Just finished a neat little Visual Novel named 'Locked In' by LuckySpecialGames. I figured that anything posted on Dischan's store must be pretty good regardless, and I wasn't disappointed this time. If I had to criticize, damn them for introducing another short VN but whatever. =P
Anyway, this is pretty short and you can finish an ending in about 15 minutes. Basically you have an very successful businesswoman named Jacqueline (a lesbian btw) who got into a terrible car crash and experienced Locked-In syndrome. She's aware but almost her entire body is immobilized except a finger or two, and to the other's it's as if she's in coma.
As she tries to recall what happened before the car crash you began to realize more and more how terrible Jacquelline is as a person due to overstress, pressure, suspicion and alcohol. She has pushed away all of her friends and family while making even more enemies than she already has. In the end, all of her evil deeds and terrible actions directly caused her own car crash, and the death of her best and only friend Brenda. The Locked-In syndrome she's suffering now may be seen as a punishment to all of her sins.
But. But Jacqueline was given a second chance. By realizing all the facts of the pasts you will now have to make a decision: Your doctor Nolan views you as her ultimate nemesis and is hiding your condition from everyone by claiming that you're in a coma. If you let him do as he pleases, you'll either end up dead or become paralysed - this time be in a permanent coma for real - forever. To redeem yourself and salvage whatever relationship you have left, you must choose who to trust: Is it your secretary Kimber, who you knew was embezzling funds from the company? Is it your ex-wife Deliah, who although competent at her own area was incredibly short-sighted and too stupid to manage a business? Or is it your sister Sasha, who's a good-for-nothing that would only seek you out when she needed funds for another one of her 'grand' idea that haven't succeeded once? Or maybe, you just can't trust any of them at all, choked by a pride too big to swallow?
By choosing who to trust - either individuals, no one at all or a combination of individuals - you will end up with 8 different endings. Some of them are short, some lengthy, and there's only 1 True/Best End (actually this is my subjective opinion, you should interpret the game as you please) where not only Jacqueline managed to redeem herself, she also stayed true to her own heart and beliefs. And I assure you, it is extremely satisfying to get it as the final ending... though that also meant that you're a huge idiot for getting it so late. Wait THAT'S ME SHIT! >_>
Now for the dry, boring BUT spoilerless review! ~v~
Story: A simple, sobering, yet relaxing read that would put a smile on your face. As long as you get the good endings of course.
Visuals: Spot on for a 15 minutes long Visual Novel; the style could not have fit anything longer without boring the readers. Its clear-cut, sharp-edged aesthetics - in strong contrast against Dysfunctional Systems - can be incredibly refreshing.
Sound: Fitting music with a classical feel that matches the atmosphere perfectly. Though the title screen OST can be a little too loud and even annoying, the others are absolutely fine and a please to the ears.
The moral and theme of the story is simple: Redemption. It isn't the most original reads in the world, but regardless this is beautiful in its simplicity spiced with perfect layers of darkness, regrets and humour. Plus it's free! XD So download it, read it, and I may you have a smile on your face for the rest of your day!