Sisyphean Mansion

That clifhanger is just cruel man lol

When Luck gave the key to Raymond, i was kinda expectimg this (Sadly, since Luck is my favorite character), but i think his relevancy in this loop is anything but over.

I have an theory that this could not be a direct sequel of Ray and Jacks loop (1s Luck/ 2nd Ray/ 3rd ? /4th Present) since there are some visible diferences.

Or there was an Loop before or after Lucks loop that happened before Rays (I still cant get Arthur getting the secret room out of luck and beeing hyper sus in Raymond 1st try when he and Lewis were hiding stuff).

Still, Lotte is still the most suspicious person, and i ll stand by that.

Great update, and waiting for the next!

So after reading this masterpiece I've noticed some typos and/or errorrs, like five or seven in total. I have no idea where to upload those so im just going to dump them here i guess (maybe should've taken screenshot of everything)

-Spoilers-

"1nd corridor", ig that was supposed to be 2 instead of 1 or st instead of nd, i don't want to remember where he lived

"between late nigh" i giggled here 

Just Jack nonchalantly saying Raymond's thoughts 

No idea about this one, now I'm done and don't know why I've taken screenshot of this. Might be because this was supposed to be Raymond's thought, and then someone was saying the same thing outloud? No idea so probably doesn't matter. 

All of these might be intentional, cuz what do i know, I'm not the dev. I don't have exact days when these lines happened so yeah, might be hard finding them. 

For context, I was so stressed throughout the entire thing, so these little mistakes were really noticable and helped with stress.  Not to hate on the project or anything. It was a nice breathe from all of dating romances on itch io. To the point where i had to pull out ai to figure out the Ceaser cipher. 

Just caught up now, and gotta say, I love this game, and I love the characters. I actually can relate with Raymond a lot, which I'm sure says something about me, but I don't know what!

-Spoilers-

The loop element definitely gave me strong Higurashi/Umineko vibes, which I like. Handled differently enough that it's also fairly fresh. I also love the relationship between Ray and Jack. I wasn't expecting Jack to go full yandere for Ray, but honestly it only made me root for their happy ending more!

As for some things I've noticed, during the second loop, the statue that was potentially used to kill Zack in the first was already gone. I don't know if that was intentional, but if it is, it could lead some credence to the killer remembering things between loops.

The other is those interesting tarot cards I found lying around... Makes me curious what their significance will be in the long run. I imagine it may play more into the supernatural aspects of the mansion, perhaps. But I am eager to find out later!

I don't have any concrete theories yet... I think what's more important for me right now than finding out who the killer is would be to first have a better idea of the rules. For instance, whether someone being believed dead would be enough to count for rhyme, or if the person has to truly be physically dead. The former definitely opens up possibilities for the killer to hide among the dead, a la the Alice theory. 

Spoilers 0.11 -  Found out this game just before traveling for the holidays and I've been craving to go back to my PC so I can replay some of the early game. I'm really loving how you write the characters (especially through the debates). I really loved how the loop affected the narrative. It gives higher dimension to think about the mystery and most importantly the reasons for the kills.

My theories (with spoilers) - After thinking a lot at night, I've put my tin foil hat and came with some theories and speculations. Right now the base ideas that I think of are: 

1. The theorized way to get out of the mansion by the Killers is by following the rhyme.
2. The secret rooms probably give you something if you achieve a certain condition (I'm 80% sure that the Death room gave the gun and one of the other 2 gives the master key).
3. There probably are more timelines that we are not aware of.

With that, my current theory is that we are currently on the fifth timeline and that Jack is the Sleep Killer and Alice and Layra being the gun duo (Layra betrayed Alice after realizing that Emily was alive), with Jack knowing one of the secret rooms. (I would write more about how I got to this conclusion, but writing on a phone is uncomfortable for me).

Now I beg from the bottom of my heart, PLEASE CONTINUE UPDATING THIS MASTERPIECE AND PROVE ME WRONG (or right, it would be a nice boost to my ego kkkkkkkkkkkkk). 

Spoiler 0.11 I- wow, just played the latest release and Raymond’s backstory was way worse than I expected ;-; I love our poor traumatized black kitty even more now. This update was such a nice read honestly, it’s like an early Christmas gift xD Honestly, Raymond being a killer makes me suspect that everyone in this mansion has murdered someone at some point in their life, which is their sin to atone in this mysterious place, though the circumstances are still very shrouded to us readers. I wonder what everyone else’s sin was that lead them here… Lewis being the first victim in the first iteration kinda makes me suspect him being the killer… He does have a brother who looks very similar to him, right? Mayyybeee the corpse they found was the brother? Hmmmmmmm…. nahh, he’s too precious to be the killer, right? …….Right? sweats profusely Also, that line that Jack said to Raymond, something something “my passion, my infatuation”… OwO Was that just a confession?!? I am excited where the story will go further, I’m cheering for the future of this novel! :3

Hey, its nice to see you are back!
So... I would talk about the update, but i kinda couldnt play it?
When they were theorizng about the timelines, it started showing this loading error message, since i could just brush it off i progressed normal, but at some point it tried to load it and just didnt loaded and i couldnt progress... Was hard stuck in the "Now Loading..." screen.
Hope its not a big problem, i ll talk about the update once its fixed! Good luck

Nice update! A lot of what I theorized ended up being right in the end. Lotte is definitely the most suspicious, and my question about Zack and Luck’s loops got answered. That cliffhanger was kinda evil…

I ran into a funny bug while playing. When I got to the part where I was supposed to go to Raymond’s room, I decided to explore instead. Since i  found Lewis, Arthur, and Lotte I went looking for Luck and Zack. While exploring the mansion, when I entered the infirmary, the cutscene where we met Joshua, Lotte, and Lewis triggered again but this time their sprites weren’t there, so it was like i was talking to nobody. After that, I was (kinda) sent back in time, and the game continued as if I had just passed that part. For my own peace of mind, I reseted the game, so I don’t know if it would cause any problems beyond just wasting time.

Cant wait for the next update, keep up the good work!

I FINALLY found the time to play the new build and omg I love it. We got time to spend with Layra and I gotta say that I like her a lot now, also I did not expect the twist at the end so im very curious on what's gonna happen next. Anyways keep up the good work and don't overwork yourself !

I can't believe that it finished when it was just getting good. Another peak update tho, and it's cool to get some character development with her, kinda like her now ngl, the aspect of the supernatural is also cool, the implications are very very interesting. Btw there are some misspellings.  Keep up the good work!

Another peak update. The title name now makes sense with the supernatural element, the implications tho are interesting, I love this so much, and I do agree that this should be more popular as per the previous comments, keep up the hard work!

Severly underrated, personally i had a great time playing this game, the story writting is impressive, and while art could be a lil better i honestly didn't mind much i think it has its own charm, also the game can pretty funny at times so thats bonus points. In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend to at least give the game a try, cause the dev clearly put in so much effort and love to make this game and I find it unfair that it doesn't much recognition.

Spoiler 0.9

I love this update. I totally did not expect the timeloop at the end of the week, but this explains why Luck and Zack were behaving weird at the start of the game. This brings up so many more questions too and I’m just like, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT ARGGGGGHHHHH. xD

I can’t wait to see what exactly Luck and Zack experienced in the previous loop(s?) that explains why they are so aggressive/distrusting towards Raymond. I assume there are two different realities based on what choice we made in the beginning, that is being worried for Zack or just leaving him alone in his room (referring to his crying or angry face when Raymond holds his hand in the museum).

Lewis’ room had a photo frame describing a black lizard that looks like him, and at first I didn’t think anything much of this piece of information. When I replayed the game to unlock Path D, I noticed Alice’s dialogue mentioning her brother being friends with a certain black lizard that looks like Lewis! I was so glad to coincidentally find the connection between Alice and Lewis :D I suspect that maybe Lewis’ father cheated on his family, though I am curious what explanation you will reveal ;)

Since Raymond and Jack looped back together, I wonder if Luck and Zack will have forgotten their memories of their previous loop, or if they will somehow work together with Raymond and Jack. Though I also suspect that Raymond and Jack will face animosity from everyone for being suspicious by knowing Layra’s name…

There is so much potential how this story could turn out due to the introduction of the timelooping and I am excited to see more content of your excellent storywriting! :3

Though I wonder, will you write the other Routes (Lewis, Arthur, Luck) first before releasing Chapter 2, or will you focus finishing Jack’s Route and Paths entirely, and then afterwards start on another Route?

Anyways, I hope your VN gains more attention it deserves and wish you lots of success and a nice day! :D

Just finished the newest build. This has been such a great way to feed my crippling "death game" game addiction. :3

SPOILER

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I already suspected some kind of time loop (reason I mentioned Ichinose Family Deadly Sins in a previous comment and the "Sisyphean" in the name kinda gives that vibe), but I didn’t expect Jack to loop with us.

I was glad that Raymond eventually understood how killing Jack would break the "Pairs" motive, it was my first thought during that scene.

And going for that those who survive the loop retain the memories, it kinda explains Lucks and Zacks connection. But if thats the case, I wanna know if previous loops would still take place or get completely rewritten (Assuming Luck survived with Zack once, would that loop still take place? Like, for Luck he just looped and doesnt remember Raymonds loop).

The only thing that kinda makes sense to me is that the killer must also loop, even after dying, which would explain a lot (information advantage and killing Zack First cause he was unstable and maybe connected some dots), and it would make the mystery harder to solve.

And my guess is that the loops only end if the lullaby happens, since thats looks like the idea the killer wants.

But it's hard to theorize in a mystery with supernatural elements.

Still, that doesnt stop me lol.

Its pretty good so far. Luck is by far the most intriguing character for me, just love the way he rationalizes everything.

Taking random guesses about the possible culprit:

Raymond is out cause i wanna follow Knox (I know that u already said you wouldnt, but at least that i think it takes some merit, since u keep refering him as the detective).

Jack is out of the way, since if my guess that the culprit wants the lullaby to take place, he would just kill Raymond in the last day and that would be it.

Lotte using the plural for herself, wich is strange, so it could be some double personality? Would be kinda stupid, but it tracks.

I Agree with Raymond, Luck was so suspicious that being him its kinda impossible to believe, the same goes for Zack.

Layra, Jason, Arthur and Emily are too genuine, they would need to be "master manipulators" (cringe title, but didnt think in anything else) for pulling so much off, so its hard to doubt them.

Lewis gave a lot of info and i kinda doubt the culprit would write a diary, so it would be to hard to be him.

So that leaves Alice, Joshua and Lotte... Yeah, no idea how that would work.

And i still have no idea how to connect any possible theory with the Code and the book, the only thing that i can guess its that this is some kind of limbo, but nothing concrete...

Looking forward to future updates!

whenever I open the map I can't seem to close it, same with the tarot card

Spoiler 0.8

Oh lord, this update was not what I expected. I am so sad that Emily, Arthur and Lewis died, I liked those three characters the most so far T_T let’s hope they survive in the other routes xD I find it funny how the remaining characters I trust the least (Layra, Lotte, Luck) are still alive haha

The Vinegar (hehe) Cipher was an interesting puzzle… but also new LORE!!! I pasted the text into a decoder and noticed some mistakes, like “ztsef” being repeated, which messed up the rest of the message. There are still some words that are wrong even after removing the repeated “ztsef”. The random choice of words confused me at first, but I managed to figure out the hidden message behind these words in the end! :D

“no more rooks, no more bishops, no more knights, no more queen, no mo(re king)” “it’s the pawns arc revolution”

Just… what’s going on with that mansion? Who are the chess pieces representing? What is this revolution about? What do the gods have to do with anything here? How did Emily, Arthur and Lewis die? This all comes back to what Zack warned Raymond about before his death, we are underestimating the mansion… Just what did he know?

You have piqued my curiosity once again, good job Noble Shamrock! :D

this is interesting, can't wait for more updates, also can't wait for Luck's route

Hey, I was expecting someone to have already mentioned this, but since that isnt the case, Im going to ask myself.
For some reason, when I tried to play, it kept spamming the confirmation button (I don’t know which one, but it’s the one that opens the menu in the game), and I can’t do anything about it. I start the game, and it behaves as if Im constantly mashing the button. I removed my keyboard and the problem persisted. Do you have any idea why this would happen?

Spoiler!

This game was sooo good! I love the protagonist so far and there is such a huge mystery behind everything and everyone. Jack is such a lovely guy, I hope nothing bad happens to him xD

What's up with Zack? Why does he and Luck seem to know Raymond? What did he do to make them so aware of him? Why did he get teary-eyed when Raymond held his hand? What's up with Raymond's family? What do the numbers have to do with everything?

Also, "Presa Por Conta Do Luto De Seu Filho" and "Preso Por Abandonar Os Que Ama"....... HMMMM??? *sussy eyes*

My theory is that everyone in the mansion died in the real world and must now repent for some sin they did, but how are they all connected and why are there so many people? Is it a coincidence that all of them are from the same place, and that they all died at the same time? But then again, Zack and Luck seem to know something about this mansion, so maybe my afterlife theory is wrong...?

One mystery after another and so many questions, I just can't wait for the next update to come out! Just what an amazing work, I hope you will keep this up!  :D

It's hard to say but, yep..... again. Now it happened after first debate in prologue. Maybe I should turn language in my system to Spanish(it your native language, isn't it? Sorry if I wrong). Also, maybe you give me your work email there I can report about all bugs, because I don't want to spam "negative" comments about bugs here on itch. I apologize again for making problems(because I didn't see other comments about bugs haha.... :( Thank's for yur responding and for fixing the game promptly 

So, me again, and again another bug. It happens then I play mini game Steal the Pile  for the first time(in prologue). I hope i added image, because it is a bit bagged. If it is not theres is an error:Failed to download: 1Option22SegundaOp%C3%A3oPrimeiroStealthePile1.rpgmvp 

Sorry for bothering you, I don't touch any files, unpacking all correctly, maybe it's just my computer, idk, if you don't want to work with it I understand, sorry again, i just really like story

and yes, it softlocked me again, becaus I have infinite loading after that, and can't save too

So, i download this game today. unpack file without touching anything and i have this softlock(photo). the moment it takes is prologue, first location, first meeting wih Layra. What should I do?

I loved the game!
During my gameplay i came up with some 2 typos, one was in the encounter with Zack, and the other was during the prologue when Emily was searching for the documents.
 But i gotta say, wasnt expecting this last scene at all, during most of the prologue i tought they were in a similar situation to the manga of Ichinose Deadly Sins, but that would not explain a lot of stuff in the chapter 1.
Either way keep up with the good work, im waiting for your next update!

Do I need WinRar to play?

Great job on the story, it really drew me in! I find the characters to be really well-developed and varied. Looking forward to the full release!

Wanted to report a bug.  During the investigation segment of the outdoor area, you can try to leave during this bottom right exit, and the game will warn you, but unlike the other exits, it won't turn you around and spit you out...you just get stuck there and can't reach the menu.

Just a suggestion, you might want to mention that the platform is Windows-only (AFAICT). There’s no OS information whatsoever here on the project page, that I can see.

I can only imagine the undertaking a project like this entails. And this was a wonderful beginning. Will each route have it's own unique story or will there be a general overlap of how things happen between them?