Healing Process: Tokyo is an interactive storytelling adventure game funding on Kickstarter with RPG elements that brings the game to a more conceptual basis. From its old school pixel art form to the bright colours and in depth-story, Healing Process: Tokyo most definitely has some deep emotions behind it.
The story starts off from the point of view of a surgeon, Charles Russell, whom is recovering from the mental illness, depression. After the loss of his wife and several failed surgeries, Charles is now battling the worst of his inner demons. Now he feels his life is on a downward spiral and it’s up the player, you, to change that. Your goal is to walk around his life through a simulation of Japan, interacting with people and objects to shift Charles’ emotion meters back to the right spot to keep his composure so his mind doesn’t take a turn for the worst ending possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMtLSN-AH4g
During your day leave from work, time ticks away until the next day, a huge day, Charles’ big surgery, the procedure that could change his life. While off of work, you must walk around a variety of locales including a shrine, cemetery, your own house, and more all the while completing objectives and conversing with people; some you know, many you don’t and they could be a key in helping Charles get through this rough, emotional time. Don’t worry though, the bus is on call whenever you want in the demo, but it won’t be that way in the full version so you may want to acquaint yourself with the timing mechanics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMGL5sC8pz0
Healing Process: Tokyo’s music is very calming and relaxing despite the message within the game itself. With scores by Sam L. Jones, whom both directed and created the game, there are plans to release a 14-track demo soundtrack.
The biggest issue I encountered playing the game was my numerous attempts to go to the bar. I tried and tried but no matter how many times I clicked, the bus kept taking me back to the cemetery, it’s a pretty place and the women in yukata’s were so elegant but after being there for about 3 – 4 times, I really wanted to go and interact with people other than those on the streets. Seeing the bright colours of the cemetery definitely was not a bad thing though. Despite some menial glitches in the demo, the game has the potential to be nothing short of great. In the full version, there’s said to be a massive world, plenty of easter eggs, and much more of a soundtrack than that of the demo. You’ll also be able to climb, swim and use a variety of other means of transportation other than the bus and running.
The main glitch with the bus has said to of been updated since the time I have played so I hope you all enjoy the demo for yourselves which can be downloaded from their Kickstarter page. If the Kickstarter goes well then we can expect to see the full version of Healing Process: Tokyo come November 2016.
