Encaged

You're quite the sadist, eh Paranormal?

Since I'm a reader that doesn't really consider something 'finished' until I've reached every ending, be they bad or good, or even every death or fail-state that a story-game has to offer, this one made me feel like being that sort of reader was a punishment.

That isn't an insult or anything. The writing in this story, I feel that it is improved from your first work on this site. The writing is coherent and there's little details that are made that really helps in aiding the suspenseful nature of this story. As a writer, you have certainly improved. Which is why I've rated this work higher than your other one.

It's been awhile since I've read a story-game that doesn't shy away from the dark and gritty. While some stories will try to be a bit more 'show' than actually tell with their words, like alluding to horrible things, or even trying to use flowery language at times in efforts to try and be more respectful with the content they're covering. Well, this story doesn't shy at all and tells you what exactly this helpless girl is experiencing, thinking, and feeling.

I feel that this story achieves a level of being able to genuinely make someone feel uncomfortable and unnerved. But I also genuinely felt that I had to reach every possible conclusion that there was in this story-game. As someone who has enjoyed CYOA stories since I was a child, and now for close to two decades as a young adult at the time of this writing, it was impossible to simply leave things lie and be content with even reaching half of the twenty-six endings that are in this game.

So after being abused, tortured, and maimed in a whole manner of ways as this unfortunate little girl, I have to say that this story is actually one that I would consider a strong entry in the contest that this was entered to be a part of. This story can be bleak, but the writing is strong enough to want to see just how differently things can go. Like can I possibly save this girl from her situation from this heinous individual that controls every aspect of her life? I just had to read through all of the brutal failures that comes with that line of thinking of as well. It was all written well, so no complaints from me here.

This is awful. I mean that in the best possible way. CYS has some edgy and unpleasant stories (Love SICK and Dispiteous come to mind), but this might be the best of the bunch (and by best, I mean most disturbing).

The shock value isn't even low hanging fruit. Rape and violence are present, but the story really does a good job of building a completely disturbing atmosphere otherwise. From the start, the whole basement is shown to be a disgusting realm, and Daddy is portrayed as negatively as possible. Everything about him is described in one path or another, and it paints a repulsive picture. Every path also gives you a glimpse into another fucked up aspect of Tess' world. The story also was quite immersive. I was legitimately scared for a fictional character, because it is just such a terrifying premise. Some visceral, heartbreaking shit in here.

I played until I got the best ending possible; I really appreciate that there was one, because it helps to counteract the other gruesome and disturbing ones. Overall, I probably got through a bit more than half of the endings, and noticed that the story is not without problems.

For the most part, the perspective of "somewhat self-aware 11-year-old in a dire situation" is kept up well, but there were a few breaches of perspective, namely when she thinks about things that she shouldn't have experienced if she were kidnapped as an infant.

Another issue is the use of s p a c i n g l i k e t h i s. I get what you're going for, but it feels really weird to read this, and I get the sensation of a weird, undulating speech pattern (unless this was the intended effect).

Other than that, I will reiterate that this was disturbing, and captivating. I read way more than I thought I would, and it really makes me feel terrified for little children. Well done!

This was... Interesting.

uhhhhhh

Definitely not as bad as I expected from the description and comments. Pretty good storygame though.

I don't know how I should feel about it. I had read all the endings out of morbid curiosity. After finishing it, I think I need a break.

You definitely have achieved your goal. Congrats!

Regarding the game, Encaged, I knew I would be forced to remember certain things, but I also knew that avoiding such a storygame would haunt me, so I played through the entire game, achieving all endings. To the author, well done, you captured the theme quite well, and with each dark moment, it added to the dangerous enviroment. As for recommendations, I cannot assist, as it was said, this game is not for the faint of heart, but is one of the rare games that I will remember.

Really well written. Dark and gruesome, a little hope depending on the ending you get. Better make the right choices!