Runt of the Litter
- February 23, 2017
- Choice of Games
A charming story within a world not too complex, but not too bland, Runt of the Litter takes very little time in getting one interested in the little runt that is your very own gryphon. In addition to a well written story, it is interesting enough to make me want to go back and try a different path to see all the outcomes. I would love to see a sequel of some sort out of this.
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreSteal and raise a baby war gryphon! Will you fight dragons together to save the empire, or defy the empire and lead your people to freedom? Runt of the Litter is a 150,000 word interactive fantasy novel by Kelly Sandoval, where your choices control the story. It's entirely text-based—without graphics or sound effects—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination.
Reviews
- The game features an engaging and imaginative story that allows players to bond with their gryphon, making it an enjoyable experience.
- The characters are well-written with distinct personalities, contributing to a believable social dynamic within the game's world.
- The variety of choices and potential outcomes adds replay value, allowing players to explore different paths and endings.
- The game is notably short, with many players feeling that it ends abruptly and lacks a satisfying conclusion.
- Some choices feel inconsequential, leading to a sense that player decisions do not significantly impact the storyline.
- The use of non-binary pronouns feels forced and can disrupt immersion, as it is not well-integrated into the medieval fantasy setting.
- story54 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its engaging premise and emotional depth, particularly in the context of bonding with gryphons. However, several critiques highlight its brevity, lack of character development, and a somewhat abrupt ending, leaving readers wanting more substance and exploration of the narrative. While the interactive elements allow for some choice, they often do not significantly alter the overall storyline, leading to a sense of missed potential.
“I loved every minute of it, the story is amazing, the choices are great, it's very emotional at times too!”
“By the end, I felt truly connected to the story and honestly I was sad to see it end.”
“The choices are interesting, the story is wonderful, and the writing is lovely.”
“It's a good tale, but I'm an avid reader and the story was too simple for me.”
“Overall, if you love gryphons and the idea of bonding with one, I would recommend the game, just be aware that your choices are more centered around your characters than impacting the storyline.”
“My biggest complaint is that it feels like there should be more of this story--more meat in the middle and something to carry it forward past the end.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game deeply impactful, with many expressing feelings of sadness and trauma due to the story's events and character connections. The narrative and choices evoke strong emotions, making players feel a personal attachment to their in-game companions, such as the gryphon. Overall, the game successfully elicits a range of emotions, enhancing the overall experience.
“I loved every minute of it; the story is amazing, the choices are great, and it's very emotional at times too!”
“The concept was great; the story made me feel as if my gryphon was my pet.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in this choose-your-own-adventure game is minimal and feels rushed, with some players finding the use of modern, gender-neutral pronouns jarring in a historical context that doesn't align with such representations. Overall, the lack of depth in character arcs detracts from the storytelling experience.
“Character development, as I indicated above, is not very prevalent in this CYOA.”
“The minimal character development, somewhat rushed overarching storyline, and unnecessary use of modern, gender-neutral pronouns in a setting where hermaphroditic people would be considered unnatural and worthy of the stake were somewhat off-putting for me.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the variety of gryphon breeds and personalities, which enhances the game's replayability by encouraging exploration of different combinations and experiences.
“The variety of gryphon breeds and personalities adds a delightful layer to the game, enhancing its replay value.”
“Each playthrough feels unique due to the different choices and outcomes, making me want to dive back in again.”
“The dynamic world and evolving storylines ensure that no two experiences are the same, keeping the game fresh and engaging.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally regarded as enjoyable, though some players find it to be somewhat short and simplistic, resulting in a good experience overall.
“Overall a good game, a bit short and simple as far as gameplay goes, but a good experience.”
