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Game Link
https://yumeindie.itch.io/tagbalay
Game Description
Tagbalay is a first-person social and survival horror game about a son navigating his way through his mother's debt and the people around him.
Game Controls
The game can be played with mouse only or with touch.
Game Engine
Godot
Filipino Elements
The game is fully voiced in Hiligaynon, a language widely spoken in Western Visayas, which is one of its strongest Filipino cultural influences.
The game explores Filipino themes such as living paycheck to paycheck, inheriting debts and problems from previous generations, and the social obligations that come with being part of a close-knit community. It looks at how these obligations can pressure people into supporting a community that may provide little help in return, while also contributing to each other’s struggles and eventual downfall.
Through these themes, the game explores the tension between family, community, obligation, and survival, while portraying how the very relationships that bind people together can also become the source of their collective downfall.
Assets/Credits
Renson Nicor - Voices/Sound Effects
Josh Reuven Mission - Music Composition
Rommel John Panal - Art
Jude Timothy Joshua Bomban - Programming
Asset Attributions
Main Menu Slums - Sky Adubal ( https://www.artstation.com/skysprojects )
Original Filipino House Concept Art - Jana Simeon ( https://www.artstation.com/jdrsimeon )
The full cast is featured in game.
AI Usage Disclosure
The game contains Generative AI vocal enhancements from Voicemod in some voice lines. All other assets, including the original clips, belong to their respective creators.
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Comments
gagi gapalanindog man balahibo ko paghampang ko ni. bakod!
Uyy ilonggo! Thanks for playing the game. I see that you’re a streamer. Support!
The vibe and atmosphere of the game is unique. I like the voice acting. Not so much gameplay (aside from decision-making) but the story telling is good.
Thanks, means a lot to us!
I got 5 endings, and each one was very viscerally real, sadly, for people that we rarely give a voice to in our society. It really gives you a glimpse at the hopeless situation that some people with crippling debt go through, and the unfortunate circumstances that the next generation have to shoulder. The various "uninvited guests" really unnerved me and made me really think deeply about trusting one's neighbor - who is actually out there to genuinely help or have an ulterior motive. Who's lying and who's being genuine?
I don't know yet if a "good" ending is possible but I appreciate how what happened to one character is sort of a foreshadowing as to what will possibly happen to the protagonist.
I deeply appreciate the use of Hiligaynon, as a fellow "Bacolodnon" and I'd love to see more from the dev team!
Thank you for playing, Scarlet! Rest assured, there will be more endings as the game is flesh out. Stay tuned.
Interesting take. Artstyle reminds me of No, I'm not a Human.
Hope you liked our entry, Leo!
This situation is definitely a reality for many Pinoys. Great topic to cover and unique. Atmosphere is creepy and the pauses inbetween opening the door is uncomfortable (which is good for a horror). Design and art is very well made. It is obviously inspired by No, I'm Not A Human, but it manages to make its own identity. I got 5 endings in 1 hour.
1. Die from overworking
2. Mother dies
3. Shot by Loan Shark
4. Go with Loan Shark
5. Stabbed by Brgy. Person
Some things I'd like to comment about:
1. The pixel hearts don't fit the game's aesthetic. the game is very oil paint-y, it's a bit disconcerting to just see basic heart pixels on the UI and it throws me off. I think this can be very easily remedied though.
2. Hope there is a skip button for those trying to speed past dialogue to get all endings. And save files, which are a staple for Visual Novel games. I think I'd also appreciate a screen where it says "ENDING 2/6. OVERWORKED ENDING" or something like that so I know what specific ending I got and how many else I can get.
3. Sound design is marvelous and voice acting is great. And I'm very particular about sound so I can say this is a very pleasant surprise. Very well done. Was all BGM and effects produced solely for the game?
I'm also a student in USLS and this output makes me really proud seeing Hiligaynon used. Great job!
Thank you for the most generous comment! Will definitely take all of your criticisms into consideration. And to answer your third question, yes. The music was composed just for this game and the sounds are mostly made through foleys.
Creepy! Nice story, though!
Thanks, BibiStudio! Did you finish the game?
I love the plot and creatives, it captures the essence of a day-to-day life of an "mangungutang" it's a struggle that you'd bare the responsibility of your mother's financial struggle. A debt you've never asked but forced to. Just like how it captures Filipino's "Ulikid" culture. There's gigil moments in the game that actually made my blood boil, maybe because the voice actor is that good? Probably! But anyways, the ambience of the game feels eerie, the sound design gave that effect of "hopelessness" what felt like this could be my last day on earth vibe. My only critique here is I can't skip the intro and credits after the first time I've played. I understand the effort it took to create this masterpiece and the credit it deserves. It would also be better if you played it a 2nd time or 3rd time or many times where you can skip the intro and credits after you lose, but nonethless I applaud this Hiligaynon game.
Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed our entry. We will look into these right away. Have you finished the game? How many endings have you got?
Say it with me chat!! GOTY!!!!!!
Aweeee. You're too kind, aozvre! Thanks for playing. Did you reach the end?
yes and not a good one . trying later for the best ending
Good luck!
Kudos to the creator. Mayo gd nga ubra
Salamat sang madamo.
I tried playing this game and it shows reality of life with debts and it strives you hard for survival. Get rid of disturbing knocks, people of debtor, two faced neighbors, money scarcity, health issues, and sleepless nights. Fight for your mother's life, think what's best to do and do not trust anyone. Nice music, storyline, art, and overall setup of this game! Kudos YUME Interactive.
Thanks, Danielle. Glad you enjoyed our entry!
Playing this game felt deeply claustrophobic. The idea of parents' debt piling up for their children to pay off is incredibly heartbreaking. I really commend how effective the art style and game design are, they feel completely coherent with the story. Great job!
Thank you for the kind words, Machu! Means a lot to the team. Did you reach the end (as for the jam)?
I think yes, but I'm not certain. The game ended with a "hand" cutscene, and I was not able to pay the total debt amount. 😅
Unfortunate. You did reach one of the endings... just the bad one. 😭
The knocking is so unnerving, it felt like there's actually someone knocking on my actual door.
Thanks, queen!