https://moleworks.itch.io/talpin-u
STORY
Olivia’s high school years weren’t satisfying, to say the least. Trapped in a small town and perpetually unlucky in love, she vowed to leave it behind the instant that graduation cap flew. She takes her chance now with the nearby (but not too nearby) Talpin University. Both overwhelmed and inspired by the new sights and sounds, she hardly knows what to do with herself.
Could this new school, and the sea of new faces that come with it, be her chance to start fresh? Maybe even find love?
ABOUT
Proposed as a celebration of 10 years of game development under the Moleworks label (yes, really!), "Talpin University" is a crossover dating sim of numerous Moleworks characters past, present, and future. The selection is small now, but set to grow with future patching!
"Talpin" lets the player romance a bevy of datable options, both men and women, in a cozy university setting. All the while, challenging them to balance their social and academic life. The tone is light and fluffy, opting for a good time with a charming student body over high drama.
The game will be released for free, with a demo consisting of Cadfael's route due in August (the anniversary of our first game, "<3"!).
PLAYER CHARACTER
Olivia/Oliver Lund (gender selectable, name changeable)
A recent graduate out to make a fresh start in a new town. Playful, snarky, and frequently irreverent, they are a seeming natural in their new environment. Yet, their fish out of water nature still shows through sometimes.
LOVE INTERESTS
(As most of the focus has been placed on Cadfael's route, some character images may be incomplete. They will be updated as those updates become available.)
Cadfael Trow
Originating Game: "DUÆL"
A popular, ambitious athlete riding off a scholarship. Though his dedication leads some to believe he is aloof, Cadfael is actually exceedingly friendly and charming. Secretly, he barely made it as far as he did, owing to a difficult childhood. He is self-conscious of his grades, and admires intelligence in others.
Full of energy, be prepared to expend your own to interact with Cadfael on his own terms.
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Seiji Shikine
Originating Game: "A Bird with Gold-Mended Wings" (in development)
A mysterious vocalist for Talpin’s band club. Seiji is the apple of many a student’s eye, but he doesn’t seem to care. Seiji is all work, no play. Spending many a long hour between the band and culture clubs, it’s a wonder he has time for school work. He seems happy enough with that, but is he really?
Valuing politeness above all else, you’ll need to approach Seiji with caution. You have to wonder why he’s so distant towards you…
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Sterling Fincher
Originating Game: "A Bird with Gold-Mended Wings" (in development)
A quietly rebellious spirit from a rich family. Sterling knows how to lay on the charm, but something about it seems disingenuous. Sterling attended Talpin against his family’s wishes, just for something new. Even in this new environment, he finds it hard to drop the double-speak and duplicity of his former life. Though surrounded by admirers, he has very few real friends.
You’ll have a lot to unpack to see Sterling’s true self, but just maybe it’s worth it.
SCREENSHOTS
PROGRESS
CADFAEL
Outline: Complete!
Writing: Complete!
Art: Complete!
SEIJI
Outline: 20%
Writing: N/A
Art: N/A
STERLING
Outline: 10%
Writing: N/A
Art: N/A
GUI: 100%
CREDITS
logo, writing, art, character design, programming by Mole
gui based on "Cherry Love" template by ds-sans
textbox by OokamiKasumi
backgrounds by MugenJohncel, Mole
music (not featured here) by ParadiseStory and Crysetbase
dating sim engine by Pytom and qirien
This thread is posted primarily as an early announcement for the game, but questions and comments are more than welcome! Does this sound like a game you would play? Who are you most interested in out of the roster? Any feedback is appreciated.
