If nightmares only exist in our dreams, and monsters only exist in the imagination...
...Then what could possibly be worse than being left alone with our thoughts?
Overview:
The game follows the story of Mimi, a girl who suffers from a strange condition no doctor has been able to help her understand: A bizarre, unnatural reaction to silence. When it's silent, strange noises emerge, strange presences lurk behind the corners, and strange visions come to life. Over time, she learns to keep herself safe by staying busy and being surrounded by noise. Her efforts have been fruitful, and the strange dreams have since subsided.
Years later, Mimi is a third year student at the Institute of New Vasilievsky, a medical research organization that has recently opened a school. With a valedictorian status, lots of friends, and a bright carreer in front of her, Mimi is living out the ideal school life in the ideal school environment. When life is this good, she can't help it if she forgets her purpose for coming here in the first place.
One day, an earthquake shakes the school. Places that should be hidden away are opened, knowledge that should be missing are scattered, and Mimi's condition grows progressively worse. With her sanity at stake, Mimi now has to pick up the pieces laid before her and put together the truth before it's too late.
Will the answers she finds finally bring back her peace of mind? Or will the school's dark secrets plunge her further into madness?
Background and Notes:
Originally titled "Kankaku Phantom", Sedatophobia is a project I started around January this year. It's a story inspired by my recent fascination with the themes found in cosmic horror and HP Lovecraft(particularly Persona 3, Colour Out of Space, and the totally inaccurate yet totally cool Demonbane) as well as the opportunity to explore the subject of silence and solitary confinement.
Concept art:
http://sta.sh/01wo53dd3giw
http://sta.sh/04hr8b23mj0
http://sta.sh/0edb8rk5q5
The game itself is an experiment to me as well. There is only one underlying plotline and one ending, but how it unfolds is dependent on player choices.
As a story, it's intended to be somber in tone, carry dark themes, as well as have disturbing/morbid scenarios(R-18+). While I know the general direction I want this project to go, I'm not sure if such a game would find an interested audience from the Ren'py community given the large number of lighthearted ren'ai on the submission pages. I'd rather not show up to a wedding with a Death Metal costume.
Would anyone here be interested in reading something like this?
Update: Art assets are now being handled by Jedidiah and Danielle, and music by F.Sison.