Elven Curse

This simple non-field RPG challenges you to escape a cursed forest.

- Prologue -

You're the village's best hunter, drawn to a national hunting tournament near the royal capital. After the opening ceremony and a night camping, you awaken to find the forest eerily deserted. All that remains are the remnants of a large hunter encampment, usually overseen by national guards. Your sense of direction, usually impeccable, fails you; you're hopelessly lost, seemingly trapped in a repeating loop. This unsettling situation is only the beginning.

- The Elven Curse -

Aided by a mysterious quarter-elf, your goal is to escape this cursed woodland. Gameplay is incredibly streamlined, with a maximum of three buttons used at any time (excluding the main menu).

- Character Creation -

While character customization is limited, you can freely reroll your stats until satisfied. Stat increase rates upon leveling are only visible on this screen; this information isn't available during gameplay. Losing all your life force results in character death. You need at least two "talismans" to avoid this.

- Foria, the Peddler Quarter-Elf -

A seemingly young quarter-elf boy (?), Foria, secretly assists your escape using the forest's ancient spirits. Despite claiming to be older than you, he remains detached from the unfolding events.

- Story and Setting -

The prologue unfolds like a visual story, with Foria's dialogue adding a cheerful contrast to the ominous atmosphere. The game's world is subtly conveyed through understated, evocative language.

- Exploration -

Progress is made by exploring uncharted areas within each section of the forest. The success of each exploration attempt depends on the area's "fog depth," influenced by your character's stats. Use poison to restore vitality if needed. Rare "talismans" may also prove crucial.

- Beast Encounters & Hunter Battles -

The forest teems with aggressive creatures, ranging from wolves and wild dogs to surprisingly hostile frogs and rabbits. Defeating them yields hides for trading with Foria. Unlike typical RPGs, combat doesn't offer experience points. The focus is on escape, not boss battles. All encounters are avoidable, though this requires either luck or skillful gameplay.

As a hunter, you use a bow and arrow. Maintain distance to attack without retaliation. While distant, you can also use wound medicine. Closing the distance, however, leaves you vulnerable to a one-sided attack. You can either attempt a risky withdrawal or use a "flash" ball provided by Foria for a guaranteed escape.

- Cloak & Layering System -

Using gathered branches, resin, and leather, you can craft a cloak to boost your abilities. Up to three layers can be worn simultaneously, with the ability boost being the sum of each layer. The cloak can also occasionally restore vitality. Note that the top layer can be damaged and become unusable. The bow and arrow are the only unchanging equipment.

- Game Features -

This isn't just a game; it's an experience. It features:

• Skill selection from randomized options.
• Tests of reflexes, strategy, skill, and luck.
• Material gathering, synthesis, and alchemy.
• Emphasis on preparation before progressing.
• Relaxed gameplay allowing for progress even with casual play.

- Autosave -

The game features autosaving, but the save frequency isn't consistent (e.g., no saves during battles). For reliable saving, close the app from the base menu.

- Version 1.2 Update (December 18, 2024) -

This version addresses a bug causing unexpected transitions to the character creation mode. Previous updates included bug fixes, minor message changes, and credit additions.

Elven Curse Screenshots