Developer: Dischan Media
Publisher: Dischan Media
Release Date: July 24th, 2017
It has been a wonderful ride on Steam since I got my first game on the platform (Terraria!) and I’ve gotten some pretty amazing stories along the way. One of the first visual novels I read on Steam was Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos (DysSys:LMC). It was invigorating and fresh and oh-so good. Therefore, when I learned that the sequel was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances with Dischan Media, I was disheartened about ever getting another chance to step into the world of a DysSys game again. So, when I heard last night that Dischan Media was back active, starting development of DysSys Ep 2, AND were releasing a prequel to the first game, I knew I had to get on it.
Dysfunctional Systems: Orientation (DysSys:O) is considered Episode 0 and showcases Winter’s first week of Mediation school in the format of a kinetic novel. So, unlike the first game, there are no choices to make. You follow Winter into the classroom and meet her teachers and get introduced to her fellow schoolmates. Some of the people only mentioned in the first game get full appearances (and character sprites!) in this game. (Cyrus gets mentioned, but never makes an appearance in this game.) Overall, it’s a good introduction to anyone who will possibly make an appearance in the second episode and should be taken as that.
The UI and the music are once again fantastic and truly set a mood. The ambient music along with apt sound effects really help push along the story of Winter’s first week of school. The artwork is admittedly very different than the original game, but definitely has its own charm. Winter’s expressions are much more vivid to go along with her sassiness. At the same time, the artwork also feels more innocent, the same as Winter is before the end-events in DysSys:LMC. This is lesser of a harsh tale to tell and the artwork reflects that beautifully.
DysSys:O isn’t without its quirks, though. For one, the game is CRIMINALLY SHORT. I am glad to have another go at Winter’s sassy backtalk, but the game will not last long to a voracious reader, especially one who has waited a year or two for more DysSys content. It felt like there was wasted potential in making this simply a kinetic novel. The story feels like it could’ve had some good mini-game aspects to it that could’ve made fleshing out the game a bit better, but just aren’t there. For instance, a mini-game where you face the AI (as Irie) in a Foosball simulation. Or giving the choice for the user to make Winter study or not. The story may not have changed at all due to any of the choices or games, but it could’ve unlocked more topics in the very lightly used Codex.
At the end of the game, DysSys:O is a very short cocktease of a kinetic novel. It makes me want more from Dischan Media oh-so badly. For the price of $4.99 USD on Steam, it’s worth it to me as someone who eagerly read the first game. I suppose that there is a limitation on what can be developed at times, as I’ve said that the game is very short, but it’s also very engaging and entertaining to read. With the news that development of Episode 2 has resumed, I’m very much waiting for the next installment of DysSys.
Lolinia gives Dysfunctional Systems: Orientation a Drastik Measure 8.0 out of 10.0 (80).
Pros:
– Beautiful artwork
– Lovely OST
– The DysSys UI returns!
– Copious amounts of characters
– More info on the world they come from
– Sassypants Winter is coming
Cons:
– WAY. TOO. SHORT.
– Game feels like it has so much more potential, but doesn’t use it.
