Psychopomp High
Platform: Mac, Windows, Linux
Please note that Psychopomp High carries a content warning for non-explicit references to murder, sexual assault, and car accidents.
The word Psychopomp literally translates into "Guide of the Soul". Makes the Grim Reaper sound much less aggressive, but it doesn't explain how he... she... it can be everywhere death is. Psychopomp High explains this, being of course a school for those who are training to be a Psychopomp. But this free indie visual novel doesn't just focus on the dark themes passing of souls but also of love and romance. In Mary Borsellino's playable story you star as Caleb, who finds himself recently deceased and instantly training to be a Psychopomp. Obviously a confusing time, he is quickly saved by Luke and Marcella, fellow students, who take him under their wings. While in this new world and uh... life... Caleb is on the search for his lost identity... that is if he doesn't get distracted by one of his two super cute friends. In this odd mix of fantasy, scifi, and surrealism, Psychopomp High shows that even in tragedy love can be found and that even death can't stop teenage hormones.
Do you enjoy playful banter? Because that's what 85% of this game is. Sometimes it will get a chuckle out of you, or perhaps you'll find the characters a bit more endearing, but then there are going to be sometimes where you just want to slap the three characters upside the head. It kind of boarders on the "too much" side of snark, but none of the characters feel flat. All three of them have unique histories, and while they may seem cookie cutter on the surface they actually have some deep struggles on the inside. While you're most likely not going through what they are, you're still able to connect pretty quickly when they finally open up. While the story is solely focused on the romance between you and one of the other characters of your choice, there is still a lot of dark topics covered by the Psychopomps. It goes from light-hearted teen romance to death and blood pretty quick. The world Psychopomp High is set in isn't fully explained, nor is it the focus of the game, but you do feel as if the world is completely fleshed out, giving the rest of the game a solid if not a bit surreal base. While gameplay is limited to a few choices you choose on screen, Psychopomp High is a complex story with all the fluff of teen romance and yet all the dark and gritty details of life and death. It's a surprisingly pleasant mix that you'll have to try for yourself.
Windows:
Get the free full version
Mac OS X:
Get the free full version
Linux:
Get the free full version
Interesting game. I found four endings. If anyone finds any more, tell me.
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