itch.io

Just a headsup, a lot of the images in your description are un-viewable for uk audiance due to them being hosted on imigur which is semi blacklisted in the uk due to their internet child protection laws. Also game is fun and love the creepy vibes as mutations get stronger :3 

So The review section on my review didn't work so I'm posting it here lmao:

Writing/Plot - XXXXO 

Visual & Art Direction - XXXOO 

Audio & Music - XXXOO 

Pacing & Branching - XXXXO 

Mechanics - XXXXX

Writing and Plot: Shelter has a phenomenal plot to it. Though it comes across as rather simple for the first playthrough, the use of mechanics and foreshadowing is amazing. The way it has used the mechanics to enhance the plot, not just to a simple degree but to beyond what visual novels usually achieve, is something that should be commended. I'm sure you've noticed it didn't get full marks, but this is because I personally sometimes find it difficult to take some serious situations seriously due to the use of humor.

Visual & Art Direction: The art is beautiful. The backgrounds and use of colour are well used. I may not be an artist myself, but as an avid lover of visual novels I've seen many variations, as well as positive and negative uses of art. Shelter does a wonderful job of using a combination of CGs, full-body sprites, and head-only shots to craft its story and enhance it. The reason it doesn't get full marks is simply due to there being some inconsistencies in the art style, but this is to be expected for a visual novel that has been in development for years.

Pacing & Branches: The pacing of the visual novel is something to truly be commended. Due to the mechanics of the visual novel, it has to be very carefully balanced. Though not perfect, the way it is paced makes it most definitely enjoyable and wonderful to experience. As for how the branches work, they are used to their fullest extent. If you want to play a visual novel where your choices truly matter, then this is the novel for you.

Mechanics: Finally, the true perfection of this visual novel: the mechanics. Shelter is crafted around being a visual novel and could never work in any other format. It is truly a work of art in that regard and should be commended for the effort put into it. I don't want to spoil anything for readers, but the way its main mechanic operates goes beyond being a simple device — it becomes the plot itself. It enhances every aspect of the story and should be an inspiration to the community.

In Summary:
Shelter is an exceptional visual novel that stands out for how deeply its mechanics are woven into its plot, to the point where the mechanic is the story, not just a device supporting it. The writing is strong, using foreshadowing and mechanical integration in ways that go beyond what most visual novels attempt, though the humor occasionally undercuts some of the more serious moments. The art is beautiful and varied, making great use of CGs, full-body sprites, and head-only shots, with only minor inconsistencies that are understandable given the game's years-long development. The pacing is carefully balanced and the branching choices genuinely matter, making for a satisfying and immersive experience. Overall, Shelter is a well-crafted work that pushes what the visual novel format can do, and it's easy to see why it stands out within the community.

Honestly looked like a fun game but... uh nothing works? I've tried to use the tweezers on the worms sticking out and just caused sanity loss. The game very much needs some level of tutorial as what is there is impossible to play with. Also uh the game loss menu and pause menu is entirely non functional requiring a force close to retry.

THAT WAS AMAZING DAYUM. 

Does anyone know how much hp the dandelion has? I've been trying to beat it to no avail

So I lost because it said press the middle button.. there were 4 buttons in a grid. None were middle ofc... I had figured from a previous one that "middle" meant the middle number, but this time 2.5 isn't 2 or 3

Here i was thinking "oh hot boar dude" NOW I HAVE TO GO THROUGH WHAT TO GET THERE OMG THIS GAME IS HUGE

Also late game there's a huge need for golemclay to upgrade golems and no way to get it consistently may be worth a look at some point.

Great game. I have like 500 golems lol, but something seems to have bugged at about depth 550 as i have a bunch of topsoil/rich dirt that's popped up with 15m durability... Might not be a bug but it's not consistent like its a layer so i'm on the side it might be a bug. 

Would be great to be able to see our dodge chance. you can upgrade it but you only know you're dodging 100% if you see it happen

Downloading, cuz art style thing has me really curious. If it's like what I think it is this'll be super cool visually

I can't wait for the full game!!

This game is phenomental it almost made me cry

Well done on graduating but consistent updates!?!? Woooo I was sooo sad at the fact there were no updates for so long. Will be adding this to my list of "when get job start shoving money at"

Straight up I refuse to play until I find a way around it. I don't know why it has me this level of angry

Because of reasons I maaaaay wait for the update that includes the mq with the blacksmith before I continue playing grove. (I'm possessive lmao)

sooooo is there anyway not to let the bat escape the cave >.> I'm way too jealous of that bat 

I personally thing a better describer is himbo or puppy cuz damn he's an adorable dumbass outside of fights

I love thisss I can't wait to see more! Jin is such a cutie!

MY HEART

define... kinetic.. in this context lol

I couldn't stop laughing