On December 16, 2024, TrySystem Inc. (CEO: Jinpachi Takeuchi), which operates the indie game label "WorldMap," opened the Steam store page for the point-and-click visual novel "Shoestrings Story", developed by KITTYPOOL.
The release is scheduled for the summer of 2025.
SteamページURL: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3380620/_/
In Japan, the game has already been featured by major media outlets:
- Denfaminicogamer (990K followers)
https://x.com/denfaminicogame/status/1868487709196706149
- Famitsu (1.1M followers)
https://x.com/famitsu/status/1868618707611898177
■Overview
The protagonist, a freelance writer named Love Catch, is unable to speak due to childhood trauma and has no combat experience. Yet, after helping a wounded, mysterious creature called a Mamono, they find themselves chosen to be a "Hero." Love Catch’s mission is to "persuade" a being known as the "Demon King," who is said to command the Mamono, and put an end to a 900-year-long war against them.
This point-and-click visual novel mercilessly updates the classic fantasy tale of "the hero defeating the demon king" into a starkly modern narrative where brute force is not the answer. What does it mean to be a hero? Will they receive a salary or compensation?
■Features
- A point-and-click visual novel
- Approximately 300,000 characters of narrative
- A wide variety of mini-games
- Retro pixel-art graphics
- A cast of unique characters
Feature Highlight #1: A Wide Variety of Mini-Games
In addition to the novel segments, the game offers a diverse selection of mini-games. From sneaking missions to safe-cracking, you might even find yourself carrying out some rather illicit tasks at times!
Feature Highlight #2: Retro Pixel-Art Graphics
At the heart of Shoestrings Story lies KITTYPOOL’s retro, one-of-a-kind pixel-art style. In addition, guest illustrators New-RICE, Suuca, and DemiseMAN have joined the production, further enriching the game’s visual presentation.
New-RICE：https://x.com/New_RICEmahana
Suuca：https://game-creators.camp/@suuca
DemiseMAN：https://www.deviantart.com/demiseman
Feature Highlight #3: Distinctive Characters
A talking dog and cat that speak in place of the protagonist, a supermarket manager dangling from the ceiling, a smoking girl dragging around a TV… The world of Shoestrings Story is full of characters who are quirky, strange, and somehow endearing. Enjoy encountering these mysterious yet charming personalities.
■Event Exhibition Information
We will be showcasing a playable demo at Tokyo Game Dungeon 7(JAPAN) on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Exclusive novelties will also be distributed at the venue on the day of the event.
- Title: Shoestrings Story
- Platform: PC (Planned Steam release)
- Genre: Point-and-Click Visual Novel
- System Requirements: TBA
- Release Date: Scheduled for 2025
- Price: TBA
- Developer: KITTYPOOL
- Publisher: WorldMap