Wow! This is a beautifully delivered story. It elegantly navigates the complexities of the human condition while providing an edifying message about broadening our perspectives and taming our inclinations toward misinformed criticism of others. I'm blown away at the artistry here. Outstanding.
Beautiful, atmospheric, and masterfully written game — as someone who fled my hometown as soon as I possibly could, Sara's dialogue really resonates with me. I'm not sure I totally agree with the game's takeaway message, but poignant all the same. Bravo!
I think I've run into a bit of a bug. After visiting Maria's place, when I go to talk to the police officer the dialogue is the same as when you first meet him. After finishing the dialogue and exiting the police hq, the screen loads and Sara appears on the left of the screen, like I just came in from there (like in the picture), instead of coming out of the police hq. I tried loading the game again but the same thing happens every time.
An absolutely beautifully told story. I won't lie when I say I teared up at the end!! Can't wait to see more from you guys, you extremely talented devs, you <3
This was such a great short story game. I love the art style and the story. I can't believe how good the soundtrack is. Below is a long rant review about what I feel about the end of the story. Lol sorry.
I know it's somewhat Sarah's fault for what happened in the end, but I feel like the game trying to make the player think it's all Sarah's fault for the friendship to end. Sorry if I accidentally switch the character's names together. Sarah is the protagonist, Maria is the dead best friend.
Sarah probably has a poor childhood, as she's growing up in her grandparents' care and I can't recall if she has any living parents. This will cause her to have emotional issues as maybe her grandparents were not really there for her and don't give Sarah much affection because they're old or just neglecting her. This causes her to have a moody and mischievous side when growing up, as shown by the police officer who told her she's always a thief even if she did it when she's 14.
And also Sarah grows up resenting the idea of a god because she thinks how could a god made her like that and not give her loving parents. That's just my speculation on why she's having problems with the church in the game.
And when growing up without someone to care for you, it's hard to be nice towards people and have a positive outlook for life. That is until when Sarah met Maria and instantly became best friends. For the first time ever, she found happiness.
Now imagine this, you're Sarah and you finally found someone who actually cares and loves you for the first time. What happens if things suddenly change? If that said someone suddenly chooses one thing, over you?
Of course, Sarah going to lash out and try to be distant with Maria as that's her basic response when she thinks her emotions get mistreated. I know it's selfish, but she can't help it as her childhood is always been like that. She feels her best friend is willing to broke their promise about leaving town together and be successful with each other. She felt betrayed and abandoned.
She doesn't understand the importance of having a loving husband and the feeling when having a child, because like I said, she was robbed of that empathy in her childhood and she probably never have any romantic partner to demonstrate it.
So when she left, she felt betrayed and went to Stockholm and becomes a successful writer (or whatever career you choose) out of spite. And when the spite slowly fades away, she's on autopilot and continues with her life in the big city.
Also, one thing I wanna point out is, why didn't Maria try to visit or talk with Sarah before the tragedy happen? They have a decade before the tragedy happens. I understand from a storytelling narrative is to build up tension/drama for the two characters. But if this is in real life, that's just dumb if both of them didn't do it. Maria could visit her sooner is what I'm saying.
Maybe Maria somewhat feels guilty over the years for making her best friend run away and the guilt slowly builds inside of her mind. Maria maybe tries to contact Sarah but we all know Sarah's still blames Maria for her betrayal and builds a wall around herself so she can't be hurt again. And that troubles Maria as she really does feel sorry for her actions and she still loves her best friend.
And also, Lena, Maria's sister is quite a bitch. I know she's lashing out because she's angry her sister died and blames it on Sarah, but she could have been nicer, or a bit mature. I don't hate the writing on this part because in real life, things like this actually happen and different people process grief differently. She blames Sarah for everything but she herself doesn't understand the whole story between her sister and Sarah, and she doesn't even care enough to look at it from Sarah's point of view.
Overall, I love the game despite how short it is because games like this are where I like to put myself inside the protagonist's shoes and try to understand everything that happens and the actions they're taken. Thank you for creating this short masterpiece.
10/10 - Sarah should marry Jakob and tries to raise his son just to make Lena mad.
I played your game, amazing story graphics and music I really love it. My friend and I really would like to translate your game into Turkish. If you are interested, contact me via this email address: meliksahcivitt@gmail.com
Incredible game, with a great atmosphere, art, music, and everything as a whole combining into a glorious masterpiece. Short and sweet, and I will recommend to others.
An interesting game with beautiful visuals for a pixel art game. It was short and sweet, a story that just proved myself wrong in the way i thought about certain characters. I like the intro music and i just felt however the game could have made use of a few more music in it though its a short game so i guess its fine. Overall i loved it and was quite emotional to me. I made a series on this game and my first part is out. Good job devs i am expecting more good stuff from you'll! Best of luck!
I think you guys made a remarkable job in this. Visually, musically, narratively all was very cleverly well done. Surprisingly incredible.
I discovered this little gem in the itch.io highlights video, congrats on that to! Very well deserved! I can not emphasize how much this type of game motivates my to pursue my indie game dreams, so thanks to that too.
Well written, well implemented... this is a reference to my future game for sure. I can't wait to see more of you guys. Keep on doing great games!
============================================== Spoilers below because I described a bug behaviour. I expected that help you guys to fix it :) My game is on latest version (26/06/2021).
Like thechosen1, Sunset Moth and Sofox; after visiting Jakob's house I found a receipt of alcohol and try to talk with the officer at the police station. In the way I activaly tried to talk to Elsa (the florist) but nothing new happens. Walking furthermore Sara enter automatically in the police station, where the same dialog loops indefinitely (the first one, that I already seen before).
Searching in the comments I found what suppose to happen next. So I only try to talk again with Elsa but now the new dialog appears and the story returns to move forward again. After that Filip appears in front of the dinner again and the police station door does not automatically make Sara alwaysenters whilst passing by.
The story, the art, I am hard-pressed to find one thing about this game I do not like. A wonderful experience crafted by some truly amazing and talented people. very much recommend.
From the masterpiece to story-wise, it was beautiful. A good quality game that you can feel emotional towards its story. The perfect sound for every scenery as the story unravels piece by piece. I thought it would've be more about a mystery but nonetheless, I definitely liked it very much.
I was enjoying the game quite a fair bit. gorgeous pixelated artwork, solid story, great music, good atmosphere until I encountered a game breaking bug at the police station. after going inside to question the officer the game keeps kicking me back out side to before I have even spoken to him. so sadly for me I can no longer progress any further.
This game was simply.. Amazing. The visuals, the music, the story were near perfect and really breathtakingly well done. Visuals and music were enthralling and something that never got old, the story as it unravelled was really intriguing and really kept the game going as well. Everything was so well thought out and so well done, it was such a great game.
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Wow! This is a beautifully delivered story. It elegantly navigates the complexities of the human condition while providing an edifying message about broadening our perspectives and taming our inclinations toward misinformed criticism of others. I'm blown away at the artistry here. Outstanding.
🔴 NEW HOW WE KNOW WE'RE ALIVE GAMEPLAY VIDEO ON MY CHANNEL⭐
COME WATCH AND ENJOY ✅
I love love the game soo much. Beautiful game and has a good soundtrack! 10000/10 would recommend!
I always love games like this.
havent played it but i love it already
Beautiful, atmospheric, and masterfully written game — as someone who fled my hometown as soon as I possibly could, Sara's dialogue really resonates with me. I'm not sure I totally agree with the game's takeaway message, but poignant all the same. Bravo!
I think I've run into a bit of a bug. After visiting Maria's place, when I go to talk to the police officer the dialogue is the same as when you first meet him. After finishing the dialogue and exiting the police hq, the screen loads and Sara appears on the left of the screen, like I just came in from there (like in the picture), instead of coming out of the police hq. I tried loading the game again but the same thing happens every time.
Wonderful. So sad, and of course so well made.
I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE GAME. GOOD WORK 100/10
beatiful game. congratulations! Loved the theme song.
man this is really sad but also really good
this really gave me feelings <3
beautiful!
An absolutely beautifully told story. I won't lie when I say I teared up at the end!! Can't wait to see more from you guys, you extremely talented devs, you <3
This was such a great short story game. I love the art style and the story. I can't believe how good the soundtrack is. Below is a long rant review about what I feel about the end of the story. Lol sorry.
------------------------------------------------------------------
*Spoiler*
I know it's somewhat Sarah's fault for what happened in the end, but I feel like the game trying to make the player think it's all Sarah's fault for the friendship to end. Sorry if I accidentally switch the character's names together. Sarah is the protagonist, Maria is the dead best friend.
Sarah probably has a poor childhood, as she's growing up in her grandparents' care and I can't recall if she has any living parents. This will cause her to have emotional issues as maybe her grandparents were not really there for her and don't give Sarah much affection because they're old or just neglecting her. This causes her to have a moody and mischievous side when growing up, as shown by the police officer who told her she's always a thief even if she did it when she's 14.
And also Sarah grows up resenting the idea of a god because she thinks how could a god made her like that and not give her loving parents. That's just my speculation on why she's having problems with the church in the game.
And when growing up without someone to care for you, it's hard to be nice towards people and have a positive outlook for life. That is until when Sarah met Maria and instantly became best friends. For the first time ever, she found happiness.
Now imagine this, you're Sarah and you finally found someone who actually cares and loves you for the first time. What happens if things suddenly change? If that said someone suddenly chooses one thing, over you?
Of course, Sarah going to lash out and try to be distant with Maria as that's her basic response when she thinks her emotions get mistreated. I know it's selfish, but she can't help it as her childhood is always been like that. She feels her best friend is willing to broke their promise about leaving town together and be successful with each other. She felt betrayed and abandoned.
She doesn't understand the importance of having a loving husband and the feeling when having a child, because like I said, she was robbed of that empathy in her childhood and she probably never have any romantic partner to demonstrate it.
So when she left, she felt betrayed and went to Stockholm and becomes a successful writer (or whatever career you choose) out of spite. And when the spite slowly fades away, she's on autopilot and continues with her life in the big city.
Also, one thing I wanna point out is, why didn't Maria try to visit or talk with Sarah before the tragedy happen? They have a decade before the tragedy happens. I understand from a storytelling narrative is to build up tension/drama for the two characters. But if this is in real life, that's just dumb if both of them didn't do it. Maria could visit her sooner is what I'm saying.
Maybe Maria somewhat feels guilty over the years for making her best friend run away and the guilt slowly builds inside of her mind. Maria maybe tries to contact Sarah but we all know Sarah's still blames Maria for her betrayal and builds a wall around herself so she can't be hurt again. And that troubles Maria as she really does feel sorry for her actions and she still loves her best friend.
And also, Lena, Maria's sister is quite a bitch. I know she's lashing out because she's angry her sister died and blames it on Sarah, but she could have been nicer, or a bit mature. I don't hate the writing on this part because in real life, things like this actually happen and different people process grief differently. She blames Sarah for everything but she herself doesn't understand the whole story between her sister and Sarah, and she doesn't even care enough to look at it from Sarah's point of view.
Overall, I love the game despite how short it is because games like this are where I like to put myself inside the protagonist's shoes and try to understand everything that happens and the actions they're taken. Thank you for creating this short masterpiece.
10/10 - Sarah should marry Jakob and tries to raise his son just to make Lena mad.
Wow, thank you I was so much suspense till the very end.
Part 2:
A tug at my heartstrings ... are there multiple endings?
SO enthralling thank you!! Here's PART 1 if you want to see all the voices I gave everyone:
Such a good game, simple plot and a magnific art direction. Just vibing this game.
same
I Love the Game. A lot of lesson to be learned. Train wreck of emotions. Hope to play more of your games. Keep up the good work.
Here's my gameplay:
This game is beautiful.
I like the art can you provide some insight about the canvas size you use when you work on the characters?
I played your game, amazing story graphics and music I really love it. My friend and I really would like to translate your game into Turkish. If you are interested, contact me via this email address: meliksahcivitt@gmail.com
Very incredible style. The story was interesting too. Loved the game
Wow.
Incredible game, with a great atmosphere, art, music, and everything as a whole combining into a glorious masterpiece. Short and sweet, and I will recommend to others.
Hi just one small thing. For your launch script you have the Linux executable named wrong, it's "HWKWA_Linux_x86.x86".
I have this linux issue...
./HWKWA_Linux_x86.x86
Invalid MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1 keyInvalid MIT-MAGIC-COOKIE-1 keySet current directory to /HWKWA_linux
Found path: /Downloads/HWKWA_linux/HWKWA_Linux_x86.x86
Mono path[0] = '/Downloads/HWKWA_linux/HWKWA_Linux_x86_Data/Managed'
Mono config path = '/Downloads/HWKWA_linux/HWKWA_Linux_x86_Data/Mono/etc'
Unable to preload the following plugins:
ScreenSelector.so
Display 0 'JT178x4 17"': 1280x1024 (primary device).
Logging to .config/unity3d/Motvind Studios/HOW WE KNOW WE'RE ALIVE/Player.log
ALSA lib dlmisc.c:254:(snd1_dlobj_cache_get) Cannot open shared library /usr/lib/alsa-lib/libasound_module_pcm_pipewire.so
ALSA lib dlmisc.c:254:(snd1_dlobj_cache_get) Cannot open shared library /usr/lib/alsa-lib/libasound_module_pcm_pipewire.so
I install the pipewire alsa package and my entire sound system go down, and the game without sound.
So I uninstall the pipewire alsa package and the sound system is now up ;).
I'm going to check in window I hope I have better luck¡¡¡.
I use OpenSuse 15.2 leap with kde 5 desktop.
An interesting game with beautiful visuals for a pixel art game. It was short and sweet, a story that just proved myself wrong in the way i thought about certain characters. I like the intro music and i just felt however the game could have made use of a few more music in it though its a short game so i guess its fine. Overall i loved it and was quite emotional to me. I made a series on this game and my first part is out. Good job devs i am expecting more good stuff from you'll! Best of luck!
this game have a diffrent feel for a 2d game . I love the gameplay , goodjob dev :) here is my gameplay
very good job. continue making masterpiece
I think you guys made a remarkable job in this. Visually, musically, narratively all was very cleverly well done. Surprisingly incredible.
I discovered this little gem in the itch.io highlights video, congrats on that to! Very well deserved! I can not emphasize how much this type of game motivates my to pursue my indie game dreams, so thanks to that too.
Well written, well implemented... this is a reference to my future game for sure. I can't wait to see more of you guys. Keep on doing great games!
==============================================
Spoilers below because I described a bug behaviour. I expected that help you guys to fix it :) My game is on latest version (26/06/2021).
Like thechosen1, Sunset Moth and Sofox; after visiting Jakob's house I found a receipt of alcohol and try to talk with the officer at the police station. In the way I activaly tried to talk to Elsa (the florist) but nothing new happens. Walking furthermore Sara enter automatically in the police station, where the same dialog loops indefinitely (the first one, that I already seen before).
Searching in the comments I found what suppose to happen next. So I only try to talk again with Elsa but now the new dialog appears and the story returns to move forward again. After that Filip appears in front of the dinner again and the police station door does not automatically make Sara alwaysenters whilst passing by.
Loved it. Thank you.
Hello sir, I hope you are good. This work is great, good job. Could you bring this game for android? I will very appreciate If you do that. Respects.
The story, the art, I am hard-pressed to find one thing about this game I do not like. A wonderful experience crafted by some truly amazing and talented people. very much recommend.
damn bro this is so good im crying rn
From the masterpiece to story-wise, it was beautiful. A good quality game that you can feel emotional towards its story. The perfect sound for every scenery as the story unravels piece by piece. I thought it would've be more about a mystery but nonetheless, I definitely liked it very much.
I was enjoying the game quite a fair bit. gorgeous pixelated artwork, solid story, great music, good atmosphere until I encountered a game breaking bug at the police station. after going inside to question the officer the game keeps kicking me back out side to before I have even spoken to him. so sadly for me I can no longer progress any further.
Same.. I didn't know anything about the game, and after 5 minutes i was sobbing.. too close to home 😢
This game was simply.. Amazing. The visuals, the music, the story were near perfect and really breathtakingly well done. Visuals and music were enthralling and something that never got old, the story as it unravelled was really intriguing and really kept the game going as well. Everything was so well thought out and so well done, it was such a great game.