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When a withdrawn virtual reality nerd has the opportunity to beta test a neural device that feels more “real” than reality itself, everything she assumed about the nature of existence is thrown into question.

Supernovas blaze in the night sky, but the gaming world is abuzz over a new virtual reality console. Jacob Lessard, developer of the Penta device, promises a neural experience more “real” than reality itself. But what does it truly mean for something to be real?

When Lilya arrives at InterMense to beta test the Penta, she expects to spend the weekend battling her social anxiety in exchange for the opportunity to enter the Vitalia simulation. But when Ben, another tester, refuses to leave the world of Vitalia, endangering his life, Lilya sees that she has become involved in something much more eye-opening than she realized. As Lilya, Ben, and Jacob’s fates intertwine, they must make some of the hardest decisions of their lives, and confront their own perceptions of the nature of existence.

In this interactive novel, your choices will shape Lilya and Jacob’s beliefs about what is real, or if reality even exists.

In development by Fancy Fish Games.

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Characters

This is where they begin. Where they go is up to you…

Lilya Martel

Lilya Martel

Lilya is in her early twenties, disillusioned, and sporadically attending a community college. Two years ago, she dropped out of an ivy league computer science program, and has been drifting, aimless, ever since. Cautious and untrusting, Lilya manages her tendency for social anxiety by spending most of her time online, in virtual reality.

In the popular VR MMO Full Realms, Lilya is “Lillight,” a badass, ultra high-level lightning mage. Her MMO buddies are her closest friends, although she’s never met them irl.
Jacob Lessard

Jacob Lessard

Jacob is in his late twenties, and living in Toronto. Cold and confident, he only seems truly alive while logged into Vitalia, the Penta’s flagship simulation. His groundbreaking work has become his only safe refuge, and the sole focus of his life.

Driven by a nearly obsessive sense of greater purpose, Jacob struggles to share “his” world with others. But what is his true aim? Has his social isolation only turned his brilliance to insanity?
Ben Evers

Ben Evers

Ben is a virtual reality enthusiast in his late teens, living in Los Angeles and working multiple minimum wage jobs to support himself. Cheerful and upbeat, most people would never guess that his life has been a constant struggle.

To take his mind off things, Ben plays Full Realms, the VR MMO, in his precious spare time. Thrilled to be a Penta beta tester, he has never felt as “right” as he does while in Vitalia.
Kumori

Kumori

Kumori is a mysterious inhabitant of Vitalia, the virtual world simulated by the Penta. Cunning and curious, Kumori’s comprehension and conversation skills are incredibly advanced - so much so that she seems almost human. She seems to has a close bond with Jacob, but the nature of this bond, and how it came about, is unclear.
Maggie Martel

Maggie Martel

Maggie is Lilya’s frustratingly optimistic, high-school aged younger sister. Friendly and resilient, Maggie is all but immune to the family drama around her. She aspires to become a novelist, taking up her father's failed dream.
Ed Martel

Ed Martel

Ed is Lilya’s father, a bitter failed novelist who works as a freelance technical writer to support his daughters. Ed is a goal-oriented person, and has high expectations for both himself and his daughters. He is concerned and disappointed that Lilya seems to have lost her way in life.
Umi

Umi

Umi is a watery being inhabiting Vitalia, who takes everything literally and does not understand why human speech is so ambiguous. Stubborn and slightly slow, he is nevertheless intensely loyal to Jacob, and would follow his lead to the ends of Vitalia.
Max Arwell

Max Arwell

Max is a first-year medical school student who was chosen as a Penta beta tester, along side Lilya and Ben. Despite her small stature, she is loud and can become fierce when her sense of justice is challenged.
Yuki

Yuki

Yuki is one of the oldest of the "spirits" of Vitalia. Proud, reserved, and with a constant slight aura of malice, he has a potent disdain for all of humanity.

  • Lilya Martel

    "I'm just not good at some things. Like going places. And talking to people."

  • Jacob Lessard

    "I wish I could keep it all to myself."

  • Ben Evers

    "Things only seem bad if you think they are. It's all in your perspective."

  • Kumori

    "I have many cat-like qualities. Among which are my superior intelligence and cleverness."

  • Maggie Martel

    "Don't read it! I'm not finished yet!"

  • Ed Martel

    "Technical writing was not what I had in mind when I decided to be a writer."

  • Umi

    "That information may be sensitive. I’m afraid I cannot say."

  • Max Arwell

    "I'm only trying to keep everyone safe."

  • Yuki

    "The human-thing is trying to speak to me again."

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About Us

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David Maletz

Programmer
Designer

I like creating games and new worlds to explore. I especially enjoy making games with interesting mechanics or twists.

Natalie Maletz

2D Artist
Writer

I'm Natalie! I'm an artist running on reference, strawberries, kitty cuddles and silly words.

Chase Bethea

Composer
Sound Designer

Chase Bethea is a freelance Composer, Sound Designer/Audio Engineer for Video Games and a variety of other Media.

© 2017 Fancy Fish Games