Katie

For those who appreciate indie games, this title offers a truly unique experience. From the moment you start playing, it's evident that every aspect has been meticulously crafted by hand. The distinctive writing style, art, and soundtrack all contribute to a cohesive world.

While the main game is enjoyable, I found the post-game content particularly engaging.

I discovered this game while researching the developer's upcoming release, "Isles of Silence," which I'm eagerly anticipating.

For the completionists and speedrunners out there, I have a challenge for you. I managed to achieve 100% completion, including all post-game content, in 30 minutes and 50 seconds. I'm curious to see if others in the community can surpass it.

This game distinguishes itself through its authentic personality and the evident dedication poured into every aspect of its design. It's refreshing to find a game that reminds me of the artistry and innovation often found in indie development.

If you're looking for something off the beaten path, I highly recommend giving this title a try. It's a testament to the creativity and passion that drives the indie game scene.

Wow this was boring... and pretentious... and just, well...
*clicks to continue the dull dialogue*
Just not made very well.

It was trying so hard to be profound and meaningful I think it lost its identity and forgot it was a video game. Might as well've just been text scrolling for 30 minutes. By Thursday (the levels goes by days, it didn't actually take that long to complete. This thing is incredibly short) I started rushing through it. So much unnecessary talking and being trapped in the moment. Maybe this is how the developer wanted me to feel, like Katie. Good job. It worked. That still doesn't make my experience with this walking simulator worth the time.

I'm leaving a negative review, not because its bad at what it is, because it isn't what its not. A game.

Katie: A Soulful Journey Through the Heart of a Town

Katie is not just a game—it's an evocative exploration into the depths of human connection, framed within a hauntingly beautiful 3D pixel-art town. As you wander through its quiet streets and engage with its intriguing citizens, you experience a poignant narrative that centers on themes of loss, friendship, and the quest for meaning. Despite its lack of interactivity and clear purpose, Katie's compelling, heartfelt, and sincere storytelling creates a journey that resonates deeply.

Visual Style and Atmosphere
The town in Katie is a work of art, rendered in exquisite 3D pixel art that captures both the nostalgia of classic games and the emotional weight of its setting. The atmosphere is immersive, with a quiet, almost melancholy ambiance that draws you in. The carefully designed environments, from the cobblestone streets to the old buildings, invite exploration and encourage you to pause and take it all in. The subtle animations and lighting effects contribute to the sense of a living, breathing world.

Pros
- Beautiful and soulful 3D pixel-art visuals
- Immersive and atmospheric design
- Subtle details that add to the town's charm

Cons
- Some areas feel static or lack interactivity
- Navigation can be challenging due to unclear direction

Narrative and Characters
At the heart of Katie is its narrative—a story that unfolds through conversations with the town's residents. The dialogue is raw and authentic, often revealing personal struggles, hopes, and regrets. The titular character, Katie, serves as a focal point for the game's emotional journey, her presence guiding you through the town's secrets and connecting you with its citizens.

The narrative is deeply personal, exploring themes that are relatable and touching. It's clear that the game's story draws from real experiences, creating a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that feels genuine. This vulnerability makes the game resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or felt the weight of uncertainty.

Pros
- Compelling and heartfelt narrative
- Memorable characters with distinct personalities
- Themes of friendship, loss, and understanding
- Writing that is relatable and sincere

Cons
- Lacks a clear overarching goal or purpose
- You can only listen—no dialogue or choices for your character. Ideal for those who prefer passive storytelling

Gameplay and Exploration
Katie's gameplay revolves around exploration and interaction. While it lacks the high-paced action of other games, this slower pace allows you to truly connect with the town and its inhabitants. The game's strength lies in its simplicity, focusing on walking around, speaking to people, and uncovering hidden stories. However, this lack of interactivity and clear objectives might not appeal to everyone.

Despite the minimal gameplay mechanics, Katie's experience is compelling. It encourages you to slow down, listen, and reflect. The game's post-game content and hidden secrets add an extra layer for those willing to explore more deeply. The overall experience feels more like an interactive story than a traditional game, with its focus on emotion and connection.

Pros
- Focus on exploration and interaction with characters
- Encourages reflection and a slower pace
- Hidden secrets and post-game content for deeper exploration

Cons
- Minimal interactivity and lack of clear objectives
- Can feel aimless or lacking purpose at times

Overall Verdict
Katie is a unique and soulful experience, offering a poignant narrative that resonates with anyone who values heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. The game's beauty lies in its simplicity and sincerity, creating a space where players can explore, listen, and connect with the characters' stories. While it may lack the interactivity and clear purpose of traditional games, its compelling narrative, beautiful visuals, and relatable themes make it a journey worth taking.

If you enjoy games that focus on storytelling and character-driven experiences, Katie is a must-play. The emotional journey through this isolated town will stay with you long after you've finished, reminding us of the importance of empathy, connection, and understanding in a world that often feels chaotic. It's a game that doesn't need intense action or complex mechanics to be captivating—its beauty lies in its soulful narrative and the genuine connections it creates.

Katie's voice echoes through the streets,
A constant murmur, a gentle sound.
Her words, a mix of joy and grief,
Of hopes and dreams that can confound.

In this town, cut off and isolated,
Where everyone has their inner scars,
The stories told are raw, serrated,
They reach for meaning, they reach for stars.

Katie's heart is torn and bleeding,
Her thoughts a river running wild.
She speaks of love, she speaks of needing,
Of times when she was still a child.

Her monologue is poignant, deep,
A constant flow of inner pain.
She cries, she laughs, she cannot sleep,
The suffering within her brain.

Through her words, you see her torment,
The struggle to make sense of things.
The grief that seems like life's lament,
The weight that makes her soul take wings.

But she's a sweetheart in her suffering,
A likable and gentle soul.
Her voice, though filled with endless buffering,
Strives to make the broken whole.

Her monologues are filled with musings,
The questions that she cannot solve.
The life she feels she's always losing,
The dreams that never quite evolve.

Katie speaks of simple sadness,
The kind that everyone can share.
The listlessness, the quiet madness,
The feeling of just being there.

Yet even through her darkest moments,
There's a kindness in her voice.
A warmth that draws you into her comments,
A way to say, "You have a choice."

She talks of love that's lost and fading,
Of friendships that have come undone.
Of loneliness that's so pervading,
Of battles fought and never won.

The townsfolk share their own confessions,
Their own monologues of hurt.
Their voices are like gentle sessions,
Of lives that crumble into dirt.

Through these stories, Katie listens,
Though she's burdened, though she's tired.
Her spirit shines, her heart still glistens,
Though inside, she feels so mired.

It's a poignant game, a tender tale,
Of human nature, human strife.
Katie's words, they never fail,
To touch the heart, to bring to life.

She speaks of finding resolution,
Of searching for a kinder fate.
She longs for some absolution,
A chance to heal, a chance to wait.

If you play this game, you'll find,
A journey through the human soul.
A voice that reaches to the mind,
A voice that seeks to make you whole.

Katie's voice is soft and knowing,
Though she's hurting, though she's worn.
Her words are like a river flowing,
Through a heart that's bruised and torn.

It's a game where words take center,
Where emotions flow and ebb.
Katie's story might just enter,
Into the heart, into the head.

She's smart, she's kind, she's relatable,
A sweetheart with a wounded heart.
Her story, though sometimes debatable,
Will leave you changed, will leave a mark.

So if you seek a game with meaning,
With monologues that pierce the night,
A poignant tale where tears are streaming,
Where the heartache comes to light,

Then "Katie" is a game to play,
A journey through the tangled mind.
A story that, in every way,
Will touch the soul, will help you find.

Katie's voice will guide you through,
Her monologues, her words, her sighs.
She speaks the truth that’s always true,
The simple truth of love and lies.

It's hard to say a lot about Katie without potentially spoiling it, but what I can say is that I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Katie is a story of friendship, loss, and moving on set in a small town. The game is melancholic but sweet and funny at the same time. The player doesn't serve as a traditional protagonist, but instead as a facilitator for the game's main character, Katie, to tell her story. It's a story of ups and downs and can be quite touching. I couldn't help but reflect on some of my life experiences.

There isn't much in the way of 'gameplay' in Katie. Your time is spent wandering the town, chatting to the other inhabitants, and looking for the titular character. The game is pretty in a retro way and this really adds to the atmosphere and experience. Despite the initially simplistic looks, there is some genuinely very nice art and animation here. Some of Katie's sprite work in particular can be pretty funny. The music is great too; though it is infrequently used, it adds to the setting rather than detracts.

Katie is an interesting look into the mind of the game's solo dev (Josiah at Lonely Frontier Studio) and is a strong first release. I wish the game had received more attention, as it wholly deserves it.

In the end, I can't say a lot more without taking away from the game itself. It's not a long game by any means, but it's worth spending the hour or so needed to get through it. Because of the style of story being told I don't know if I will ever replay it, but I'm glad I did play it. I suggest you do too.

moody, elliptical, ambiguous, and pining, in a way similar to co-dependently dating queers

This is one of these booby-trapped games that initially makes you suspect something. You enter it, ready for anything, and still get smacked. Gently on the cheek. Katie has soft sinister undertones, but they don't really colour the experience. The main dish here is the mildly disturbing intrigue stemming from the lack of hand-holding and the indeterminate design of the murky scenario the game drops you in. I'll have to be just as murky. My goal isn't to describe the mechanics but to outline a speck of some abstract idea without overexposing it. In a nutshell, I can't tell whether Katie would blow you away or not, wouldn't want to oversell it. All I can promise is that it's friendly and interesting.

First, to get over a couple of technicalities. The mouse sense is abysmally low and there's no way to change it in-game because there are no options. The graphics were another hit that made even my pixel-loving eyes bleed. Until I reached unexpectedly effective moments where the general ugliness of the town starkly contrasted with pretty minimalistic scenery, the changing skies, chirping ambience, and the cutest rain I've ever seen. Clever! The music I immediately liked, but it only plays in the music store. However, this feature also gets used to the game's advantage in places. Anyway, I didn't buy this to land precise headshots while enjoying the vistas over the banging tracks by Mick Gordon. And regardless of how one perceives the visuals, anyone who saw Katie would recognize it anywhere.

[quote]"They all have something to say, but that's all they have to say."[/quote]
I'll take you through the first day. What you can do so far is slide around some sunny place. This pocket dimension appears cheerful and safe. Or is it? Well, there is a graveyard... if it counts. Another thing you can do is catch the idly bustling NPCs to hear their plights. There's something faintly distant about them. Everyone polite enough to talk is saying existential things about God, friendship, a new stapler, or some man in a cave who has the key. They don't speak to each other, only to you. One strangely familiar phrase per person, creating the mundane atmosphere of a Dragon Quest village.

Eventually, you meet Katie. She's nice, almost real in comparison to others. Encountering someone non-diegetic always feels vaguely romantic. As it does under any bizarre circumstances that don't involve something like sex trafficking. She poses questions, shares introspective thoughts. Katie alone seems to know the full context, for she came here first, punctuating the irrelevancy of looking for a protagonist in this story. Soon after, the day ends as you unlock another one. New interactions open up, roads to take. Katie has sights to show you, kettles to boil. And a few clever things to say.

[quote]"And how are we supposed to sort out the chaos inside of us if we're inside of us too?"[/quote]
The writing is laconic and precise, lacking ostentatious proclamations or shock value. Instead, the narrative is sincere. Heartfelt, albeit not manipulative, and I found the subtlety refreshing. Katie reminded me of Mango in this regard. This quiet thing managed to casually challenge my perception, and provided a tiny puddle with a bit of depth to dip my toes in. I once almost sunk in a real puddle when I was a kid! Ahem. Does Katie use the immersion it grants to hit hard or is she graceful? I can't satisfy your curiosity, but mine was rewarded. Just enough to nudge me towards dwelling on the affair for a little while. Thank you too, Josiah!

My curator Big Bad Mutuh

-Beautifully written
-The atmosphere is very well-realized and complements the theme of the game nicely
-The music is lovely
-Loved the Lion King reference in the campfire scene, nice subtle nod to the real fans
-Could stand a settings menu w/ FOV and mouse sensitivity slider

Overall a really impressive debut.

An interesting short forom (approx 45 min- 1 hr) experience, combining intentionally crude but memorable 3D graphics, and a melancholy tone- feels likea combination of walking simulator and visual novel.

I'm not sure that the message resonated with me that much, or that I perfectly understood what the dev was trying to convey, The story touches on lost friendships and being in a difficult place mentally- and some of it may be more fitting for a younger person, but it did evoke some emotional response with me. I found some of the areas in the game visually striking despite their simplicity, and the music complements it well.

I have no interest in VR in a general sense, and even dislike the concept, but this is one of the few games I might be interested in experiencing through that medium.

I stopped playing Katie after a couple of in-game days. I wasn't impressed or intrigued; it looked like a dodgy 3D game from the early 90's and I couldn't figure out what to do.

What I did end up doing, is coming back to it a few days later, mainly to find Katie, who had arranged to meet me by some swings but hadn't. This time she did and it all rolled from there.

The maturity of the writing carried me through the rest. This is essentially a monologue about grief and loss framed within conversations with a somewhat lost soul milling around in some kind of limbo. While the audio and visuals might seem overly basic, they do end up serving their purpose quite well, the closing credits song is worth the price of admission alone, in my opinion.

All in all a funny little game, but one I think I'll remember for a while.

Hard to know what to say. I could relate very much to several of the themes in the story, which is told in an elegant, charming way. I didn't expect to see anything quite like this on Steam, though perhaps I need to look around more.

I met the author at an exhibition at MIT. He got my vote for best of show. I think that if you are an indie game developer, which includes me, and if your game is unusual, these shows can be good because games that are really different do stand out from the others.

I liked the simple style of the environment. There actually is quite a bit to the town and some places that will surprise you, so don't be fooled by the simple presentation.

But mostly it is a time to think about life and relationships, motives, people you have known and why they do what they do, perhaps even about why you write or play games! I'd say a lot more, but since it is an exploration game and inexpensive to try, I think it's best that you try it for yourself.

And, as stated in the forums, the closing credits and background music are special.

"It's time to move on
I shall miss it all
But we shall go forth
And we shall go forth brave."

Wanna weep through the credits of a video game? You've come to the right place. An inspiring adventure to take with you on your journey in the real world.

10/10 have played twice so far and cried both times

Experienced on the Oculus Rift with Touch Controllers

Katie is a very simple, short, dialogue based story game. It's not be the most interesting or well written game but I feel that it's a unique storytelling experience unlike any other game I have played. While yeah, most of the game is just looking for Katie and then talking to her, Katie has some AI of her own and sometimes will find you on her own accord which took me by surprise, and the few moments where Katie leads you to a new place really feels like you are participating in an experience. Not your character. These interactions and the first person perspective and the few simple stuff you have to do to move the story along help a lot to put *you* into the game and making it feel like you're sharing a personal moment with Katie. It's pretty nifty.

Katie is a great game. While it's fairly short, and doesn't really have replayability, I don't think it needs it. The concept and theme are amazing, and the characters are very relatable. The music is also really good, and I quite like the art style. The lack of options such as sound and keybindings are just a minor inconvience, and I think pros of the game outweigh its cons by a lot.

Katie went to a town to hide and to grieve, and everyone else in the town is doing the same. Some are hopeless and some have hope, but all of them are lying to themselves.

Something that differentiates this game from other walking simulators is the ability to interact with all the townspeople. I tried to talk to every one of them, and they all had an interesting thing to say. What they will say to you changes based on the weather. When it is dark and rainy, even the most hopeful of the townspeople loses hope.

Another thing that differentiates this game from other walking simulators is the animation style. The simple pixel style reminds me of Thimbleweed Park-- and in fact-- fans of that game might like this one. Fans of Minecraft who are also into indie games will probably like this game as well.

There are moments where Katie's philosophical monologues seem precocious, even for a young adult. Most young adults do not talk this way. That's why the use of "..." "heh" and other common texting/chatting expressions were useful; they toned down the "I have wisdom beyong my years" vibe.

Overall, I was impressed by this game. I did not think it would be as good as it was from the preview and description. From the introductory "FOLLOW HER" to the silence of the spectator (you), the mood of this game is an A+. I hope the creator has more games to come. If I had a lot of money, I would fund them.

This game was recommended to me by a friend, and all I have to say about this game is wow. for how short it was for what it offered it was just amazing to see someone pore so much of there heart into something is fantastic to see. And to see what is created from what I could only guess is hardship is a tremendous experience that I would recommend to all that may come across this. It plays the mind and shows are flaws as people, but it is so well built that for a short time it is here in your mind, and as you play it shows you something varies deep and can only be experienced by playing. This is one of the few games that has left me without words and was just an excellent game. No matter how it was made its story graphically puts something I just can't put my finger on, and I love that. For this game to be such a short dose so well with the time you're in its world. And it leaves you with wanting more but at the same time not wanting anymore then it has to give to you. So for the price this game is a must play.

Katie is a narrative based game created by Lonely Frontier Studio centered around the eponymous ‘Katie’, a resident of a tiny secluded town gated off from the rest of the world. It’s a ‘walking simulator’ in the most positive use of the term, using the interactive medium to really drive home the personal feeling that the game has.

The gameplay consists of talking to Katie and the other residents to learn more about their stories and the nature of the town itself. While many other games in the genre – Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture comes to mind – have you piece together a mystery by investigating inanimate objects, Katie focuses on face-to-face interaction. This, alongside the nature of the game’s subject matter, gives it a very intimate feeling.

Katie has it’s issues, too. My first thoughts were that the walking felt a bit too ‘floaty’, and it’s a little unpolished (There were a few times where I would accidentally talk to someone through a wall, or even through another person). I didn’t experience any major issues though, and I can forgive a lack of polish for a game made by a single person.

What it lacks, Katie makes up for in narrative and aesthetic. From the first conversation I was interested in learning Katie’s story, and despite the lo-fi art style, it’s able to create some beautiful scenery. I think it’s worth picking up for any fan of the genre, and I’m looking forward to Lonely Frontier‘s next project.

Full review: https://indierave.wordpress.com/2018/05/11/review-katie-a-friendship-built-on-loss/

I really enjoyed this game, even though there isn't much 'game', but that's okay for an experience like this.
This game is a story driven introspective experience where you accompany the character 'Katie' throughout the week and end up being someone that she trusts with her problems.
The story is compelling enough for what it is and the characters are unique and interesting. I ended up really caring a lot for Katie for a multitude of personal reasons and that's always enjoyable to experience in a game.
I'm glad that I randomly came across this game in the store and I'd gladly recommend it, despite the lack of polish and occasional bug.

This is one of those games that feels like it had a strong concept at the beginning and just kind of watered down over time.

Pros -

- Art is surprisingly well done considering it's fidelity
- If you allow yourself to fall into the game and understand the concept, it will be enjoyable.
- Music was very good.
- Strong concept for a first timer.

Cons -

- Short, almost to the point of rushed
- Very little actual music during the game
- Story felt watered down
- Obvious amateur effort

My biggest issue with Katie is that the majority of what needed to be said was said in the post-game credits. Katie, the character, is moderately compelling in how she is written but it ends there. This is very clearly a personal story to the writer and after reading the credits I felt like I was an intruder here. Which might be okay for film but when I'm supposed to be the person ushering Katie through that gate and the credits roll, I shouldn't feel like an outsider.

Katie does a lot with such a small amount of actual things. There aren't that many assets, there isn't that much music, the art is fairly simple and bare bones. Nobody even has a face in the game. I can say with confidence the developer did this out of necessity to get their message out but it's almost like it was done intentionally for effect. It works really well.

I would have liked more music, original or otherwise. I would have liked a slightly longer experience. I wanted there to be more to this game than I got. I'm not upset about that, I want the developer to keep making games because I think once they spend more time practicing their craft they can create something truly astounding.

Katie is not that. But for the price and the time it takes, I recommend this game. This game that clocked in at 54 minutes and 15 seconds total.

I recommend playing it in a single sitting.

This game was great. I like the pixely graphics, and teh story is great.It is obvious that the story has some personal story behind it, and that really makes it feel real.