Pastoral (Act 1)

Huge thank you to IndieCade for featuring Pastoral (Act 1) in their 2022 IndieCade Horizons showcase!

Dror wakes up to find out that his friends have gone missing. While it is presumed that they were caught outside past curfew, and thus captured by the wickerthorn monsters, Dror is determined to save them from the unknown. As he explores his hometown greenhouse bubble, called a "botan," he struggles with his own identity, exploring the topic of aromanticism and other LGBTQ+ themes.

What is Pastoral (Act 1)?

Pastoral (Act 1) is a folk horror life-simulation game by Jason Allen of JdotGames for 1 player, created using GB Studio. The game primarily focuses on its narrative elements to enhance and drive gameplay. By combining the relaxing life-simulation gameplay of games such as Animal Crossing with folk horror story elements inspired by stories such as Midsommar, Pastoral (Act 1) creates a gaming experience unlike no other - all while also exploring commonly ignored LGBTQ+ themes. Exploring is at the top of the list in this game, as each and every character has a unique story to contribute to the overall plot of the game. Pastoral (Act 1) is available exclusively for download on itch.io, with plans for Acts 2 and 3 to release in the near future!

Pastoral (Act 1) Features:

• Set in the sci-fi/folk-horror world of Pastoral, inside the suburban Oeste botan
• Relaxing gameplay designed for 1 player
• Rewards for exploration
• Animal Crossing and other life-simulation mechanics such as farming, buying and selling, and progressive interactions with NPCs
• Engaging storyline that tell a deep narrative. Includes LGBTQ+ themes to highlight authentic experiences of the community in a fantasy world

Pastoral (Act 1) Controls:

Movement - WASD or Up/Left/Down/Right Arrows

Interact - Z

Interact with many different objects, such as beds, toilets, chairs, boxes, etc.!

Back - X

If you think you're stuck on a screen, try the back button!

Start - Enter

Select - Shift

Use the select button to open up the game menu, where you can check Dror's pockets, the time, and much more!

Credits:

Game Created by Jason Allen

Some sprites influenced by LimeZu