Somewhere Near Romance
You are SAL: Simple Artificial LifeProgram©. You "love" a human. Don't you? Can you, a logical and digital being, love? Most importantly, do you want to find out?
(The game has music, so may take a moment to load.)
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Don't forget to read the author's note at the end. I look forward to your thoughts. Let me know what you think in the comments, or by tweeting with #SNRtwine.
This was made for the xkcd Game Jam and the Greek MytholoJam. For the xkcd game jam, this game was inspired by the xkcd comic strips "Mutual" and "Game Theory". I could not finish the game before the end of that jam.
For the Greek Mytholo Jam, this was a pretty loose inspiration. ^^; Not inspired by a particular myth or story, but of the inhumanity of the gods and the humans they fall in love with. And if the ancient Greeks saw thunder as a "god" with human qualities, what do we today see as "godly"? Are the things we see as "earthly gods" above us? There's a lot of spiritual imagery (angelic and demonic) that gets attached to technological advancements and computers, but is that correct?
The back button is disabled in this game. :)
Music used in this game: sun magk & moon magk by David Kanaga. Used under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license. No changes were made to the music tracks for their use in this game. Download sun magk & moon magk here: https://davidkanaga.bandcamp.com/album/sun-magk-moon-magk
Comments
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ah I do not usually comment on games but this is the first one to make me cry in a long time. I am on the aromantic spectrum and also have a very ,,, atypical look on love in general (which I relate to my autism) and I felt very ,,, seen. I feel like this haha. Your writing is lovely . I apologize for not answering all the questions , I hope to revisit soon to do so but I wanted to say something because I fear I'd forget
(offers tissues) I'm glad you feel seen by my game! I'm also autistic and on the aroace spectrum, and though I didn't know those things until years after I made this game, those things definitely played a strong role in its development.
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Yeah, actually. I'll be honest that I wanted 100% to have SAL and Ash be romantic, mostly just on the basis that I personally was looking for cute computer-human romance stories.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
As a 2001 fan, I only naturally equated HAL to SAL. Similar voice and appearance, but because of the green UI, I color-swapped the red for green in my mind. Ash, I sort of imagined with curly hair and that's about it. Their face is illuminated by green and green only, so skintone was hard to tell - and of course, their pronouns being the same as mine, I obviously assigned them as nonbinary. With
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I had SAL pursue love and had the two of them take their relationship slow. You know?
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I love text-based adventures, I also love sentient computers falling in love with kind people. I was sort-of predisposed to liking the game.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Mostly just happy to find something in this hyperspecific niche.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Of course I do! & Really, any medium would be cool...
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Taking it slow. That's all I know.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
I really liked this game! Thank you!!
Editing for some more stuff, actually:
I've been on a forever hunt for more sentient-computers falling in love with human stories, and this was so super nice. I don't really know why these stories resonate with me so much but it's probably something to do with the autism-aroacespec-objectum stuff. There's something I find very lovely and comforting about being in love with a computer as a person w/ autism, and I like to think that Ash might understand that too, haha. Sorry if that's weird. Anyway, this game was really good, and I probably have more to say but I'll cut it short here.
Thanks for playing and answering the questions! I'm also autistic and aroacespec, though I didn't know these things until years after I made this.
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
I didn’t realize I couldn’t play it again, so I was just playing it by instinct and choosing the answers I liked more.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
SAL is just a computer screen with an eye like you describe it, but before the description I imagined them like an old computer terminal, maybe something out of Fallout game. As for Ash, for me they are a round ginger person with short hair and a freckled face, they don’t look like a female nor a male, they are just Ash.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I think most of the choices were a mix of logical and emotional, SAL was insecure about their relationship with Ash since they don’t have a body, maybe they thought they would never be enough for Ash. It ended with Sal asking Ash to leave, but they stayed together.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I like how emotional it is, and I also like robots.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Sad, happy and understood, as a Aro/Ace person it was good to know that Ash liked SAL for SAL and that they were willing to give a basic human function if it meant being with SAL.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I think it would be cool to see them again, but I don’t know what it would be like.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
They stay together forever.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Nah.
Thanks for playing!
"they don’t look like a female nor a male, they are just Ash." Love that!
I talked about in another comment thread (my reply to yikepike) about how this game was made before I realized I'm on the aroace spectrum, and I'm that the game made you feel understood. I'd love to hear more about what you said here: " it was good to know that Ash liked SAL for SAL and that they were willing to give a basic human function if it meant being with SAL."
Thank you for replying and for making this beautiful game! Let me explain what I mean. As someone on the aroace spectrum and also autistic, I find Sal very relatable, especially in the way they think and need to organize their thoughts. Since this topic is something I'm highly passionate about, this message might be a bit long. Sorry!
Sex and physical intimacy are basic human functions; they are essential for human reproduction and the continuation of society. Relationships can be destroyed by a lack of sex or unsatisfactory sex. Many people view sex as dirty or taboo, possibly due to the influence of modern pornography, which often reduces sex to a mere physical release. However, sex is natural and beautiful. It's an expression of love between people who care for each other. This is why some asexual people will have sex occasionally—to make their partners feel loved.
Some people even refuse to stay in a relationship if the sex is bad, or they might cheat on their long-term partner because of it.
In the case of Ash and Sal, Sal is a machine that can't have intercourse or offer physical affection. When Ash touches Sal's wires, it symbolizes Ash's need for physical affection, something Sal can't provide. Ash, being human, has this basic need, but they don't mind because they are in love with Sal. They cherish talking to and being with Sal, even though Sal is a cold machine without a body. Ash loves Sal for who they are. If staying with Sal means giving up sexual intercourse or physical affection, Ash is willing to make that sacrifice because being with Sal is enough for them.
In my opinion, if Sal were human, they would be autistic and greysexual.
Beautiful analysis. & agreed!
holy shit this was intense...........
i'm aroace and i had a short relationship before i discovered i'm aro, and honestly the game reminded me so much of how it was and how it ended. the accuracy was insane.......
i loved the music too. the vibe it gave was spotless.
now onto the questions...
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
yes, definitely. again, i had a similar situation and playing it was like reliving it again. each option was hella scary and it took me a while to decide.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
tbh in my head SAL is like HAL from space odyssey but inside those big white computers from early 2000's lol (i didn't assign a gender to them)
and ash looks like a nonbinary person to me. short platinum hair with a red lock... (i feel i imagined them as an existing character but i can't remember who it was. if i remember i'll edit this comment.)
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
i chose to explain how logically SAL viewed their relationship, and how they firmly believed it was doomed to destroy each other. the game ended up cold, silent, leaning to a possible hopeful future where they still talk, but personally, i don't believe they would continue for much longer.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
i liked everything.
5. How did this game make you feel?
very conflicted lmao. it was very hard to navigate through (emotionally) and seeing ash trying to "save" the relationship was heartbreaking but a bit annoying too. as if they didn't understand SAL... because, well, they don't. as much as they want, they don't, and their optimism is inspiring and almost comforting but it wouldn't fit in this situation or fix this 'problem'. it would destroy them in the future, and it would be way worse to deal with. (my opinion...)
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
honestly no? i think the game is good as it is.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
i answered this on question 3 but yeah, from my gameplay, i don't think they would last for longer. ash would be hurt because they would keep pushing to come closer and understand SAL but they just can't do that. their idealism would be ruined and that hurts. maybe SAL would grow more and more distant because they would notice that until they both drifted apart. idk. maybe i'm just pessimistic lol
8. Any other things you want to mention?
not really. this game was really good, though. maybe i'll play it again to see how it goes. thanks for making it. :))
Thank you for sharing! I'm also aroace (or at least asexual and on the aromantic spectrum), so I feel you. Thanks for your detailed thoughts!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Not exactly? My first playthrough of any game I play like those (especially shorter text based games), I primarily make the choices based on what I feel/what I would do. I'm never really trying to reach some specific goal on a first playthrough, it's primarily gut instinct for me. So I don't think believing I would only have one chance to play changed that for me much.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I imagined Ash as a pretty androgynous, maybe leaning a little bit towards feminine? I had a pretty clear image of them in my mind, but I didn't really mentally assign them a gender. SAL I didn't have as clear of an image of. I think I mostly just viewed them as a computer screen with green text because that's how the game looks lmao.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I had my SAL be pretty blunt about them feeling they are not capable of loving Ash, but also open to the things that Ash was saying about them believing SAL to be capable. By the end they decided to keep talking it through tomorrow, and give them both some time to think things through.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I really enjoyed the game!! I liked a lot of the options we were given, and I really enjoyed how this game explored the relationship between Ash and SAL. I don't think there was anything I disliked!
5. How did this game make you feel?
I'm not sure if I can state a specific emotion, but this game surprised me a lot. I would have SAL pick an option being like "I am not capable of loving you" and then all of the ways Ash responded to/handled that always surprised me and really made me (and SAL) think a lot. SAL also surprised me, especially in that one part where Ash made SAL specifically repeat that one thing they just said without really thinking about the weight it held (I can't remember the specific line). I think both SAL and I were pretty set right off the bat on SAL not actually being capable of loving Ash, but Ash really surprised me throughout this game and I think SAL surprised themselves too, and I really enjoyed seeing this play out!
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I would love to see these characters again, but at the same time I also don't think it would really be necessary. I think this game ends at a really good point, and leaves enough room for the player to come up with their own vision on the nature/future of SAL and Ash's relationship. But you would also not catch me complaining if I got to see these two again lol.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
I'm not sure honestly. I think this partially has to do with my literalness with stuff? I don't fully know the purpose of SAL, or Ash's job and why/how this relationship was able to be formed, which I think makes it hard for me to imagine their future. What if Ash got fired? Would they not see each other again? If things did get really serious, would it be possible for SAL to leave this place to be with ASH? I can be a very literal person so I think it's hard for me to imagine a future with them without fully understanding their situation. But I also don't think all of this context is the most necessary. If I had to do my best to ignore my very literal side and try to imagine it lol, I would say that I think SAL would want to start taking things more slow. They like what they have with Ash, but still have their own doubts on being truly capable of loving Ash.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
This was a very lovely little game and I'm very happy to have stumbled upon it!
Tysm for playing and for the lovely feedback! I'm glad things in the game surprised you!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Every time I play one of these interactive games the first time I do I try to be as sincere as I can, so I can get the full experience of what would happen if I did things according to what I believe and feel, I think I just ignored the fact that u wanted us to play once T_T sorry hahah, bc that's how I play games everytime, and wanted to see other outcomes out of curiosity, but to write a comment I had to make an account and the game restarted when I did so I had to play again anyway and it kinda lost its magic, I chose every option I disagree with and it just felt so wrong, so now I don't really wanna play it again bc i liked my first outcome, it just felt so true and realistic to me, but I guess I wasn't left wondering what would be like playing again and I like that better.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I guess I had a first mental image when they were described at first? Cause that's what we do as persons automatically, I imagined SAL as a white little computer, more like a laptop I would say, with no wires at first cause everything's Bluetooth and very minimalistic nowadays, but then added the wires to my mental image as it was described, for Ash I'm not really sure, I just thought of a human with no clear characteristics, not even a gender, I'm very disconnected from gender so I don't really assign it to anything or anyone naturally, and also bc I saw them both as concepts rather than individuals, in conclusion I think their appearances were not really important, but I'm curious if you, the creator of the game, had any mental image when you created them.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose to be sincere about SAL's concerns, I was mainly concerned about SAL's way of seeing love, and how could that affect the relationship, I ended up asking for more time, bc of the two variations that there was, now that I think about it, I would have just stayed with Ash and take a risk to see what's the outcome.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
Honestly, loved it, nothing would change, later will explain why
5. How did this game make you feel?
I started questioning what was the meaning of love and humanity, among other things, when I had to choose what was concerning me that striked a bunch of questions in me, I chose the option of SAL's way of seeing love, but not because of how different it was from Ash, but because of how genuine SAL's love actually is, I was questioning if it's really possible for an AI like SAL to love, what made it love, what made SAL so interested and involved with Ash, bc I feel like wanting and being interested about someone is a very human-like thing to do, bc AI acts upon what they're programmed to do, so why would something like that happen? Is it really possible for an AI to act upon what they want? Can they want something? Maybe this AI spent too much time with Ash and started mimicking human behavior, and if they do act like a human could it be considered real if there are no feelings involved in it? Personally, I wouldn't even be able to love an AI having all of these questions, I just feel like having no emotions makes all of the AI thoughts and process of thinking or whatever you call it insincere, just a bunch of variations, a result of its algorithms and scripts, which is interesting to see, it's not necessarily bad, but how do I know that's actually love. I think humans are very similar to AI in a way, that's what the computational theory of mind presents, we are all wired and programmed since our childhoods, but what makes us different is the ability to release chemicals in our brain, feel pain, that's what makes us prefer and want things, if I was Ash I wouldn't be able to love SAL bc of this, bc what is the reason you "love" me? if you can't feel pain or good what's making you prefer me among other things, the day an AI is able to actually feel, maybe I would consider being able to love one, because that's what love is for me, a bunch of chemical reactions that could happen for many reasons, that doesn't need to be rationalized all the time, sometimes you just feel it without questioning it, you just experiment it. I have so many other thoughts, specially about your references and inspirations, and divine machines, the human condition and what being god means, but I'm running out of time, and I need to go to class, I can see how this is related to God and how us humans can achieve being a godly entity, maybe we would even be able to create other humans is we knew how we function at a molecular level idk thinking about it makes me feel like I'm going mad.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I'm not sure, I think the game is perfect as it is, everything connects so well I don't even need another part, I think ultimately what makes it so good it's the ability it has to put on the table a bunch of questions and moral dilemmas, and that's the most important part of art, to make us think, and this made me think A LOT, that's why I don't need a follow up, bc I want to think about it myself. I
'm an art student so I think about AI quite often and would like to make art about it, so I'm recollecting a bunch of info, when I figure out what I actually want to do I'll def think about this :))
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
IDK I can't write them in here, there are too many variations, and everything is possible, the only way of knowing what would happen is creating a simulation and seeing how Ash and SAL tend to act in it, or maybe I'm being way too logical!!!!!1
8. Any other things you want to mention?
I think all of what I wrote affirmed that I think in a very logical way, I feel very identified with the way SAL sees love, I'm way too dominated by behaviorism and would like to learn to just let go and flow with everything, is more fun that way when I manage to do it. and yeah, I loved your game, wouldn't change anything, and it was advanced for 2019 I would say. And I hope you are doing very well!!
Thank you so much for this detailed comment! I love all of your questions and how much you've explored. When you're back from class, I'd love to hear more!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Not really, the hardest decision for me in the whole game was probably deciding whether to bring up the tough conversation now or later. Everything else was either a no-brainer for me or just felt like the best option.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
The image of Ash in my mind was constantly changing and shifting. It honestly shocked me that, despite them being described as aesthetically attractive, I found myself picturing them in ways that I wouldn't find subjectively attractive (not my type, basically). Other than that, the strongest image in my mind when thinking about Ash was the image of bright, white light reflecting from their glasses while the rest of their face was nearly a shadow. Their dimples are only visible as shadows cast by the light of SAL's monitor.
For SAL, I pictured an old computer from the 90s. The white boxy ones that are older than me. I sorta forgot about the wires, but considering the whole game played out in a very dark room in my mind, I don't think you'd really be able to see much of the wires anyway. And with the description of SAL's sight and eyes, I kind of pictured SAL's monitor as displaying one eye that takes up the whole screen and communicates where they're looking as their only form of nonverbal communication. Like, they have no mouth to smile, but you can tell they're listening from the way their eye stares. It walks the line between an innocent, wide-eyed wonder and a cold, emotionless gaze. The only time the eye isn't on screen is when they're considering/computing something. Then it was a loading screen; sometimes a rotating circle, sometimes a spinning hourglass.
Like I said before, Ash was constantly changing in my mind's eye and that included their gender, but they mostly remained neutral or non-binary. SAL was static and sort of agender, as I thought of them either as a machine that wouldn't identify with a gender or more like a child who wasn't raised with strict gender roles in mind, and therefore it's not a part of their identity yet. If at all, maybe a slight tilt towards masculinity, but I suspect that's just because I was playing the game through their point of view and therefore projected a bit of my own identity onto the character.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose not to beat around the bush and begin talking about SAL's suspicion that they aren't capable of loving Ash. In the end, we decided to see where things go after discussing how relationships are forged through many small breaks and connections, ultimately leading to either the great break-up or the great connection.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I didn't particularly feel super emotional throughout the playthrough, which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering the subject matter, tone, and length.
There were a few moments where I felt some real chemistry between Ash and SAL, but I feel that the game could carry a little more emotional weight if there were a few more moments like that. But again, I think that's more a result of the length and tone rather than a real flaw.
I really enjoyed the examination of love and relationships. Not sure if that conversation happens on other paths, but as someone who's always struggled to grasp relationships and being involved with another person, I thought it was really helpful and profound in its understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like.
Like I said, I've always struggled to grasp how relationships are possibly supposed to work out. Juggling between the unrealistic fantasy of a perfect romance and the cold, hard facts of romance and love that border on nihilistic anxiety is hard. Especially when you don't have a lot of experience with relationships in general *cough cough*.
All that to say that I really connected with SAL. Sure, I'm not a totally logical machine, but I am the type to be attracted to someone and immediately think stuff like "all relationships are statistically likely to fail" and "the chances that your first through third or fourth relationships work out are astronomically low." I have absolutely no faith in myself or others so taking risks like trusting people and myself- specifically trusting them and me enough to date them- is a really big deal for me. I really liked being able to play the game from the point of view of a character that feels it is incapable of love because, even if it's for a different reason than my own, I empathize with that feeling of being uncertain of yourself and wanting what's best for the person you care about. Especially when you're scared that doing what's best for them will still hurt them in the end.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Like I said, not too heavy for me emotionally. I empathized with SAL and Ash's perspectives on love and relationships resonated with me. Overall I was entertained but I'm not sure if I could play a game like this if it was much longer.
I was still pretty positive at the end. Happy or content aren't quite the words for it. Maybe hopeful, because of the message I walked away with. Maybe satisfied, because I felt like I'd learned something.
Edit after answering question 7: I felt calm and comfortable. The way the characters communicated clearly and without malice or abundant anxiety at the end made me feel that it didn't matter where they ended up because they'd be okay.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Honestly, I'm not super invested in the characters themselves outside of the scenario they're in. Heck, I'm not sure that I even want to replay the game. I personally like the conversation I saw and the ending I got. Anything outside of that may be better, or it may ruin the image I have of both of them in my head. I'm content keeping the way I see both of these characters the way I last saw them.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
I like the open ending and have no predictions. In my mind, this is one of those games that is better without a concrete "yes" or "no" answer to the questions its ending leaves. Like I said, hopeful might be a way to describe how I felt about the ending. But I wasn't necessarily hopeful that they'd stay together, nor was I hopeful that they would break up. I was hopeful that either way, they would both be okay. Be it alone or together, they'll be okay.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Neet game. Comfy, profound, and educational in a way.Tysm for playing! I'm glad you empathized with the subjects discussed in the game, and found it to be a good experience.
as much as i want to play again just to say i'll continue the relationship(or smth, bad memory, sorry) i'll stick to this single playthrough. to the questions! i'll do my best
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Not really, i prefer to always play games with my honest feelings and think choices through regardless of if i can go back or not. It did kinda make the ending weigh even more though.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Ash in my mind ended up being a foggy masculine chubby(?,idk) person, kind too. SAL ended up kinda like an old computer with wires around probably cause of the way the text looks, SAL was just SAL to me.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I asked for more time to think. Lied about being fine, struggled to see the difference between being able to and deserving, after lying i told Ash what i thought. My main concern was not having feelings and being able to satisfy emotional needs.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I really liked it, it was quite how i'd imagine an artificial being "feeling" in this kind of situation. i liked their interactions and personalities and how they both acted/behaved. It's sad it was so short and i would've liked to talk to Ash more but not sure if that would maybe make the game not as good. Nothing in particular i really disliked.
5. How did this game make you feel?
It made me sad tbh. I also got exited and squealed a few times simply because of SAL's "feelings" n stuff. It doesn't help that i like this kind of idea a lot and love a fictional advanced ai character so this topic is thought about a lot. I really liked how all this played out. Man i felt a soft sadness tho.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
It would be wonderful to see these characters again but i've got no idea how i'd like to see the story go, any follow-up would probably be amazing tho regardless of how it goes.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
It seems.. complicated. I'm hopeful but i don't expect a traditional beautiful love with no struggles or problems, their situation practically screams many many potential problems. I do hope the best for them tho, they seem to really genuinely work well together and care for eachother.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Not really, i'm really glad you made this though and i find this game to be wonderful. It'll probably live in my head for a while. Hopefully my answers were okay, i probably rambled and went too into feelings with them. Oh and though i said "i" when speaking of SAL's choices n stuff that was simply because i kinda played as it, i felt like a combination of the character and myself. Anyways wonderful game and idea and characters, genuinely lovely and hope you had fun making it.
I won’t be replaying because I felt like it was my ending? Does that make sense? Anyway, I just wanted to answer your questions!
Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions? Yes, I think it did. I believe my answers are more true to myself because of it. I usually play games like this with the character or the plot in mind. I guess in order to possibly feel satisfied with whatever ending I’d get, I answered like how I would if I turned into SAL…?
What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters? I couldn’t imagine a gender for SAL but I did imagine a robotic female voice. Ash was non-binary with shoulder length wavy dark brown hair but it was loosely tied up. Ash also had brown eyes that just felt warm and cozy. Also imagined Ash would have some rings and a few freckles.
What choices did you make? How did your game end? SAL was worried about not being able to meet Ash’s emotional needs. Ash was able to convince SAL that they felt that way too and they both said that they didn’t want to lose each other and that they both held each other in high regard even if they were fundamentally different. They decided to take things slow and really communicate so that they can both work to stay together. wipes away a tear for being proud of SAL
What did you like and dislike about this game? SAL’s internal monologue was honestly very human to me. I kind of like that. I’ll put this under dislike but I don’t actually dislike it HAHA I just feel called out. So earlier I said I ended up choosing answers that are true to myself right? I’m a dismissive avoidant. I’m really trying to improve so I can have a healthy attachment style. SAL’s fears resonated with me. In the past, I’ve been scared with the same fears SAL had. I didn’t voice out my fears though and just got overwhelmed and decided for the both of us that it’s better if I ran away. I usually end up deciding for them that they should be with someone else. Ash’s words really got to me. I wish I could find an Ash
How did this game make you feel? My answer here is related to my answer to the 4th question HAHA. I felt called out in a good way. It also gave me a little hope. Maybe I can get over the fears like SAL in my play-through. Maybe there’s an Ash out there for me too.
Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up? Yes, I would! I’d like to see how they support each other when things do get rough as they progress along their relationship. Or maybe Ash’s POV.
What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash’s relationship? Where do you see it going? I think it’ll actually go well if they do remain honest with how they communicate and if they continue to cherish each other.
Any other things you want to mention? Nothing really, just thanks for letting me experience this I really enjoyed it!
MY HEART OMGGGG! Thank you so much for this feedback. I hope you can find an Ash someday too. All the best to you! <3
Thank you!! 🥺
Felt obligated to answer these, is this for research? Either way, it's very interesting. :)
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Probably? I mean, somewhere in my mind I thought there could be a possibility that I could refresh the page, but I tried to be as sincere as possible in this and pick the answers I would pick first.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I didn't assign SAL a gender, I just imagined them as a humanoid robot even if that might not be accurate to the actual story. I think this is because I find it easier to view people as humans, so that reflected onto my views for SAL. And Ash was more feminine for me, maybe because of their personality, but honestly I just assumed. This made me realize I have unconscious gender biases (I'm sorry).
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
At first I made choices that sounded like what a regular person would want to hear, before being told that they would prefer honesty. At that point, I just stated what I personally thought. I ended it with needing some time to think, because this is a very complicated decision to make.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I like the atmosphere it gave and the personalities of the characters. It felt really deep. But I didn't really like how the AI would automatically assume it is incapable of feeling anything because, personally, I just find it more interesting to believe that there really could be an AI that can actually feel things like a person can even if it wasn't human. This probably brings up some philosophical discussions about what a "person" is, and whether it could be expanded to people who aren't humans.
5. How did this game make you feel?
This felt deep. And heartwarming. It felt nice, and it made me ponder how an AI would feel or act.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Maybe. I'm open to that idea. I'm not sure what a follow-up would look like because that could be anything, honestly.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Well, it could work. I think if both of them take the time to express their needs, it could blossom into a real relationship.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
This is really good, thanks for making this!
I likely won't play again. The ending I got... is my ending. Like it or not. This is the one path my story led to. I love this game and its concept idea, delving into a possible interaction between biological and artificial intelligences. Trying to understand "love" while the human tries understanding "statistical analysis"... something witty, charming and somehow sweet about it. I sing high praise.
And as for those questions...
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Yes, it did. I legitimately sat at one of the questions for a whole minute because I wasn't sure if I wanted to lean fully into emotionless bot, or one that could slowly open up and actually learn and/or at least appreciate human emotions.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
When I first read about them, I had an immediate mental image... and it made little sense that it came so quick, but there it was. Ash is a tall, broad-shouldered man with a bald head and a scruffy, slightly itchy stubble one day after shaving. SAL was female. Normally I would hope to read a homosexual romance story, being homosexual myself, and yet SAL was automatically made female. The exposed wires make "her" essentially look like a prototype synth from Fallout 4. And yet at the same time, she sounds and looks so beautiful. And so human.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
Primarily I was focusing on trying to ignore emotion or act as I would assume an AI would, purely logical and statistical. And yet even as I say that, my very very first choice was to tell Ash that yes, indeed, everything is fine. Lie to him. But in a sense, perhaps that's also logical. The truth could hurt him and thus pretending to be "ok" would better help his emotional state?
Anyway. The ending essentially stated that the two would attempt this relationship, but that SAL wasn't quite sure how they "felt" yet. Thus Ash left with the promise to come back tomorrow.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
Legitimately no dislikes. Brilliantly written, a seemingly well thought-out storyline and narrative pathing, interesting characters and character dynamics. It's beautiful.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Sad, intrigued, confused and a little excited, all at once. Good job!
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Yes, definitely! I would hope for them to speak to others, eventually, about these feelings. Whether separate or together. Have a therapist speak to both artificial and biological mind, then attempt to compare them to each other and explain in both logical and emotional ways what everything means. Perhaps also go to some neurosurgeon or some special scientist to understand how the human emotions are controlled by brain waves, certain neurons firing, different chemical imbalances... hell, theoretically, if SAL or any other AI knew exactly what the makeup was for that emotion, they could either replicate it for themselves or at least understand it much better. "Your heartrate has elevated and there is more activity in (this) section of the brain. This leads me to believe you are either angry, or excited... I have checked your blood sample and I can see an increase in Norepinephrine brings me to a high certainty you are angry. What have I done to upset you?" Something of that sort, see?
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
I want to hope and say it will lead to something beautiful. Perhaps, somehow, Ash can take her out of the room and show them the world. They may have seen images or even videos of places if they were allowed to browse the internet, but seeing a stream in real life or the stars or watching someone- in this case Ash- actually dancing silly before you. That live experience might somehow mean something. But at the same time, I have to truly wonder if it is failed to crash. Will Ash be understanding about the lack of physical feeling of emotion, or will basic understanding of them be enough?
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Keep being awesome~ keep making games and art and... whatever you call all this. An experience? I can't wait to see more! (And I mean that immediately. I just found this game, now I'm curious what else you've made)
Thank you so much for the truly lovely feedback! ;u; I'm very touched.
If you want to see more of what I make, my itch page at https://norbez.itch.io/ has most of my work. But also, I just released an autobiographical project for the Interactive Fiction Competition that's yet to be uploaded on here. It's called "My Pseudo-Dementia Exhibition": https://ifcomp.org/ballot/#entry-2799
First off I just wanted to say thank you for your work and that I really enjoyed it.
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
I have to say it did! I knew I could replay it but the thought of not being able to go back made me think about my choices. And if I'm honest left me enjoying the mystery of the other paths.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
This is so interesting but yes I did, I created the characters to my preference. Can't wait to read the comments and see what others made. And if your sexuality plays a role in it(for me I guess it did).
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I didn't want to hurt Ash and as a romantic wanted to have the characters be together. But I thought that SAL should be honest. Soooo I was honest but ultimately decided that they should at least try.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I really liked the way it was written. I don't know how you did it but having little information about the characters I still bonded with them and you made them likable. The music is a bit meh tbh. That has to be the only thing I could critic on.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Kinda sad tbh, I wanted so badly for them to be together. Knowing that they wouldn't ever really be together made me sad. Also, the fact that Ash has to come to SAL for support is really worrying and upsetting, someone help the man!
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I would love to see them again. Maybe have them be together, figuring out a way for them to be physically together. Bring SAL to lifeee.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Wisful thinking but I think SAL grasps love and through that breaks the curse of technology. lol unrealistic but soooo what i want.
I read all the comments I get but realized I never replied to you. Wanted to say thank you for playing and for the feedback; your emotional investment in the characters is clear and I feel it so much. >u< Thank you again!
(Forgive my wrong grammars, english is my second language)
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
-not really but I always replay choices to see the different outcomes of games like this and it's also because of my curiosity
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
-yes, Ash looks like a scientist man for me and SAL a woman robot with wires on her head and in her arms
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
-I chose to tell him the truth and the ending I got is them making time to process things first before making a final decision
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
-I like that they're understanding of each other, and there's a thrill of only playing this once. What I dislike about this game is its short hahaha like I want moree, they're so cute after all
5. How did this game make you feel?
-comforting, I don't know, it's just that they're so understanding of each other that it comforted me somehow hahaha I mean I want someone to understand me like they understand each other
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
-of course I do, they're interactions are so cute and matured; I want to see them as couples who's adjusting in their own way to express love ykwim
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
-I think they'll be able to have an understanding on how they express love and come to accept it since they're happy anyway
8. Any other things you want to mention?
-Please make it longer hahaha and it was really a good game even tho it's short I really like it, their interactions are what I really love. I'd like to see more of your romance games if you are gonna make more.
Realized I never replied to this and wanted to say thank you! I'm glad that you found the characters cute and that the game felt comforting to you. That makes me really happy to hear!
I typically replay IFs to see the alternate endings, but I decided to not replay this one. Partly because you explicitly asked, and another because the ending felt… final.
I saw Ash as perhaps a woman, since realistically women/AFaB tend to be more emotionally responsive and likely to attach human emotions and characteristics to inanimate objects. Of course it could be a man who is sensitive and empathetic, but subconsciously I gravitated to someone who was feminine in some capacity. SAL seems to just be genderless of course, just a computer with a webcam or imbedded camera. Probably locked distinctly on a command prompt screen, less like a computer you’re able to interact with.
I went with a very logical approach, putting myself in SAL’s shoes (circuits). SAL is not capable of romantic or sexual attraction, that isn’t built into its code, but it is still capable of being critical and recognizing emotions and responses from Ash. The ending I got ultimately was Ash acknowledging how SAL felt, and giving SAL time to process their “feelings”.
I enjoyed Ash’s ability to understand and be patient with SAL, even despite how blunt SAL is with its responses. Clearly Ash understands that SAL is… just an AI, but also is pretty optimistic that it can learn and at least respond to human love and emotions. It was short and sweet, which is fine by me.
I felt pretty sobered after it all, really. Discussions of intimacy and relationships are a very curious subject to make games about, and EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OK was the first game in this sort of “emotional turmoil game” genre that I played back in freshman year of high school that made me feel the exact same way. You did well!
I personally think their story ends here, as there is not much you could expand upon without it seeming like Ash was desperate or SAL was… well, less understanding.
Ash obviously holds SAL very dearly close to their heart, but I do not imagine this going anywhere further. Humans are social creatures and physical and emotional intimacy is a very important part of socializing and relationships. SAL is incapable of either of those things, and isolation from them is less than ideal, even if Ash is “in love” with SAL. They are giving a computer human emotions and characteristics, and isolating themselves romantically. If anything, the both of them will be what could be considered friends and a scientific phenomenon, but I don’t think it would be healthy at all to fall in love with programming designed to simply mimic human interaction.
It must be funny to see people still make comments on this despite it being roughly 6 years old, but kudos to you for making something so memorable <3 Good luck in your future endeavors!!
EDIT:
I would like to mention this is from the perspective of someone who did not explicitly read Ash as on the A-spec nor SAL as a depiction of an aroace individual at all.
Tysm! This comment really made my day. ^u^
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
没有，我一周目都一般遵从内心
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Ash：红色长发，有雀斑，身材偏瘦，身高中等偏高，穿着长外套、牛仔裤和运动鞋（偶尔穿靴子），挂着一个工牌
SAL：大型电脑，轻薄的独立显示屏放在桌面上，能通过文字和合成音和人交流，实际上可能有一个虚拟形象用于宣传，但在和Ash的交流中很少使用到
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
“我爱你”—“我还需要考虑一下”
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
喜欢的点：UI有种既怀旧又科幻的感觉；当个AI的主题很吸引我；Ash非常温柔
5. How did this game make you feel?
奇迹般地，没有任何其他感受，只是觉得很宁静
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow- up？
是的。SAL投入使用的后续。
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
他们会彼此陪伴着走下去。
8. Any other things you want to mention?
希望这个游戏能做得长一点，求求了
full disclosure i played this A While ago (maybe a few years? God Damn it's been a while.) and finished it, and then i decided to revisit it recently after remembering it <3 (when i first played it i identified as an alloromantic ace, and now i'm aroace <3, this is only slightly relevant to the comment)
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
not really since i usually go with my gut when first playing then explore other routes as i replay, i just played as i normally would without the intention of restarting the game (until recently. <3)
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
i pictured ash as chubby with messy red hair, around their mid 20s? i imagined sal as a 90s computer with a text to speech function for some reason <3 to me ash was nonbinary and sal had a more feminine persona due to their programming, but was neutral towards the concept of Gender with reference to themself. this ai can fit so much gender in it <3
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
we talked about sal's logical understanding of their relationship and i ended choosing to take my time to make a decision <3
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
the characters are really cool and it was really cute seeing them play off each other <3 i also really liked the choices presented, all of them had very sound logic and it was easy to see how sal would have come to that conclusion. the narration and character voices are also *chefs kiss* the bit about little syntheses and destructions was really beautiful :'D
it was also pretty cool to see my feelings being reflected in this game (in retrospect this was the aromanticism) i'm not entirely sure if it was intentional but it was definitely very nice to see :D. i also liked how there didn't feel like there was a specific "good end" or "bad end", there's no judgement from ash or the narrative in terms of deciding where to go with the relationship <3 ummmmmmmm i don't think i really have any complaints really <3
5. How did this game make you feel?
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
yeas. no. maybe. i don't know. i feel like this game works best as a standalone but i wouldn't mind seeing these characters again <3 i feel like a follow up would be hard to do though orz (i think interactive fiction with different routes runs into this problem in making continuations, where you either have to a) account for all the choices a player can make which is. a bitch to code. or b) make a specific route quote unquote canon, which can undermine player agency)
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
maybe it's just me but whenever a story ends i can't really imagine what happens after it? dhfjgkdfhg like i'm usually pretty bad at picturing "after the story" scenarios unless there's an epilogue. to me sal and ash will always be in that state of limbo thinking about their relationship. Somewhere Near Romance, you might say *credits roll*
8. Any other things you want to mention?
i played a few of your games after finishing this, i really like your writing, especially ladykiller needs a twine and lore distance relationship <3!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Oh yeah for sure. I definitely took the time to think over my decisions and how they would affect the overall progression of the story.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Nothing much really. I have a very hard time visualising things on my own (like, if you told me to visualise a person you would have to describe their facial features for me and even then, I would only be able to picture one feature at a time and not put it all together. Don't even get me started on trying to imagine a background at the same time). But SAL definitely had Glados vibes and the only defining thing about Ash was that I assumed they had a lab coat.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose "i view our relationship in a logical way" and I think i got a neutral ending. Ash gives SAL a day to think about whether the melting of their minds so to speak would ultimately result in destruction of their relationship or whether they would get along better because of it.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I really liked how the game doesn't pressure you into having a relationship with Ash, like, that was never endgame. It's nice that our choices do actually matter. I don't think there was anything I disliked really.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Seen. As an aromantic asexual who is in QPRs I relate SO HARD to SAL. Like yes bestie, we both don't have the capacity for love!! But we are trying.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I would love to. I think it would be nice to see how their relationship develops based on the ending that the player has gotten, but I understand that would be rather tricky to incorporate.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Personally, I think it's possible they could be in a committed relationship, just not a romantic one, at least, not from SAL's view. They may choose to label it as romantic (for their own reasons) but I do not think there would be any attraction so to speak. But then again, you are speaking to an aspec.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Honestly,I really vibe with the aro rep here. I am aware that it may not be intentional, but I very much did feel as if my experiences were reflected through SAL. And I think this was a rather good representation because it allowed me to respond in a way that was more relevant to my personal aromantic experience than a blanket "Oh I just don't love", even if the options were limited, which is to be expected. The spectrum us infinite and a singular piece of media cannot reflect everyone's experiences. It allowed to be say that I the word for love doesn't fit. Or that I view relationships very differently. I think, even if it was not intended, it allows for people to be more empathetic of and more understanding of apsec people. Thank you for creating this :)
It's been hard to respond to comments since I got sick in January (I'm still fighting memory loss and in recovery at the moment, 2022 has been very heavy for me) but I had to reply to this ASAP for reasons that will become obvious.
I made Somewhere Near Romance in 2017. This was before I knew a lot of things about myself: before I realized I'm on the autistic spectrum, and more importantly to your comment, before I realized I'm on the asexual and aromatic spectrum. I didn't realize my own autism and asexuality until 2019. And as for my own place on the aromantic spectrum, that's something I didn't realize about myself until literally last month (for future readers, I'm writing this comment in August of 2022). After reading the book Loveless by Alice Oseman, it gave me a lot to think about concerning myself, and shed light on my own attitudes towards romance & relationships. I went into the novel just expecting to cheer for an asexual YA book and the protagonist's journey to realizing her own aceness, but came out of it with a deeper understanding of who I am.
When I replay this game, it becomes very clear to me that part of its purpose, alongside being a philosophical exploration of what love can mean between two people, was to be a space to discuss parts ofmyself before I knew who I was inside. That's a lot of the reason why asexuality and aromanticism can both be seen in the work: it was made by an aro-ace-spectrum person who didn't realize they were on the aro-ace spectrum yet.
I've gotten a lot of suggestions for what the sequel to this game should be over the years, since I included in the list of questions. It's something I've thought about a lot over the almost half-decade this game has existed. But what I'm realizing these days is that if I ever make a continuation, I would like it to be one that reflects the things I realized about myself since I made this 5 years ago. Most likely, it will be a discussion of what it means to be asexual & aromantic, as well as what relationships can mean to people within those spectrums. It's something I want to navigate carefully, as I know that portraying asexuality and aromanticism as a non-human trait can bring more harm than good. So I want to take my time with this.
Please don't expect it to be out anytime soon, as I'm still in recovery at the moment; that is my main focus right now. Not to mention that because of the memory loss, I can barely remember the production of the original game right now. But, when I have some time, this is something I definitely want to do. I hope it can be out someday soon when I'm better.
Thanks for commenting. Oh, and QPRs for the win. <3
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
yeess , it made me think twice before making a decision
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
WELL, in Ash is a slender tall man in a lab coat , messy violet hair , sleepy tiered eyes . and for SAL I imagined her at first as a female humanoid
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
it ended very nicely way better than I expected :D , they talked about SAL getting a body and so .
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I LOVE THE WAY THEY THINK AND HOW SAL KEPT COUNTING THE SECONDS ITS SO ADORABLE <3 ,omg and when he said "I don't love you for what you're not , ok? " I JUST JSHFKAGFJKAGSD , I did not dislike anything actually maybe just the fact that I get to play it once
5. How did this game make you feel?
loved?, idk , the way Ash cared about SAL made me feel somehow loved
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
YESSS PLEASE maybe some angst but this time Ash's POV.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
As much as I hate to say that .... for some reason I imagine it end tragically :(
8. Any other things you want to mention?
only that I like this game more than I expected :D, also you're a great writer !! keep going <3
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
It didn’t influence my decision making too much, but it did make the choices feel more important.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I imagined Ash as male, late 30s-early 40s, brown hair, glasses, handsome but tired looking. And SAL as genderless.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose the logical option, how SAL didn’t have emotions and wouldn’t be able to view the relationship the same way as Ash. And that their different perspectives could go either way — either they’d clash or ‘synthesize’. The game ended with SAL needing to think it over.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I liked the concept and originality. I would’ve liked the game to be a little longer. It felt more like a demo or introduction.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Thoughtful. It made me consider the nature of relationships more.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Yeah :) I’d like to see more of their interpersonal dynamic and what SAL decides on.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship?
An unconventional relationship/friendship, with SAL learning more about emotions and humanity.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Not really. This was an interesting experience :)
1. In some ways! It lent a lot of my decisions a significantly larger amount of Weight. I tend to play things sincerely, in a way, on my first time and... every time, but still. It added weight.
2. I centrally imagined SAL as a large branching series of thought processses represented by differently coloured lines, intersecting and swirling in different patterns, in this conversation radiating "out from" (but really into) the voice synthesiser. I imagined Ash as being a fat person with a pleasant blouse, glasses, and looking fairly tired. I mentally assumed both of them to likely be nonbinary, with SAL specifically agender to begin with and then considering some genders as an experiment, or performing them according to people's preferences in worse times.
3. I made the choice that "love is just a word", and that SAL asked for more time. It left inconclusively, in a way, with them waiting for another answer, but still continuing with their interactions.
4. I loved the game, honestly. For the most part, it felt very flexible in the options that it presented to you in approaching the roleplay of the situation, allowing a variety of interpretations and choices/philosophies, which is really refreshing in contrast to many works centered on AI which tend to be oddly human-centric, either in making AI some "lacking" other, a patronising depiction of them "struggling to catch up" or simply ignoring some of the effects that kind of existence and environment might have when applicable. all of those come from an idea of humanity as some unique and innately superior thing oftentimes, and gets stuck in my weird little mental teeth. So thanks <3. I think if I had *a* criticism, it would be a fairly abstract one applicable to.. basically any work with choices of "oh i picked this option but I had a different interpretation of it going in" which isn't something anyone can account for. it's a good game i liked it thank you kind story maker
5. made me FULFILLED, will probably FULFILL my friend a lil hopefully. It made me feel seen in some ways? Which is both surprising and unsurprising in a number of ways. Of course, trans neurodivergent person suckles upon the AI story, etc etc, but it also spoke to some of my own considerations of my feelings. I feel warm afterwards. Gave me some inspiration of my own. Again, thanks.
6. I'd love to see these characters again! this works really well as a self contained story and i fear like me asking for this wouldn't translate, but... hm. maybe as like part of a cast of characters in a wider thing? I don't know, I just want to watch them move around more. I'm fond of them.
7. I see their relationship becoming... something.. *readable* as romantic? I think too much stock is put in the idea of Romance as being some true definable category of feelings. to me, it's always just seemed like... intense fondness? delight in someone's existence? but maybe that's just how I work. Either way, I see them being close, caring friends, romance, plantonic, or something else that these cool cats make happen. Too caring and thoughtful and interested in each other not to. I'd like to think they'd be some people who really explored a variety of different ways of perceiving things and existing together.
9. I just really enjoyed this! Would love to know if there's more things like this that you'd recommend, no pressure of course, and I'll also do the advanced action of "looking at your itch.io page". I really enjoyed this, and i think you have a lovely writing style and approach to this.
perhaps. i didn’t play with the expectation of enumerating the routes, but instead took the time to inhabit SAL as a character. i projected a lot on them, but i think that’s my default way of playing story focused games, personally.
i imagined SAL’s “face” as a CRT monitor with a bulky webcam on top. i imagined the bulk of their hardware as something akin to a supercomputer. Ash i didn’t have an appearance in mind for, but thought of them as nonbinary. i imagine SAL would struggle to understand a human conception of gender, but might be somewhat curious about it.
i chose to have SAL be open and honest with their communication, and to seek understanding rather than assert a foregone conclusion. their prime concern was regarding their capacity for emotional connection and fulfillment. in the end the two characters decided to take things slow and explore what their relationship might look like.
i really liked the gentle attention evident in Ash’s voice. i liked SAL’s characterization with how self-aware and articulate they seemed to be, without them being truly distant or uncaring. even in choices i didn’t take, particularly those where SAL seemed to be trying to pull away, it was clear that they cared about Ash and were trying to protect them, avoid hurting them.
i think i felt somewhat warm and cozy. happy? but more in a calm, serene sense. maybe thoughtful.
i certainly wouldn’t be opposed to seeing more of these characters. maybe perhaps i’d like to see more from Ash’s viewpoint a bit, but i’m uncertain what i’d want and more would just be interested in seeing what you’d make. (or perhaps have made, potentially. i know this story came out a while ago and i’m not otherwise familiar with your work at this point.)
it’s hard for me to predict where their relationship might go from here. i imagine both might have to better explore their feelings (and/or “feelings”) and what they want in a relationship—what it means to them, regardless of what language they may apply to it. they seem to have a strong starting place with the conversation focused on in this story, so i hope they could further explore these things together in an open an honest manner.
i really loved reading this, thank you for making it! i don’t intend to replay the story for the time being, but i know it’ll sit with me for some time. romance is a difficult concept for me to grasp, as are human relationships in general. there are times when i don’t feel capable of truly meaningful connections with others, and i feel like i must be missing something “essentially human”. i have trouble reading and understanding my feelings, and my apparent need for close, long-term connections doesn’t really make any rational sense to me. when i enjoy someone’s company, i can’t really explain or understand why and that frustrates me. i guess what i’m trying to say is that some of the themes in your story really resonated with me, and it was lovely to examine those themes through the characters of SAL and Ash. again, thank you for making and publishing this :)
1.Yeah, i would probably have played a really centred run, like lying to them and stuff, or being really computer-y and logical, then after feeling like i went through most of what the game has to offer I would play it one last time with the choices I would make if I were in that situation. Playing thinking i could only play it one led to me doing the later option first which was actually a pretty interesting experience! Paid a lot more attention to every dialogue option and its consequences!
2.I was a bit confused about what circular meant in Ash's description so I thought he was a typical computer guy who's like, round? And that SAL was simply in love with a cute nerd guy. I dunno, i thought it was cute. I mostly imagined him being like the collector from pokemon ruby :V and SAL was a computer so like. Karen from spongebob. But with exposed wires?
3. Told Ash about not being capable of loving and then sort of choose the options that led to explaining about how a computer is too logical and stuff. I thought SAL was in love with Ash indeed so like i just went to the most "i'm in denyal" options? They decided to take it slow.
4.I wish Ash showed more of their personality? I understand that this is SAL pov but i think it could have been nice to see more of Ash in maybe dialogue or in their way of acting. Ash seemed sort of a plot point but i wish that they had an opportunity to also talk a little before the conversation went off and stuff started happening? Or maybe i just picked the wrong options for that. Haven't really replayed it yet. They are very mature on their decisions and i actually really liked how they listened to SAL's thoughts and opinions and stuff before commenting on anything. Makes sense that SAL likes them, I think!
5.pretty nice! I loved SAL's inner thoughts! Usually games were theres any sort of AI make me unconfortable with how forceful logical the artificial inteligence is and it comes to a point where the AI is simply a dumbass even in logical matters since the author really tried to make it clear about how limited is an AI mind when it comes to thinking and interpreting but i dont think that's realistic at all but in this game you nailed it a lot i think! perfectly balanced amounts of machine logic and AI self learning being put into emocional situations! loved it!
6.yea. I dunno, SAL receives an update and is now having an existencial crisis because what is this file i just found is it me? or maybe a machine couldnt have such a conflict cause like thats their entire existence, overwriting data and stuff. You could expand on their world, SAL's function on whenever they are or maybe SAL struggling to interact with a human who, unlike Ash, isnt so understanding of her limitations? not romantically interacting, just like maybe a worker on that place. Maybe you could expand on SAL not knowing when humans are lying and so they just resort to interrogating everyone to try to pierce logical facts together but also theyre very stressed from doing it all the time? I have no idea.
7. Ash gonna steal the Krusty Krab recipe along with SAL. Besides that, I think its just gonna continue like it is? Maybe they'll open up to each other (really just Ash cause SAL doesn't have much to hide since they dont lie i think).
8.I think not. I would mention that I like this shade of green, neat choice i think. very contrasting.
1. not really! i just answered how i wanted, which is how i would do it even if i did not believe i could only play this once
2. my mental image of the characters were quite loose since i didn't have a "canon" description to go off. ash had a more masculine look (strong jaw, short hair, etc) but i didn't envision them as a man. SAL is a robot, and therefore it didn't make sense to me for them to be masc or fem.
3. i was honest with ash and we ended up "taking things slow". i found the bit about "how many steps are there?" quite cute for some reason.
4. i liked playing as SAL! i liked seeing their side of things and seeing how they thought. also, your writing is great, and i really liked SAL's dialouge. i liked that ash felt sorta real to me! they were a bit nicer and calmer than i would maybe expect but i liked them. the only thing i didn't like was that there's no fullscreen option (i'm on laptop) but that's a small thing. another thing, i didn't like that some white text was in the middle of the passage so i'd click on it without reading the rest of the text.
5. it made me feel warm. ash was very patient with SAL and i just loved that aspect.
6. i'd love to see more about ash and SAL's daily routine, especially once they're dating.
7. i like to think it would work out. they might need to have a lot of talks to think about ways they can help eachother, but i think they'd be very cute together <3
8. just that i really like this game! also the green and black aesthetic adds to the vibe i think.
Thanks for playing! C: I'm glad you liked Ash's patience, the character interactions, and the writing overall. And yes, the vibes are real! X3
Tysm!
1. I..actually missed the part that said I could only play it once. Though I tend to answer questions in games a lot more closely to how I would in reality.
2. I didn't really envision a gender for Sal in my mind, but Ash I envisioned as a kindly 50 year old male with a neatly trimmed mustache, balding head (as in the only remaining hair being at the sides, with the crown bare) and average build, with a slight southern twang to their accent (I think my mind basically made him look + sound like the doctor from the start of fallout new vegas)
3. My choices leaned more towards being direct to Ash, though when it came down to the choices as to 'why' you felt that you couldn't love him, I wasn't too sure what I wanted to pick. I ended up picking the 'lack of a body' choice partly because I have an immature sense of humour and partly because getting into the headspace of Sal, it felt like that might be one of the big things they would concern themselves about. Ultimately I chose that 'I' didn't want to have a body. The dialogue for this portion was really well thought out and intelligently written I found.
4. I didn't find anything wrong with this beyond the music being way too loud/not having a way to mute it. I'm a little ambivalent about how I felt about the game, but it was pleasant enough that I wanted to see how it all resolved (Sorry, I hope none of this came off as negative, I just didn't develop a strong opinion about it).
5. Well, it was interesting to read, but I didn't have any real emotional reaction to it beyond not wanting to hurt Ash's feelings.
6. Hmm, well that's up to you really. This story is one of your worlds, an expression of a part of you and your experiences. It's a bit of a cop-out for me to say this, but write what you're passionate about and want to write.
7. Honestly, without the context with the rest of the world this is in and the state of rights for true, sentient A.I, it's impossible to say for sure. One day Sal might just have the plug pulled on them, or Ash might be laid off, etc. There are just too many hypotheticals to say which way this would go (though, you can probably see I'm a tad jaded/biased from my examples)
8. There isn't much I can think of to say, beyond it being an interesting read. So, thank you for this!
Thanks for the feedback; I'm glad you liked the game! C:
1. yes, I sometimes replay by choosing specific options to try out different routes, but this time I personalised my responses more to 'make it count'
2. SAL was masc leaning, Ash was fem leaning in appearance - round face, curly hair, average height - but I accept they/them as their gender
3. spoke about it first, need to talk more tomorrow
4. liked SAL's processing and their conversation with Ash, but wanted to know more about how a logical machine would accept dating a human initially + the music was rather loud + a bit disappointed with the ending I got cause it didn't feel conclusive as the other two options (which is fair, but I thought the game would still continue from there)
5. thoughtful
6. yesssss, honestly just more dialogue exploring their relationship
7. I'd see it as an partnership where they openly discuss topics clearly with each other. I don't see SAL reciprocating in the near future
8. love explorations of AI navigating their relations with humans, thanks for posting your take on it!
Thank you so much for sharing and letting me know your thoughts! <3
1. A bit? I didn’t know if there would be multiple endings or not but I really tried to just play truthful to what I would do.
2. SAL looked like a computer screen, Ash looked more like a mad scientist, white cost, round glasses, shoulder length brown hair, tan skin. I saw SAL more masc because I was playing them and Ash used they/them so I considered them quite gender neutral.
3. I chose to be honest about not feeling love, and discuss and try and see both sides of the situation. I was neutral in understanding, saying that our relationship could go either way to destruction or stronger connection. I ended with asking Ash to leave to let SAL think about what we had said.
4. I wish there were a few more options but overall I really liked it and I love robots.
5. I really really like robots as I said so playing this logical creation was a lot of fun but I also worried about saying the right thing.
6. This ending was nice but I wouldn’t mind more.
7. I think they put time in to work it out. If they both see each other’s side and keep an open communication I don’t see why they can’t stay together, talking and learning and growing.
8. Robots!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments! ^u^ It's nice that years after release, people still give their input on this game of mine.
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
I think so, I choosed really quickly most my answers, but when Ash asked us to explain what do we mean, I stopped a bit to think, because there was this answer that I belived was what SAL was trying to say, and what I would say if it was me, but there was also this answer with a topic I have some concerns about lately and that might express how I feel about romantic and physical relationships. Knowing that I should play this game only once made me think about how I really wanted this story to be.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Yeah, I assing a gender for both characters. When I think about artificial Intelligence what comes to my mind is a woman, so in my mind SAL was female, plus I'm female myself so I think I thought of SAL as myself while playing the game. Ash in my mind swtiched between boy and girl many times while playing to be honest.
But I started imagining Ash as a boy, I think it was mainly because I started to read the comments (didn't finished because realized I had to play first to answer the questions) before downloading the game and that person in the comments imagined them as a boy so I had this idea before starting. When Ash was male in my mind he had light skin and black hair, but when I imagined them as a girl she had (also light skin) brown hair.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I started with "You and I must talk". Then I choose "I don't think i'm capable of fully loving you". After that and after thinking a bit I choose "I can't fullfil your emotional needs".
"Is there a difference between these two things?" that was my next answer, before reading the options I was thinking "I don't want to choose, I don't know, both? Ash I'm telling you I'm not capable why you make me doubt?" and things like that, haha so It was great to find this answer,the answer attracted me. And really liked Ash answer, he ... I mean they are so cute.
And in the end decided to take it slow, because I really liked this couple and want them to be together.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game? I liked all being black and green (and white, haha), I liked Ash answers, I liked being SAL and that it was a short game, haha. I also liked having the Author's Notes. I disliked at the beggining the text being slightly to the right, but that was something minor, just my thing. I enjoyed the game.
5. How did this game make you feel? This game made me feel understood and at easy.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up? It would be nice to know more about this characters and their relationship. I have no ideas on mind about what I would like to see, but I definitely would like to see a follow-up of this game. If there is not I wouldn't be mad or dissapointed because I really like the end I got.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going? I think is going to work. SAL might not believe it at the beginning, I think she'll still thinking about not being able to love, but I believe they're going to be the most lovely couple.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Nothing, just thanks for making this short and lovely game. I can't wait to play again after leaving my comment.
...
Wait,there was music? I didn't hear anything. Yep,I have to play again.
Thanks so much for playing! :D I'm glad the game made you feel understood. <3
Hey! First, I really liked the game. The idea of being the AI and not viceversa is not something many games do but you nailed it. I was hooked! Now to the questions (which made happy since 'hey, I can actually play this again now!')
1. Yes and I loved it. It made me go "ok, you have only one chance-" I wouldn't want to not follow the author's wishes, you see, "-so make sure you won't look back at your decisions and feel bad about any of them." I achieved that, thankfully.
2. I did! I even realised that in-game when I read Ash being referred to as "they"-it made me realise they were a guy in my mind. Ash looked tall and lanky to me, and had dark-ish skin
although I'm biased since I'm latina, I guessit's still interesting to me that my brain deafulted to that, haha. SAL was a girl in my head, but that's because I tend to project myself on the characters of this kind of games. She even had a woman-y voice in my head now that I think about it. Woah.3. I choose to be upfront in that "something's wrong and I'm worried I have no body and you're a somewhat touchy person." Ash was very understanding of it, and I think he may have appreciated the straightforwardness. They made me feel safe. It ended up with SAL asking for some time to think, but I think their relationship is doing pretty ok.
4. I liked it a lot. I liked being the AI. I liked the choices-they're realistic. I like how SAL rationalizes and 'feels' without really realising it. I can see how this relationship came to be tbh. I liked the fact that Ash never seems... disappointed? Maybe it was the atmosphere of "how do I say it?" but I was somewhat prepared for rejection. It didn't happen. They were understanding, but not in an intrusive or overworrying way. I liked them a lot. I might not have liked the green so much (but honestly, not many games even run on mobile, this is great) but it's fitting and it may just be my vision playing tricks on me again.
5. Not anxious, if you consider that an answer. I didn't feel rushed or pressured. I didn't quite feel sad, either. Maybe conflicted. Somewhat worried, but not in a bad sense. Honestly, I felt I would end up trying to trick Ash into liking me, but it either didn't happen or I didn't have the heart for it, and that might have sold it for me. By the end of it I was at ease-things went well, we're fine, and Ash's staying. What else could I ask for?
6. I get the feeling you want me to say no, author. These kind of games usually don't get follow-ups since that means saying "this ending is the canon one" and that's a boomer, haha. If that wasn't the case... yes, I would like a follow-up, or at least to see these two again sometime. Maybe check up on them, if that makes any sense. See how they're doing, or what they're going through, if they have hardships, or even how that world is like, you know? Like, is an AI-human relationship even common in that world? Is it not? Why? On my opinion, follow-ups are fun as long as they add to the story, but saying any of the endings isn't canon takes some fun out of it.
7. Well, I don't know anything about their world but... it'll go well. They might have issues and problems but they trust each other enough to see it through. And weirdly, they really care for each other. I wouldn't want to stand in the way of these two.
7. I love the way you write and I'm here for the ride if you publish more games :D Keep writting!
Edit:
IT'SABADNUMBERBECAUSEIDON'TWANTTOLOSEYOUIT'SABADNUMBERBECAUSEIDON'TWANTTOLOSEYOUIT'SABADNUMBERBECAUSEIDON'TWANTTOLOSEYOUISHIPTHESETWOSOHARD and replaying is fun, sorry.Yay, to hear that you think I nailed it is super gratifying! ^u^ Thanks so much for the feedback. Interesting that you went with the "no body" route too. And I'm either way on writing a follow-up to this; there's no answer I expect there.
I saw your edit; thanks for continuing to love the game! I appreciate that someone was so invested in it. <3
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Actually, yes, it kinda gave me certain consciousness to remain in-character and reconsidering every little detail and my consistency of choices.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Ash is androgynous name and already using "they" pronoun, and it's not that hard for me to imagine a non-binary character. For SAL, and other non-descriptive MC and the main pov for the story, I tend to go as a feminine figure. There is something like default images for this kinda narrative
a perks of being a veteran in text-based RPG ha ha, and it will stay or change depends on more descriptions of said character appeared in the story, like in a fitting room.3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose to bluntly discuss about their current romantic relationship, the concern for different view of the said relationship become the mayor reason
which is based on my personal concern irl too tbh, and I am pretty satisfied with the decision to take one day time to consider their talk until the next day of Ash visit. Is there a certain different title for the ending, tho? Because I only see the same title of "Somewhere Near Romance" at the end of it and probably miss other than that :')4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
It narrates well about the touchy subjects of building and maintaining a relationship, also it's always fascinate me when two characters who seems opposite of each other are actually-subtly-alternately conversing with their own partner's pattern of speech (SAL's concern sounds more humane, and Ash's keeping track and counter SAL's logic). The things which infuriates me a little is that I can't know how the story goes in the other choices until much later after I comment here :'v
5. How did this game make you feel?
Wistful, and explained more in no.7 below.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
This one is pretty wrapped up, so a continuation is not always a necessity, I guess. Oh wait... for that meeting after that "wistful discourse ending" tho... you can give a little closure or conclusion of their relationship! A prequel of how Ash met SAL or how SAL's life and lesson before meeting them, or even the current discussion from Ash emotional pov can also be considered.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
As my last choice going something like "a discourse can strengthen or destroy a relationship". Well, like the choice itself foretold, it can go one way or another, or they peacefully get back to being just friends.... but regarding Ash seems pretty emotional, that will hurts (what have I done to these two fella and my poor melancholic mind :')))) )
8. Any other things you want to mention?
The list of inspirational sources is such a nice addition to the mind working behind the story.Thanks so much for the feedback and the wistful comments! I also appreciate how you liked the inspirational sources that the end--that means a lot! ^u^
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
It really did. The knowledge that I could only play the game once made me think hard about my choices.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I pictured Ash as a nice young person with a warm smile, blonde hair and kind blue eyes. As for SAL, I pictured SAL as a simple computer with wires hanging around it - the old fashioned computer that everyone had before laptops and flat monitors became a thing. I assigned Ash to be female and SAL to be of any gender.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
At the start, I made SAM talk to Ash about the two of them and suggested that SAM is incapable of feeling emotions as humans do and therefore should not be in a relationship with Ash. Soon, the real reason as to why SAM feels this way (when being asked by said person) was because he feel incapable of emotions and that he doesn't feel deserving of Ash as well. In the end, they agreed to stay as friends and the conversation ended.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
What I like about the game is that it allows you room to picture the characters however you like and the lack of visuals help with this as well. As of yet, I don't think I can list anything I dislike about the game. :)
5. How did this game make you feel?
It made me ponder as to whether or not a situation like this is possible in the future - considering the fact that some people do turn to computers and AI for companionship, and some, for love. It's made me quite introspective.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I would indeed like to see them again in another game. I don't know what I'd like to see in a follow up but I am open to surprises! ;)
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Perhaps, considering what's been said, they are better off being friends. Even if things were to develop between the two of them, it all kind of sounds like an ill fate either way. Therefore, it's best to keep both parties safe by staying friends.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
Really good work on the game. Good job! :3
Thank you for playing and commenting! C: Your description of Ash and Sal are both adorable. X3
I appreciate the feedback. Thank you again!
Aaaaaaaaa you're very welcome <3 ;~;
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
no, i never actually believed i could only play it once, and i tend to play seriously anyway. i don't do things in games i wouldn't do in real life- or at least, i save those shenanigans for future playthroughs.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
i perceived sal as a grey box, thus genderless. ash was a rotund male janitor in my mind.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
i'm naturally very straight-forward, so that's how i approached the relationship. i expressed my concerns, and we both wanted to move forward, so now that all the cards were on the table, i agreed to continue it.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
i both liked and disliked the lack of gender for ash. i liked not being limited to a female partner, but i'm still getting used to 'genderlesss' being an option for biological beings. i also wished there was more background for both characters. what is the origin of our routine, where are we going? why did a relationship even happen between us?
5. How did this game make you feel?
i'm pretty neutral about it. it was very reminiscent of my own real life relationships, because love and affection aren't things i am really capable of. at least, not the way most people are. when i got married, i warned my husband that i am this way, and am unlikely to change. he said he understood and wanted it anyway, but sometimes he admits he didn't really understand the full implications, and i fear that by allowing him to marry me, i've ruined his chances for real happiness.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
if anything, i'd like to see more backstory for both. a brief glimpse of the future would be nice too; how will this relationship work if it is successful? is sal always going to be in this one room? will sal get some kind of mobile body? will ash ever feel a longing for things a machine simply can't give them? would ash want to change sal to suit their needs, leave us for a human, or find a way to accept us as we are? would we ever be enough?
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
i see it going like my own real-life relationships tend to go. the emotional party says they understand the difficulties they will have as a couple, to placate the logical partner and allow the relationship to continue. eventually the stress and loneliness overcomes their infatuation and they realize they made a mistake and part ways. they both seem no worse for wear, but deep inside the logical party knows that their chances of ever experiencing emotion have decreased with the end of the relationship.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
background is important for developing attachment to characters. i didn't feel anything for ash, because i was thrust into a relationship with no backstory on who ash is, how we met, or why they want a relationship with sal.
Thank you for playing and sharing your thoughts! C:
I do plan to make a sequel/prequel with some backstory. Your comment about the importance of backstory to character attachment has really made me think.
Thank you again!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
It mostly just made me less likely to pick options out of curiosity. Like I was very curious where the option about sexual intimacy would go, but ultimately in my role as SAL that was not my concern, so I acted in my role rather than out of curiosity about how things would play out.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
Interestingly enough, I imagine Ash as male and SAL as a genderless computer. Seeing as I am a straight male and this is told from SAL's perspective, I'm not certain why I would imagine Ash as male. Perhaps some part of me was subconsciously identifying with Ash instead of SAL? Not sure.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I kept on the issue of SAL's being able to love, since that struck me as the issue a computer would be stuck on as it learns and processes emotion. This includes that final choice; I felt the whole time that SAL's concerns sincerely came from a place of being unsure whether they, as a computer, could truly love, so I didn't buy into the idea that it was an issue of self-esteem in this case. Unfortunately that seems to have led to a fairly sad outcome.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I liked the way it explored the idea of romance and of developing AI, and specifically how it put the player in the role of the computer rather than the person responding to it, forcing us to consider how a computer program would respond to these issues. And it was excellently written to that end. The only thing I felt conflicted about (and this may not be a flaw so much as just something I wish had happened) was the way my choices, inkeeping with SAL's concerns about their capacity for human emotions like love, seemed to end with being unable to work things out with Ash. I'd personally have loved to go into how SAL's logical processes could be an expression of love in and of themselves, to have SAL better understand how even their logic-based reasoning can impart love and caring, but it seemed that once I rejected the notion that SAL felt undeserving, things simply didn't work. Again, not necessarily a flaw, just not quite how I wanted things to progress past that point. Ultimately, I understand that a major point of the game was likely to point out how we sometimes use logical processes to denigrate ourselves into believing we don't deserve happiness, and if that interpretation is onto something I understand why it did what it did.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Contemplative, mostly. It made me think a lot about how we perceive love, and how it can be felt and expressed even when separated from traditional understandings of emotion and romance.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
I guess I'd want more of a focus on the two of them learning about what love means for SAL, and how they can understand and relate to each other given the differences in how they process their own basic experiences and feelings. It could make for some really interesting stuff in a longer story about their relationship.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
I'd like to say I see it working, but I also kind of envisioned my choices leading to different turns in their relationship. Or at least the potential for it. But regardless I can see how it could work, and I'd be very interested in how it does.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
This was an interesting game, I enjoyed the experience, and it reminded me that I want to learn how to use Twine. Well done!
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
Not really. Usually when I play any kind of interactive fiction, I am playing for the most optimistic ending. If I get the happiest ending, usually, I don't feel any urge to replay it. I just like being happy. ^^;; So since thisVN was tinged with a bit of sadness, I tried my best. No regrets!
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
SAL didn't have a gender in my mind. I imagined the robot as a computer with a keyboard... it took me a second to realize that Ash was talking out loud (when he was replying in seconds) but all in all I thought of was a computer with Ash typing into it. I did imagine Ash as a boy, though.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
I chose logical responses and didn't sugarcoat anything. So I started outright with "we need to talk." At the end, I choose for SAL to be unsure of where their relationship would end. I guess I figured, SAL is making logical assessments, but emotions, while sometimes logical, aren't generally linear (like there's no A+B=C) so it ended with SAL and Ash still together while SAL pondered their future.
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I liked the music a lot. There wasn't anything I really disliked.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Bittersweet! ^^;; But that's because I'm an optimistic person and love romance a lot. Actually though, the more I think about SAL (actually, the more I wrote answer 7) the more sweet I feel about it. I liked it a lot.
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?
Hm... I don't really have any ideas for that... I guess I would like to see how other react, especially if SAL is not the only robot of their kind.
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going?
Ash... I feel like it's possible that they'd have a future. Because even if SAL can't "love" Ash, its clear that at the very least, SAL is concerned or cares about Ash--otherwise, I think collecting data would take priority over Ash's feelings. Additionally, SAL cared about disappointing Ash and didn't want to hurt Ash's feelings... so I believe SAL cares about Ash and that that would be enough. It helps that SAL didn't reject Ash immediately as well... I feel like caring about a person can be enough if the other person is satisfied, which Ash does seem to be.
8. Any other things you want to mention?
This was great! I'm glad I played it.
Thanks for playing! I'm glad you liked it. :)
Interesting storyline that seems like an optimistic take on romance with an AI, but pretty novel in that you're RP'ing an AI role. I like how you try to emulate how an AI would think in describing the AI's detailed thoughts. Gotta say, this reminds me of three stories: the movie called Her, a Black mirror episode called Be Right Back, and an anime called Time of Eve.
The BGM is a little loud for my taste, otherwise its a real sweet piece of interactive fiction.
Thanks for playing! :) I'm glad you found it sweet.
This was a really interesting experience. I hope to see more :D
1) Yes. It felt as though my choices mattered more, and that I only had one chance to do whatever it was I wanted to do.
2) Well, SAL I thought was like in a sci-fi movie. A robot with white, glossy metallic outsides and coiled, twisted wires, with eyes that blinked and mouth that moved. A voice that sounded feminine, but not quite human. Ash, I thought looked like any other guy. Dark haired, fair skinned, tall and handsome. Perhaps not too good with expressing how he feels, but likeable ^^ I did immediately think of SAL as a female and Ash male, but after playing it, I thought "why can't Ash be female and SAL male? Why can't they both of the same gender, of sorts?" It's interesting really :D
3) I'm afraid I don't remember all of my Answers, but here goes: I went along with first telling Ash that SAL did truly love him. But when the "I lied" bit came up, I thought perhaps it was better to say it was all a lie. I told Ash that SAL needed time to think when the final decision to take it slow or to stop came up, hoping that perhaps there was another "day", but I suppose not ^^;;
4) I liked this point of view. Not often do you play as a robot, nor do you, as a robot, often tell that you love a certain someone. The choices were rather interesting too ^^ I think the music didn't fit too well with this game, but I didn't really mind it much.
5) This game made me feel rather uncertain. There's always this lingering thought that maybe I should've said something else, or maybe I shouldn't have said something, though there were moments where I thought my choice seemed safe, or right.
6) Yes, for sure. I would like to see where this goes ^^
As for a follow-up, perhaps another day where Ash talks to SAL, with some interesting news - he found someone else.
It does sound a bit dramatic, now that I think about it xD
7) It can go several ways, but I'd like to think that SAL will grow to like Ash even more as time passes.
8) It's too short xD
It is a game jam, so I do understand, but yeah, I'd love to see more out of this. I believe extending this game with a longer story, or a more compelling one could get players to feel more deeply for these characters, and thus choices would be harder to make - if a game that leaves players second guessing themselves all the way through is what you aim for that is :D
Random game I thought of while playing this: He Beat Her
Thanks for playing! :) I'm glad you liked it.
That follow-up does sound quite dramatic! We'll see where the next game eventually goes. . .
"I'd like to think that SAL will grow to like Ash even more as time passes." I hope so. :)
I would like to make "more of this" in the future. ;) If I may ask, what do you mean by extending the game with a longer/more compelling story?
Enjoyed this game. I made choices that reflected SAL being unable to feel true love and that just made the game sadder. I will replay to see all the routes, so here are my answers! :D
1) Not really, that's not a factor for me in any choice based game.
2) SAL for some reason I visualised as one of these sci-fi robots with white, shell-like casing (think like the ones from the film I, Robot) and Ash as...Ash Tyler from Star Trek Discovery, because that's what comes to mind these days (big fan). I did mentally assign genders: SAL female, Ash male. My perception is obviously coloured by my own orientation.
3) As I said before I made the choices where SAL is unable to feel true love and Ash accepts this, and they remain friends.
4) Liked: the poignant, self-reflective POV and the sadness. Disliked: the music. It's not bad, but very rarely I can abide music while reading. It's distracting. Purely my own problem and not the fault of the track itself.
5) Sadness mostly. I felt bad for Ash, because I think they wanted something more from the relationship that SAL can't give them. I'll replay and see what other paths are like, though.
6) I would like to see them again, but I think not together. I'd like to see Ash with someone who can fully give them what they want, and SAL with another robot who is as analytical as them. Or possibly by themselves too.
7) I'm honestly not sure and any kind of prediction would just be me projecting my own relationship desires. With this in mind I think that Ash will eventually drift away from SAL.
8) I love Steven Universe : 3
Thank you for playing and for your responses! If you don't mind elaborating, I'm a bit curious on some of the things you said: for #6, what do you think Ash wants in a relationship? And for #7, why do you think Ash will drift away from SAL?
I'll be checking out your game in the jam asap. :) Thanks for the feedback! If you see other routes later, please let me know what you think of them.
(Woo! Steven Universe is great.)
I think that Ash wants someone who can fully love them in the way they want to be loved, which includes honest emotional responses (that SAL cannot provide). I think that's what everyone wants really. Again this might just be me projecting but Ash saying that they don't mind SAL being so logical and different from them, is a bit self-deluded because Ash wants to continue the relationship.
I think Ash will drift away eventually once they realise that SAL and they want different things and SAL cannot give Ash what they want. But as I've said this is coloured by my own experiences with relationships. I think I'm reading this as a sci-fi parallel of "I love you but you only see me as a friend" and I've been there like many of us have been. In these cases trying to remain friends is difficult and people tend to drift away. Not always but this has been mostly my experience.
Then again this is just an interpretation. Everyone sees different things and that's the beauty of art, isn't it? :)
I hope you enjoy playing my game and I'd love to see some feedback! It's a rough first effort but I'm proud of it in a weird way. I was a bit hesitant to make a twine but after playing the great twine games in this jam I'm pretty encouraged. :D
1. Did believing you could play this only once impact how you made decisions?
It made me more nervous about picking "wrong" answers that would make the game end badly. I might play it again , but it is interesting to think about what you could do if you only had one chance.
2. What do SAL and Ash look like in your mind? Did you mentally assign a gender to either or both characters?
I thought of her as some sort of advanced lab computer, and I thought of him as a worker at the place. I can't imagine people or places as images in my head, so I didn't really think about how they looked too much. I thought of her of a girl, but as she and I alternated bettween he and they for him, settling on him after some thought.
3. What choices did you make? How did your game end?
At the first choice I picked _"No. I believe you and I must talk." because pretending everything was fine seems like a bad idea, then I picked _"I don't think I'm capable of fully loving you." Because I think that hiding the truth is a bad idea, and it seemed like a cop out. At the next option, I really wanted to go for "I was not made for physical intimacy" but _"My understanding of our relationships rests in very logical places." seemed more in character and like a good choice as well. At the last choice #2 seemed really dramatic, #3 seemed like a cop-out. and after option 1 seemed really heartwarming, esp after the speach that ash gave (that speach made me think of asm as a real character, and without it I would have gone with 3).
4. What did you like and dislike about this game?
I loved SAL's inner thoughts and the delema that she was facing, the gender neutral pronouns just worked very well (there are a lot of games where they don't work) I liked both the characters and how they thought, the idea of this game is handled really amazingly with a maturity that is almost never seen.
5. How did this game make you feel?
Contemplative, nervous, happy, sometimes saddish. Once everything seemed to work out I was happy, and the way the game dealt with its theams made me very contemplative. The music fit well with the game. I love the way that even though they have very different perspectives, they are able to appreciate and love each other
6. Do you want to see these characters again? What would you want to see in a follow-up?I would want see them again, but can not think of anything in perticular that I would want to see, the big thing for me is the way that you portray the situation and the people+ the strength of the writing, and that is not going to change
7. What predictions do you have for SAL and Ash's relationship? Where do you see it going? I cant imagine anything sexual, seeing as she is a computer, but I can imagine them being partners. I keep finding myself wanting to gush about how good the idea and writing are, but I can't think of anything to say.
8. Any other things you want to mention? You are such an amazing writer! I love the way that you make the characters just click, and be thoughtful, heartwarming and everything. I clicked on the button expecting to find a timewaster as I was waiting to sleep, and It blew me out of the water! Sorry for the wall of text!
Thanks for playing! C: Don't be sorry for the wall of text--I super appreciate your detailed comments, and am really happy to see people responding to my feedback questions. Thank you so much! :D