interactive fiction this is just 1 version of many, you know. I do sincerely hope this clears some things up.
Thank you for playing and first of all thanks for appreciating the story presented in the game. It is a serious subject matter, which is why I did not want it to be a long, continuous dark hallway and ended quickly. All the best to you and your channel ✌
Loved the story in this game, and I would have never expected the ending. Only criticism I have is I didn’t know I could sort through the file boxes until I mashed “e”, but that’s only a small issue. Otherwise this was a great game, amazing game!
Thanks again for playing and I deeply appreciate your feedback. The "e" key isn't in the game, you click left mouse button to interact, hm, that is strange and I will definitely look into it. All the best to your channel. Cheers!
Thanks for playing my game. I'm super glad you enjoyed this and had a great time, well, the story was dark, but nonetheless, it was a good experience I hope. All the best to you 🎇
Huge thanks for playing Levont! 🍻 I will note your observations. I did plan on making a bigger game, but in the end decided not to spread the narrative, make it short. Although, you are 100%. It would have been better to torment Kate more I guess, so that she could truly feel guilty. Best to you and your channel!
Here is my playthrough! I defo had so many questions at first! This was defo was one of your best games! I really liked the story & mystery! Here is playthrough! Keep up the good work!
Great little game! The story was actually really good, a little sad but good. I enjoyed the spooks and reading the story throughout. I recommend completely! Here is my gameplay video!
Thanks for playing my game. The video was great. I liked your commentary and very much appreciate the positive feedback. All the best to you and your fantastic channel mate!
Niven Hedinger takes us on another trip down the dark hallways of loss and desperation. Anyone that has lost someone dear to him/her, instinctively knows, or recognizes, the feeling of dread and dreariness that comes with losing a loved one.
Niven Hedinger excels in leading you, the hapless protagonist, through a field of the emptied channels that mimic all sorts of understanding, confusion and confinement.
Therefore, logically, will the 'end' be the 'end?'
A sincere, well put observation - I am very flattered Daniel. I really enjoyed the video and please don't forget to call me David Niven, because that is priceless humor. The story was a bit dark, yes, but it felt more challenging to make the game simple and not overdo the serious tone. Overall, I am glad you enjoyed the atmosphere. Best to you!
OMG! Thank you so much! You are the developer of "Dark, Dark Woods", I loved that game! And just followed you. The atmosphere you've made in your game is nothing compare to mine. Thank you so much for the feedback, made my day, honestly ✨
Haha, thanks for the kind words! As soon as I saw the Incoherence trailer on your YT channel, I knew I had to play it! You were the first person to comment on my game and you did it in such a way that it gave me wings to make more games so thank you for that
The jump scare got me! I am assuming the nudity was because of the way she died? That was a bit confusing to me but overall the game was good. The wheelchair paper though...really took too long for me to find hahaha.
Thanks for playing. Appreciate the support and feedback. Well, the game does have "vague" nudity as mentioned, like not full frontal or any of that, but you know. And, it is done in a way to showcase an abstract image of 2 characters. Anyways, all the best to you! Cheers!
Once I saw your post, I immediately jumped into watching and yeah, you are great man! Thanks a lot for playing, I really appreciate your support and feedback. Cheers 🍻
Great narrative. Enjoyed that there were only a few scares, they were smartly chosen and didn't distract from the story. The Wheelchair Paper took me way too long to find.
Thanks for playing. Glad that you enjoyed the creepy sister jump scares. The wheelchair note was a trap for sure, maybe placing items somewhere else could be helpful, I know. Best to your channel Alexis! Cheers!
Your game actually made me jump so hard lol. Very well done Niven in crafting a solid horror game based on loss. Usually, it is done with a very linear take on mental health, but you did a great job I feel at giving your story room to breathe.
A thousand thanks Aaron. I am always happy, like a child on Christmas when you post a review, because it means a lot and you actually enjoy the game. I tried not to go toward the "main protagonist" has issues, so instead focused on the guilty party. Nevertheless, your support and feedback means a lot. Best to you!
Hi Nigen, thank you for your thoughtful comment on my jam game in response to my comment-less rating.
You seem to be upset about my rating without leaving a comment and I understand your frustration, I genuinely do. I left the rating during a stream and simply forgot to follow it up afterwards with a comment. Sorry for that oversight. I should have left a few words. So let me explain...
My issues comes from the way you handled the theme of suicide (but that's a creative decision and your perogative as a developer) but mostly your incorrect warning of 'indication of self harm' when you show two pretty clear and graphic suicides, which was upsetting to me in the moment and something I would have simply not streamed, would I have known.
Self harm is usually understood as non-fatal and while I genuinely appreciate you putting out a warning in the first place, I didn't expect to encounter these things, which were upsetting for a variety of personal reasons. I understand that this is an inherent risk with indie horror games, but whenever I can, I try to stay clear of those that feature the actual act(s) of suicide.
I hope your continue on your path as a game developer, but would urge you to give people the benefit of doubt and reach out directly to another developer, instead of leaving a passive aggressive comment, implying some sort of disrespect where none was meant.
Sometimes people simply forget to leave a comment with their rating, like I did.
Anyway, I changed my rating, not taking my past or personal issues into account and will leave some more thoughtful feedback on the various elements of the game. Feel free to rate my games any way you like, especially if you did not enjoy them!
First of all, I have to say, there was a huge miscommunication between us and I deeply apologize about causing any uncomfortable situation for you, I really am sorry. My intention was to just write directly to you and you have to understand that, when ratings are posted, at least from my experience, people tend to just "hate" or put 1 star to mess around. That happened to me a lot, which is why I was more interested then passive aggressive. Sorry mate.
As for the game itself. I did not specify the "suicide", because I though it was included in "violence and self harm". But, huge thanks to you, I changed the discerption so none of that will happen again. I deeply appreciate everyone's opinion, both positive and negative, so just to clear things up again, I did not mean any "bad" intention, you have to understand, Even if you just look at my profile you can see that I always try to be understanding and invested, although some of my opinions might sound direct and "passive aggressive".
Again and again, sorry and I hope to see more of your games as well as I do hope you can enjoy some of my new upcoming ones. All the best to you ✌
Thanks for playing. Loved your video and I truly appreciate your positive feedback. Will try to make even better one next time, can't promise thou lol. Cheers!
← Return to Incoherence
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
I like the lighting, the models, and especially the shift between "locations" mid-game. It felt fluid and wonderful! On the other hand, I feel the therapy session didn't match up with how therapy works (i.e. reporting for intended self harm/external harm), and the therapist's dialogue felt rushed/forced.
To preface the spoiler below I definitely do not think this game is a bad experience! It has lovely sequences and looks visually great, I think I would happily play a different game with these aesthetics and general game play mechanics as a paid experience. There is a lovely amount of attention and detail paid to different sequences and camera angles (slow zoom out at the beginning, the soft illumination of the therapist) which I don't often see in itchio games.
Spoiler:
With that in mind, I feel the overall tone of the game is not "assistance is out there" but rather - if you feel guilty, whether it be your own perception or the perception of those around you - self harm is a valid option. The paranormal/horror themes do not become offset by more positive tones (from the therapist or even an acknowledgement of "what if it didn't have to be like this"), which I think could have been helped with a second ending, or a more overt nudge towards a paranormal force influencing MC beyond reason. We get a kind of hint that we truly are being haunted by our sister via the hotel staff note, but I feel this note can be too easily misconstrued as circumstantial and not paranormally based. (i.e. this is in our head, not "we are being truly haunted") The sequences and endings are not ambiguous enough to say we are not being haunted.
We are told MC is resilient and we see her taking a single step to get assistance, only to quickly have that narrative undone. If not a second ending, perhaps a little longer of a game with another sequence of therapy and perhaps another sequence of notes from staff and MC pushing back against the 'haunting' would help, even if it ultimately resulted in the same ending. We could see MC fight back until she truly can't anymore - worn to nothing by the vengeful spirit of her sister - instead of what we have now: that she is resilient and just starting her efforts, which she immediately "gives up" on.
Not every game has to be made to my specifications of course, this is just thoughts and feelings I had based on my own lived experience with these topics (well, not the paranormal side ofc haha). Ultimately thank you for the game! The camera work and overall visuals are very enjoyable. :)
Thanks a lot for playing my game. I deeply appreciate the feedback and what a generous share of thoughts and ideas about the game. I wrote a comment on your channel and I hope that explains a bit about what my intentions were with this game. I liked how interesting your take was on the game and definitely the subject matter isn't light, very dark and heavy.
Once again all the best to you and your channel ✌
Edit: I will definitely note the suggestions you gave both about the story and some aspects of the game - like the therapy. Initially, the therapy was supposed to be very different, but again, given the circumstances of my own life issues, I decided to cut the edges and focus more on the story, have it condensed. So, there can be multiple choices and variations for this, which I would love to explore, but as a short interactive fiction this is just 1 version of many, you know. I do sincerely hope this clears some things up.
Hello, I played this game and I enjoyed it! good work :)
Huge thanks once again for playing Stella. It means a lot and I am glad you enjoyed the game overall. Best to you!
While the scares were pretty much always expected, the story really hits hard and doesn't pull any punches.
Thank you for playing and first of all thanks for appreciating the story presented in the game. It is a serious subject matter, which is why I did not want it to be a long, continuous dark hallway and ended quickly. All the best to you and your channel ✌
Thanks for playing! Glad that you enjoyed the game. The video was great. Best to you and your channel! Cheers!
Thanks for playing my game. I'm glad you like my game. Best to you!
Thanks again for playing and I deeply appreciate your feedback. The "e" key isn't in the game, you click left mouse button to interact, hm, that is strange and I will definitely look into it. All the best to your channel. Cheers!
great game. love the story!
Thank you so much for playing. Your channel is great btw, I wish all the best in the future and more subs 🎊
Great game, didnt expect the ending, keep it up!
Thanks for playing my game. I truly enjoyed the video and I'm glad you liked the ending. Best to you!
anyway thanks to let us playing this game..
Thanks for playing. All the best to you, your channel and hi to Indonesia ✌
Thanks for playing my game. I'm super glad you enjoyed this and had a great time, well, the story was dark, but nonetheless, it was a good experience I hope. All the best to you 🎇
It's a really nice game. I wish the sister spent more time messing with you as you went through the story though. Besides that, not bad.
Here's my channel for other games I have played. https://www.youtube.com/@Levont
Huge thanks for playing Levont! 🍻
I will note your observations. I did plan on making a bigger game, but in the end decided not to spread the narrative, make it short. Although, you are 100%. It would have been better to torment Kate more I guess, so that she could truly feel guilty. Best to you and your channel!
Very dark, but was well written and developed! Keep it up, can't wait to see your future games.
Thanks a bunch for playing my game. I was flattered with your comments. Wish all the best to your channel, you as well 🎇
Here is my playthrough! I defo had so many questions at first! This was defo was one of your best games! I really liked the story & mystery! Here is playthrough! Keep up the good work!
Huge thanks for playing Hazzaween. Loved the edits and your take on the game's story. All the best to you!
Thanks for playing. Glad that you enjoyed the story. All the best to you mate! Cheers ✌
I enjoyed the game, thankyou you for making something interesting.
Thanks for playing! I'm glad you found this interesting. Best to you!
Great little game! The story was actually really good, a little sad but good. I enjoyed the spooks and reading the story throughout. I recommend completely! Here is my gameplay video!
Thanks for playing my game. The video was great. I liked your commentary and very much appreciate the positive feedback. All the best to you and your fantastic channel mate!
absolutely loved the game man keep up the excellent work
Huge thanks for playing and being so awesome. Glad that you had a great experience and I am very flattered with the positive feedback. Cheers!
Impressive plot. A game with good points.
Thank you! I highly appreciate your continuous support. I am glad you liked the game, overall. Best to your and your channel! Cheers!
Comments below clip:
Niven Hedinger takes us on another trip down the dark hallways of loss and desperation. Anyone that has lost someone dear to him/her, instinctively knows, or recognizes, the feeling of dread and dreariness that comes with losing a loved one.
Niven Hedinger excels in leading you, the hapless protagonist, through a field of the emptied channels that mimic all sorts of understanding, confusion and confinement.
Therefore, logically, will the 'end' be the 'end?'Well done, Niven. Kudos to you, good sir!
A sincere, well put observation - I am very flattered Daniel. I really enjoyed the video and please don't forget to call me David Niven, because that is priceless humor.
The story was a bit dark, yes, but it felt more challenging to make the game simple and not overdo the serious tone. Overall, I am glad you enjoyed the atmosphere. Best to you!
A very good game dealing with serious themes. The NPCs gave me a serious Uncanny Valley vibe. Very scary!
OMG! Thank you so much! You are the developer of "Dark, Dark Woods", I loved that game! And just followed you. The atmosphere you've made in your game is nothing compare to mine. Thank you so much for the feedback, made my day, honestly ✨
Haha, thanks for the kind words! As soon as I saw the Incoherence trailer on your YT channel, I knew I had to play it! You were the first person to comment on my game and you did it in such a way that it gave me wings to make more games so thank you for that
Well done! <3
Thanks for playing. Likewise, well done with the video. I liked the playthrough. All the best to your channel✌
Thanks for playing. Appreciate the support and feedback. Well, the game does have "vague" nudity as mentioned, like not full frontal or any of that, but you know. And, it is done in a way to showcase an abstract image of 2 characters. Anyways, all the best to you! Cheers!
What a solid game! Dark but pretty good both story and gameplay/graphics/etc. Made a video on it.
Once I saw your post, I immediately jumped into watching and yeah, you are great man! Thanks a lot for playing, I really appreciate your support and feedback. Cheers 🍻
Good game
Thanks for playing and enjoying my game. I'm glad I was able to bring good content. Best to you!
Interesting plot.
Thanks for playing. I am super glad that you very interested in the story. Best to you!
Great narrative. Enjoyed that there were only a few scares, they were smartly chosen and didn't distract from the story. The Wheelchair Paper took me way too long to find.
Thanks for playing. Glad that you enjoyed the creepy sister jump scares. The wheelchair note was a trap for sure, maybe placing items somewhere else could be helpful, I know. Best to your channel Alexis! Cheers!
Thanks for playing. Glad that you enjoyed the game. Cheers ✌
you wellcome
Really cool game Niven - well done! 👍
Thanks for playing. Appreciate the support. I can't wait for your new project as well, got to be good. Cheers!
well done
Thank you so much. I truly appreciate the positive feedback. Best to you!
Your game actually made me jump so hard lol. Very well done Niven in crafting a solid horror game based on loss. Usually, it is done with a very linear take on mental health, but you did a great job I feel at giving your story room to breathe.
A thousand thanks Aaron. I am always happy, like a child on Christmas when you post a review, because it means a lot and you actually enjoy the game. I tried not to go toward the "main protagonist" has issues, so instead focused on the guilty party. Nevertheless, your support and feedback means a lot. Best to you!
Hi Nigen, thank you for your thoughtful comment on my jam game in response to my comment-less rating.
You seem to be upset about my rating without leaving a comment and I understand your frustration, I genuinely do. I left the rating during a stream and simply forgot to follow it up afterwards with a comment. Sorry for that oversight. I should have left a few words. So let me explain...
My issues comes from the way you handled the theme of suicide (but that's a creative decision and your perogative as a developer) but mostly your incorrect warning of 'indication of self harm' when you show two pretty clear and graphic suicides, which was upsetting to me in the moment and something I would have simply not streamed, would I have known.
Self harm is usually understood as non-fatal and while I genuinely appreciate you putting out a warning in the first place, I didn't expect to encounter these things, which were upsetting for a variety of personal reasons. I understand that this is an inherent risk with indie horror games, but whenever I can, I try to stay clear of those that feature the actual act(s) of suicide.
I hope your continue on your path as a game developer, but would urge you to give people the benefit of doubt and reach out directly to another developer, instead of leaving a passive aggressive comment, implying some sort of disrespect where none was meant.
Sometimes people simply forget to leave a comment with their rating, like I did.
Anyway, I changed my rating, not taking my past or personal issues into account and will leave some more thoughtful feedback on the various elements of the game. Feel free to rate my games any way you like, especially if you did not enjoy them!
Take care
(Edits: Typos, Clarifications, Removed Screenshot)
First of all, I have to say, there was a huge miscommunication between us and I deeply apologize about causing any uncomfortable situation for you, I really am sorry. My intention was to just write directly to you and you have to understand that, when ratings are posted, at least from my experience, people tend to just "hate" or put 1 star to mess around. That happened to me a lot, which is why I was more interested then passive aggressive. Sorry mate.
As for the game itself. I did not specify the "suicide", because I though it was included in "violence and self harm". But, huge thanks to you, I changed the discerption so none of that will happen again. I deeply appreciate everyone's opinion, both positive and negative, so just to clear things up again, I did not mean any "bad" intention, you have to understand, Even if you just look at my profile you can see that I always try to be understanding and invested, although some of my opinions might sound direct and "passive aggressive".
Again and again, sorry and I hope to see more of your games as well as I do hope you can enjoy some of my new upcoming ones. All the best to you ✌
Thanks a bunch for playing. I understand it was a serious topic and I appreciate your feedback. Liked the video a lot. Best to you and your channel!
Thanks for playing my game. Loved the video, great translation. Best to you!
Great game! :D
Thanks for playing. Glad that you enjoyed this one. Best to you and your channel!
Excellent job. Super solid. Dark, compelling story. Your games keep getting better and better.
Thanks for playing. Loved your video and I truly appreciate your positive feedback. Will try to make even better one next time, can't promise thou lol. Cheers!
Awesome game Niven! ✌️🙂😎👍
Thanks for playing my game dude. Glad that you enjoyed it. It was a great video. Best to you!
thanks cheers!
Thanks for playing. I am glad you enjoyed the game. Best to you and your channel!
Another banger with this one, Niven!
Thank you for playing man. Glad that you enjoyed this "weird" one. Best to you!
another strange nightmare from Niven Hedinger! What does that little girl want from me? great vibes with P.T ;p
Thanks a lot for playing Queen. Yeah, the little girl was creepy lol. Best to you and your channel!
;D think next game ..little girl want kill me ahhahaahahah
Very nice :)
Thanks a lot for playing my game. Best to you!