A new crowdfunding project that will see two story driven games from publisher Akupara Games released as physical USB sticks in the form of retro-style cassettes. The included titles are Mutazione and Whispering Willows that were originally released digitally on PC and consoles in 2014 and 2019 respectively.
The physical release is being handled by Huey Games and this will be the indie publishers thirteenth cassette-style release. The USB sticks are DRM free and include a classic hard plastic case just like those cassettes we all remember would’ve come in. To celebrate the release, we take a look at both titles to let you know what you can expect.
In Whispering Willows, you take control of Elana who is looking for her father. In a story that unfolds through interactions with ghosts, spirits and monsters you use your amulet to unleash a helpful spirit that helps you solve puzzles and find information for your quest.
Set in the grounds of a ruined mansion, the beautiful 2D art and eerie music brings to life this adventure as you explore crypts and buildings. The slow paced nature of Whispering Willows lends itself well to the great story telling from developer Night Light Interactive as well as the spooky atmosphere.
In Mutazione you uncover a story described by developer Die Grut Frabik as “a mutant soap opera where small-town gossip meets the supernatural”. Set in the hand-drawn world of an island that suffered a disaster, you speak with many different mutants who go about their serene lives.
As you explore the island of Mutazione, you start to uncover the lives of its inhabitants, their relationships to each other and how not everything is as it seems. The art direction is excellent and there is never a need to get sidetracked or lost due to the diary that gently guides you to where to head for next.
