Every time a new RPG comes out, it’s always about those big brave adventurers. Now, why is that? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying experiencing their heroic deeds is bad or boring, heaven forbid. But just once, it’d be nice to experience a different angle, you know? Like, oh I don’t know, an innkeeper in a small village? An innkeeper like Lyric, the protagonist of A Story Beside, a game in which the focus is not on ‘great heroic deeds’, but instead… everyday life in a small village. Groovy.
That said, while the village is a small and quiet place, there’s still plenty going on and your decisions could potentially affect the entire community. So be careful with the choices you make as you embark on this innkeeper’s journey. Befriend the locals as you see fit, perhaps even romance one or more as you get to truly know them, but always keep in mind that actions have very real consequences. And you’ll be living in this place for a very long time, decades even, so the last thing you’ll want is to make an enemy out of the farmers. Or the blacksmith. Or anyone, really.
The quaint apothecary shop next door, the creaky old windmill on the hill, the cottage beyond the wooded path… these are the humble but cherished places that are dear to Lyric’s heart.
As time goes by, little by little, everyone will change – for better or worse. Oh, and I do mean everyone. According to the developer, even Lyric’s appearance and personality will gradually change from the humble innkeeper we were introduced to at the beginning of A Story Beside. Speaking of… seeing how games like Life is Strange and To The Moon are listed as direct inspirations, we should probably expect quite the emotional rollercoaster while in the shoes of Lyric. More or less, depending on whether you choose to pursue certain relationships or not, of course, but an emotional rollercoaster, surely. Heck, after watching the trailer below again, I’m genuinely hoping that will be the case. We’ll just have to wait and see, though.
A Story Beside is scheduled for a Steam release in 2019.
