Playism announces The Use of Life, a choose-your-own-adventure indie JRPG set to release for Steam Early Access in Spring 2022
Playism has announced The Use of Life, a JRPG-styled game inspired by choose-your-own-adventure books. It is set to release for Steam Early Access in Spring 2022. A demo is currently available on the Steam page.
Developed by a solo developer in Daraneko Games, The Use of Life features several decisions made by the player with a TRPG-style dice rolling mechanic, along with traditionally-styled JRPG combat mechanics. While player choice is a key component of the game, it is emphasized that there is no strictly “good” or “bad” ending.
A teaser trailer, description, and screenshot set can be found below, via Playism. The official website is here.
The Use of Life is a solo-developed indie game created in the image of a “choose your own adventure book” with multi-ending capabilities. PLAYISM will be releasing this title with full English and Japanese support. Today, the Demo version will be released in English. Early Access for this game will be released in Spring 2022.
The Use of Life ending depends on your decisions
In this game, the decisions you make heavily affect your character’s stats as well as his way of thinking. The ending you get depends on your way of traversing your adventure, or your “Usage of Life”. The way the protagonist uses their “Life” for their own gain or for others is fully within the control of the player. Since the ending results from the player’s decisions, there is no strictly “good” or “bad” ending.
Choose your own adventure - style events
The narration and flow of this game takes place much like that of a “choose your own adventure book”, with TRPG-style dice rolling elements for events. Even the results of instances of events can be changed based on the decisions made. Whether you throw yourself into battles or play it safe depends solely on the player. These decisions made will change the way the protagonist thinks and sees the world around.
“Plan and Strike” Combat Structure
The Use of Life uses a combination of “QTE Action Segments” and “Battle Command Strategy” to create its own unique flow of battle.
With three actions each turn, players must consider factors such as “how well can I handle the enemy attacks?” and “what powers/techniques should I use?” to control the flow and outcome of the battle.
Even when facing defeat, learning to fight that enemy over time to gain the ability to defeat them is a central aspect of this game's combat. Especially with boss fights, this title aims for a life or death tension that adds to the satisfaction of victory and progression.
Character customization
Having touched death before, the protagonist has the ability to customize his own powers to his liking via Curse EXP. This power does not only affect stats in combat, but also the likelihood of success in game events. The skill level-up is full of different powers and skills to be unlocked, making your character stronger and more customized to your liking.
