ProtoViolence

About

In protoViolence - Definitive Edition, a sci-fi/drama visual novel and prequel to malViolence, players follow Dr. Deidre Destrange as she confronts the unethical consequences of her groundbreaking cybernetics research. With 2 hours of reading time, high-quality sprites and CGs, an original soundtrack, and partial voice acting, the game invites players to explore interactive records and navigate Deidre's quest to save STOP from itself. Featuring accessibility options and one potential ending, the game challenges players to consider the moral implications of scientific progress.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 50 reviews

story10 positive mentions

The game features a beautifully crafted emotional story with great writing, art, and sound design, making it a powerful experience.
It serves as an excellent prequel that expands on the original game, providing a different perspective on the characters and their struggles.
The presentation is polished, with unique formats like video recordings and text conversations that enhance immersion and engagement.

The game lacks the puzzles and multiple endings that were present in the original, which may disappoint some players.
As a kinetic novel, it can feel predictable and boring at times, relying heavily on dialogue without much interactivity.
Some players found the story to be slow at the beginning, which may deter those looking for a more immediate engagement.

story
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
62%
9%
The story is praised for its emotional depth and compelling writing, effectively addressing themes of systemic failure and personal struggle, particularly for marginalized individuals. Many reviewers found it to be a heart-wrenching experience that resonates deeply, especially for those who have faced similar challenges. The narrative is described as a beautifully crafted, self-contained short story that captivates players with its rich character development and impactful ending.
- “This is a great prequel that builds up to the story of the first.”
- “A really emotional story with great writing and camera work - incredible that this is free!”
- “Storywise, I have so much I could say, but it is just a clear representation of how the system fails kids - especially those who don't conform to expected standards.”
- “The story is heartbreaking to read (doubly so if you've read malviolence) and the final ending sequence is something truly special to experience.”
- “As someone who was ostracized by the American education system for being on the spectrum, this story hit incredibly hard.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting its beautifully crafted, heart-wrenching story and dynamic ending sequence that evoke strong feelings. The writing and camera work enhance the experience, making it a deeply impactful journey that resonates personally with players. Overall, the game is considered a remarkable emotional experience, especially given its free availability.
- “It was heartbreaking, painful but above all, beautifully crafted to the last detail.”
- “The story is heartbreaking to read (doubly so if you've read malviolence) and the final ending sequence is something truly special to experience.”
- “It hits close to home, it made me very emotional and overall, I love Pavel and Dee and I hope we get more of them in the future!”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The music in the game is highly praised for its evocative quality, enhancing the emotional depth of the story and characters. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as great, contributing to a heart-wrenching narrative and a dynamic ending sequence that contrasts with the overall tone of the visual novel.
- “The music is very evocative.”
- “The soundtrack is great, the story is heart-wrenching, and the ending sequence is incredibly dynamic after the intentionally sterile feeling of the rest of the visual novel.”
- “From the art direction to the writing to the music and design, I fell in love with these characters and the story even more than I already did playing Malviolence.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The graphics are praised for their quality artwork, complemented by partial voice acting that enhances the overall presentation.
- “The artwork is stunning and adds a lot to the overall experience.”
- “The graphics are beautifully designed, enhancing the immersive quality of the game.”
- “The visual style is impressive, making every scene a delight to behold.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The gameplay is highly praised, with users highlighting it as one of the standout features alongside the art, writing, and voice acting. Overall, it contributes to an exceptional gaming experience.
- “Art, gameplay, writing, and voice acting were all amazing.”