Occhiolism by moonlightbomber
A visual novel about a woman's limited space and her boyfriend's efforts to put a stop to it.

Story
John Oscar has just rescued Patty Nicole from a traumatic experience, and the two stick together like glue ever since.
However, during one of their dates, he discovers something distressing about her, which has something to do with limited space.
Time is of the essence for this couple.
Credits
Conceptualization, Story, UI Design, Programming, and Debugging
Benedict “Moonlight Bomber” Villariaza
Character Design and Sprites
crug63r (https://crug63r.itch.io/)
Noraneko Games (https://noranekogames.itch.io/)
Mad Scientist (https://twitter.com/mad_scientist92)
| Link | https://dagitabsoft.itch.io/occhiolism |
| Link | https://dagitabsoft.itch.io/occhiolism |
| Link | https://dagitabsoft.itch.io/occhiolism |
| Original URL | https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/54/occhiolism |
Ratings
| Overall | 1031th | 2.95⭐ | 42🧑⚖️ |
| Fun | 1052th | 2.654⭐ | 41🧑⚖️ |
| Innovation | 1011th | 2.671⭐ | 40🧑⚖️ |
| Theme | 1023th | 2.829⭐ | 40🧑⚖️ |
| Humor | 707th | 2.597⭐ | 38🧑⚖️ |
| Mood | 932th | 2.959⭐ | 39🧑⚖️ |
| Given | 192🗳️ | 60🗨️ |
The photos in the mall were immersive! Felt like a travel with the characters.
But instead of focusing on that, the game focuses on the dynamic between John Oscar and Patty Nicole. Which is too one-sided. It's almost as if she isn't human, just an obstacle between a good date and the main character, or a pet to care for in some other times. It was uncomfortable to play :(
I would have appreciated more insights into what goes into their heads. What is Patty feeling when her trauma is triggered? How does John Oscar feel when he cannot help? How do they feel this might affect their relationship? How do they feel after the incident has happened? Like, is the day ruined or do they find another way to be happy together?
Regarding the ending, I think it is meant to be inspiring, with the main character promising to avenge his girlfriend. But that also left me with a sour taste. That would be like "an eye for an eye", perpetuating violence. I think John Oscar should focus on helping Patty Nicole heal, not avenge her.
Maybe I was just not the target audience for this novel, sorry.

Bit off-topic ig?:
I was a bit confused on the game's position on cake smashing. I never saw this myself and I don't think we do it in my country at all, but I watched a video about it and it sounds quite dangerous as many cakes have wooden/metal/plastic supports in them and you can pierce a person's eye and kill them, and if one partner does it to another w/o discussing it prior and getting their consent to this, I think I understand why another partner would want a divorce after that betrayal of trust. Maybe I misunderstood your position from the dialogue, but wanted to put my opinion out there just in case.