If you are tired of the normal everyday renpy games with virtually the same stories and cliches- then I invite you to try something fresh, unique, and darker. Like all Anaxverse games, this one revolves around corruption and character development! Desideratum is essentially a Visual Novel and Video Game. Switching perspectives between the nosferatu, Brone Lorcan, and the monster hunter, Absinthe Van Gothen, a rich story unfolds before you. It allows a choice between a Story Mode (avoiding all turn-based combat and resource management) for casual play, or a Game Mode for those that want to play the Monster Hunts as Absinthe and collect items, artifacts, and defeat creatures from mythology, folklore, and legend. Desideratum is canonical and chronologically 5th in the Anaxverse series. However, it is completely stand alone as well, and can be enjoyed just as much even without previous other tales.
You have a choice, like in all Anaxverse games. Do you want to relax, kick back, and simply enjoy the compelling and interesting story, avoiding things like stats, items, currencies, and battles? Then, choose Story Mode! However, if you want to juggle resources, buy potions and weapons, and explore cryptid-infested places around Portland, Oregon - you can choose Game Mode (begins at chapter 5) and test your skills!
Like the Anaxverse tales of the last ten years, Desideratum is no different when it comes to the rich and abundant lore. As you play or read through the project, you unlock knowledge about almost every single or creature you encounter. Perfect fun for completionists. I am autistic with an eye for detail and I take every piece of canon incredibly seriously. Colorful and creepy characters paint the pages with personality. Once you start the game, you may not want to put it down until you reach the end of the dark, interesting, and compelling story.
The main gameplay aspect of Game Mode is playing as the fledgling monster hunter, Absinthe, and navigating through maps. By slaying monsters on your hunts, you will gain gold which you can spend at the House of Haggle, a whimsical shop ran by the sordid hobgoblin, Hobs Hornswaggle. You can buy weapons and potions from him. By utilizing different weapons and attacks you will be able to defeat the myriads of monsters. Some items can even instantly slay a foe, like silver bullets defeating a werewolf. The potions act as stat boosters, giving Absinthe greater abilities to help counteract the creatures’ attacks. And, after each hunt, you can choose to learn how to better utilize weapons, or become more intwined with the Blood Suit, corrupting yourself for greater powers.
So, what are you waiting for? Lose yourself in the dark, gritty Anaxverse today!
