The Heart of the Earth
This game was made for O2A2 VN Jam 2025, a micro Visual Novel jam with strict asset limitations and a 1000 word limit.
Two soldiers are stuck together in a trench. And none of them are sane, that's for sure. They pursue different goals — but what would be left of their hopes when the field phone rings... for the first time in two years?
Features:
--a short, ~1000 words long kinetic story
--one ending
--two insane men
--a lot of strange blood and heart parallels
--English and Russian translations
Credits:
—The National WWI Museum and Memorial for the background picture
—Simon Autenrieth for the background music
—HorselessKnight for the writing, programming and character art
Download
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
I love the art and layout. The language is so beautifully used. Really enjoyed this one
Very interesting vibes! Enjoyed the gradual descent into madness.
Really great!!! I enjoyed the story a lot! Can’t believe I didn’t see this earlier! Great writing, love the ui and art too.
I found the game very interesting! For some reason, the writing reminded me of absurd theatre from the 1950s: characters being confronted to the vanity of their actions, of their goals, of everything somehow, even of an emperor. The sprite was also beautifully drawn, and the music contributed to the dry and grey atmosphere. Well done, thanks for making this!
Absolutely loved the story. It read so well and clear, and so tragic. Loved the art, and the way it was presented, really delivered that desolate mood. The blood/heart parallels was clever too.
Great atmosphere and tone throughout, and of course the reveal that, yeah, the last two years have been for nothing was the right type of punch for the story. I like it!
loving how despite the heart parallels, it was just well, plain gritty and eroded life atmosphere, delivered the gray tone and war matter on point.
Excellent descriptions, I really enjoyed reading this, it flowed very nicely. I like the artwork also, expressive character.
Thank you! I'm very glad you enjoyed this.