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A Story Beside

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2022

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Quick resume

Step into the shoes of Lyric, the humble innkeeper in a quiet mountain village, as she reflects upon a lifetime of poignant memories, heartwarming friendships, and bittersweet choices — proving along the way that you don't have to slay dragons to be the hero of your own story.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie

Pros

  • Deep, emotional storytelling
  • Meaningful player choices with consequences
  • Beautiful art and music
  • Strong character development
  • Relaxing, immersive atmosphere

Cons

  • Slow walking pace without run option
  • Some technical issues and crashes reported
  • Lack of combat or varied gameplay mechanics
  • Potentially tedious exploration
  • Limited replayability due to linear narrative structure

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players make meaningful choices that affect the story and character relationships, shaping the protagonist's life and village environment."

  • Competence
    -3

    "Gameplay is simple with no combat or technical challenges, focusing on exploration and dialogue rather than skill tests."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; the game is a personal, narrative-driven experience without leaderboards or player comparison."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players express desire to replay to explore different story branches and endings, showing attachment and habitual engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual narrative; no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players influence story outcomes through choices, but no creation or modification of game assets or environments."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative and empathetic."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to emotionally escape and reflect, experiencing a fictional life story that evokes strong feelings."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and emotional connection, not due to obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Multiple branching paths and choices encourage players to explore different story outcomes and character relationships."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore the village environment thoroughly to discover characters, dialogues, and story events."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players make narrative choices but do not customize characters or environments visually."

  • Fantasy
    1

    "Set in a fantasy RPG world but focuses on realistic, relatable life experiences of an NPC rather than heroic fantasy."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Strong narrative focus on relationships and community, but social interaction is with NPCs in a single-player context."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players witness character development and story progression over time, learning through narrative and choices."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on story and exploration; slow walking pace demands continuous engagement."

  • Intimacy
    4

    "Emotional connections with characters and forming close relationships are central to the experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player follows a personal narrative without directing others."

  • Progression
    3

    "Narrative progression through life stages and relationship developments, but no item or power accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Calm, slow-paced gameplay with soothing music and atmosphere promotes relaxation and emotional flow."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable art and music provide sensory pleasure, though stimulation is moderate and focused on mood."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or popularity mechanics; achievements and progress are personal and private."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with deep character development, meaningful choices, and emotional storytelling."

  • Strategy
    -4

    "Minimal strategic or problem-solving elements; gameplay centers on dialogue choices and exploration."

  • Thrill
    -4

    "Low suspense or risk; the experience is emotionally moving but lacks traditional thrill or tension."

  • Value
    4

    "Players feel the game offers strong emotional and narrative return for their time and money."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus is on peaceful, constructive storytelling."

  • Survival
    -4

    "Stable, low-risk environment without survival mechanics or threat management."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026