Description

My Ideal is a psychological visual novel about a metalhead from the Norwegian countryside whose life gradually spirals out of control after encountering a mysterious creature that is not quite human.

Heavy music, isolation, psychological pressure and the blurred line between reality and obsession form the backbone of the narrative. As Adam's world slowly begins to unravel, every decision shapes both his relationships and his perception of what is real.

The player must make choices that influence the story's progression, unlock different routes and ultimately lead to multiple endings. Everyone decides for themselves what a "happy ending" truly means.

The project is being developed by two independent creators, Sweetavrorafox and N3gativ, who share a passion for heavy music, psychological storytelling and dark aesthetics.

The primary goal of the project is to create a memorable atmosphere, emotionally engaging characters and a cohesive audiovisual experience that stays with the player long after the credits roll.

More Details

Setting

The visual novel is set in 2016 in the fictional Norwegian village of Skogheim, located in a wooded backcountry area not far from Oslo. The village is surrounded by dense coniferous forests, marshes and sparse country lanes.

Skogheim’s architecture is typical of the Norwegian countryside: small wooden houses, old farms, and a few public buildings such as a school, a shop and a pub. Many of the buildings look dilapidated, and some have long been disused. Contact with the outside world is limited to the occasional train passing through the nearest station.

The forest occupies a special place in the story. The village’s social environment is insular. Everyone has known each other since childhood, and rumours spread faster than news. Any deviation from the norm quickly becomes noticeable and is interpreted through the prism of fear, prejudice or condemnation.

The Role of Heavy Music

Heavy music functions as a distinct layer of the narrative and is directly linked to the protagonist’s inner state. For Adam, music becomes a way of isolating himself from his surroundings. Amid social alienation and psychological pressure, extreme music helps him organise his thoughts and maintain his inner balance.

Extreme metal, especially the early forms of black metal, plays a particularly significant role in the story. Its harsh sound, minimalism and emotional detachment reflect Adam’s mental state more accurately than dialogue or external events.

Main Idea & Themes

Adam exists in an environment where it is difficult to find a stable place for himself. Even when surrounded by other people, he remains emotionally isolated. The story explores loneliness, identity, acceptance and the psychological pressure created by a closed community.

Friends, family and strangers constantly influence Adam's perception of reality. In such a small village, every decision quickly becomes public knowledge, and even seemingly insignificant choices may alter relationships, unlock story paths or completely change the ending.

There are no neutral choices. The game is not about choosing between good and evil, but about living with the consequences of every decision.

Despite its dark atmosphere, the story occasionally uses awkward and dark humour to relieve tension and make its characters feel more human.

Additional Features

• A branching storyline heavily dependent on the player's choices.
• Multiple endings, including hidden ones.
• A gradual shift in the perception of events through atmosphere and narration.
• A strong focus on the protagonist's psychological state rather than action.
• More than 90 original CG illustrations.
• A unique original soundtrack inspired by extreme metal.
• Animated elements.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Gameplay

Experience the story through the eyes of Adam, the protagonist, rather than as yourself. At key moments you'll make decisions that shape the narrative and determine how the story unfolds.

Choice System

• Dialogue choices with different emotional tones
• Hidden consequences that appear much later
• Long-term decisions affecting future events
• Choices that unlock or block scenes and endings

Branching Story

• Multiple major story routes
• Alternative scenes depending on your actions
• Several endings, including hidden ones
• The possibility to miss or discover important events

Interactive Elements

• Simple story-driven mini games
• Exploration elements
• Secret scenes unlocked by specific combinations of choices

Storytelling

• First-person narration
• Internal monologues play a central role
• Reality gradually becomes distorted as the story progresses

Replayability

• Different routes encourage multiple playthroughs
• Alternative choices reveal new story details
• Secret content rewards different playstyles

Screenshots & Media

Screenshots, trailers and promotional materials will be updated regularly as development progresses.

Q&A

Is this a full game or a demo?

The game is currently in development. A free demo containing the first chapter will be released during the first half of 2027. The full version will follow a few months later and will include the complete story.

How many endings will there be?

The game features multiple endings determined by the player's choices. At the moment, five fully developed endings are planned, although this number may change during development.

How long is the game?

One playthrough: 9–12 hours
Completing every route: 15+ hours

Will I be able to save at any time?

Yes. A save system is planned, allowing players to save both at key moments and whenever they want.

Age Rating

The game contains drama, violence, psychological themes and scenes of cruelty. Recommended age: 16+ (18+ for particularly sensitive players).

Will there be voice acting?

No. The game is currently planned without voice acting. If this changes, our team will announce it.

Will there be CG illustrations?

Yes. Key scenes will feature more than 90 CG illustrations to enhance the atmosphere and storytelling. Some interface elements are animated, while the CG illustrations themselves remain static.

Will the game be paid?

The demo is completely free. The full version (13 chapters, multiple endings and secret content) will cost approximately 5–10 USD.

Where can I follow the development?

Telegram
Patreon
Steam
itch.io

Can I stream or record the game?

Absolutely. Streams and Let's Plays are welcome, and credit is not required.

Can content creators receive early access?

Yes. If you are a well-known content creator, feel free to contact us. Contact information can be found below.

Development Status

The project is currently in active development. Most core systems have already been completed, while artwork and polishing continue.

Overall Progress

Main Storylines 100%
Dialogues & Branching Paths 100%
Character Artwork 50%

About the Developers

Sweetavrorafox

Role: Story, Visuals, Design, Direction

Independent developer responsible for creating the story, characters and the visual atmosphere of the project.

N3gativ

Role: Programming, Music, Technical Implementation

Responsible for the programming side of the project, soundtrack and overall sound atmosphere.

Contact

Telegram - t.me/sweetavrorafox
Mail - MyIdealDev@proton.me

Support the Project

If you'd like to support the development of My Ideal, you can do so through the following platforms:

• Patreon

Every contribution helps us improve the game's visuals, soundtrack and overall quality while allowing us to dedicate more time to development. Thank you for supporting independent game development.