古咒迷途 (lost curse)

Small-sized RPG with all the standard ingredients, but also platforming that doesn’t work because of bad camera and unreliable jump. The movement is mostly limited to the open path in front of you, but since you can jump, you can go pretty much anywhere as long as there’s something to jump on. This is even encouraged with sparkling spots that contain rewards such as money, items, or other bonuses. However, the jump isn’t reliable like in a platformer, so you often have to find a specific point to climb something, and you won’t jump if there’s anything in your way. Sadly, because of the many assets in the world, you can get stuck very easily if you’re the adventurous type and try to look everywhere. The game is aware of this issue. If it happens, you need to open the book in your inventory and teleport to the rest point. This should have been a quicker action, because you need to select several options to get yourself “unstuck.” Another issue is that the camera is pulled far too far back, so you can never see where you’re going because assets get in the way. This is a disaster when jumping over platforms that are high up. In the first area, for instance, you need to jump onto a r…

lost curse presents itself as a compact yet atmospheric journey into a realm shaped by ancient spells, spiritual forces, and hidden dangers. Developed and published by 拙画翁, the game embraces a distinctly old-school sensibility, focusing on turn-based strategy, deliberate pacing, and a narrative inspired by wuxia-style heroism. Instead of relying on flashy action, it cultivates an environment where every encounter and discovery carries weight. The opening premise immediately establishes a sense of mystery: a looming Demon God, a protagonist drawn into an ominous conspiracy, and an ancient temple whose secrets intertwine fate, curses, and the bond between humans and spirit companions. This foundation gives the game a mythic tone while still retaining the simplicity and earnest charm of a small, handcrafted indie adventure. At its core, the game revolves around traditional turn-based combat, favouring thoughtful decision-making over reflexes. Battles emphasize planning, resource management, and understanding skill synergies rather than rapid button-pressing. This approach recalls early JRPGs, where reading enemy behaviour and preparing the right equipment mattered far more than react…

I like the aesthetic and the music but I tried playing with both mouse/keyboard and controller (it says controller not supported on the steam page but it has instructions for controller use in-game) and I don't know how anyone can play this either way. Really disappointing.