Now that I am more familiar with how the Steam backend works after releasing Heli-Cats, I can finally bring Pryzm to the platform and utilize the various functions that allow me to realize the game's full potential.
Pryzm started out as an experimental browser game. Coming from a comics background, the adventure / visual novel genre is the most appropriate continuation for my kinds of stories. However, I am an arcade gamer at heart and such games run counter to the length of what is considered a "full" visual novel (which are usually overly long to the point of being superfluously written to reach a large word count). Pryzm is my attempt at condensing a full story-based game down to an arcade-like experience.
In essence, this is an adventure game that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, but can be replayed over and over to get a better result, namely a better time and end rank.
The preferable way to play is to perform a 1CC (one credit clear) like an arcade game. Every new run will randomize key parameters that will require the player to prioritize and adjust their escape strategy based on their goals. With enough runs, players should figure out the most optimal ways to get the best timings.
Players can also take their time with the story if they have no interest in getting the fastest clear times. The game has an auto-save that allows breaks in between. However, do note that there is only ONE auto-save, so save scumming has no benefit except to drain resources, and continuing disqualifies the run from the online leaderboards.
Thrown into the mix is an easy to learn turn-based combat system that hinges on a risk and reward system. Fight or flight becomes an important element that can result in crucial conservation or boosting of resources, or completely mess up a good run. Being arcade-like, game overs are always round the corner, so players must always weigh their decisions to avoid unrecoverable mistakes.
The Steam version of this game will feature many new upgrades to the original version such as new animations, revamped systems, expanded story elements, configurable controller support, achievements that guide players to learn the lore, and online speedrun leaderboards!
If any of the above interests you, please wishlist the game. More details will be posted in the future to help players understand the mechanics and special features. Thank you for considering my very non-mainstream / niche games!