STARCULT demo launches on Steam with up to 15 dialogue options per scene

STARCULT: Night Twisted Age, a dark fantasy visual novel developed by Not a Cat Studios, is now available to try in public demo form on Steam. The game introduces a distinctive Emotion Palette system, allowing players to select from a wide range of emotional responses that directly affect dialogue, relationships and narrative outcomes. This approach sets STARCULT apart from traditional visual novels, where dialogue options are typically limited and player agency is more constrained.

Emotion Palette and Gameplay Structure

At the centre of STARCULT's design is the Emotion Palette, a mechanic that lets players choose Silviya Nebula's emotional state before each line of dialogue. Depending on the emotion selected, up to 15 different responses can become available in a single conversation, each potentially revealing new information or shifting the direction of the story. This system is intended to make each playthrough unique, as the same conversation can unfold in dramatically different ways based on the player's choices. The demo also features multiple routes and endings, giving a taste of the branching narrative structure planned for the full release.

Murder Mystery and Narrative Focus

Players take on the role of Silviya Nebula, a noblewoman whose husband is murdered on their wedding night. As Silviya investigates, she becomes entangled in a web of conspiracies, manipulation and supernatural forces. The narrative is designed to reward curiosity and empathy, with the Emotion Palette offering a means to explore character motivations and hidden intentions. Not a Cat Studios has emphasised that understanding other characters' perspectives can unlock further dialogue options and influence how relationships develop throughout the story.

Demo Availability and Release Plans

The STARCULT: Night Twisted Age demo is available now on Steam, with the full game scheduled for release in Q4 2026 following Steam Next Fest. The demo allows players to experience the core mechanics, investigate the initial murder mystery, and experiment with the Emotion Palette system. According to the official Steam page, the game is being developed in Aarhus, Denmark, and aims to blend dark fantasy themes with a focus on player-driven narrative. For those interested in other recent indie launches, Sword_Guild's territory-conquest RPG also debuted on Steam this month, as covered in our article on Silver Blade of Gods' End's launch and early discount.

STARCULT is being developed by NOT A CAT STUDIOS, a team known for exploring dualities and hidden meanings in their work. Their approach combines eldritch horror with realistic characterisation, aiming to create stories where the full picture emerges gradually. The studio's mascot, a tentacle cat, reflects this blend of the familiar and the unsettling. Players can join the STARCULT community on Discord or follow the studio on Instagram, X, and TikTok for ongoing updates.

Branching narrative games like STARCULT rely on dialogue systems that adapt to player input. The Emotion Palette is a variation on this concept, offering a broader range of choices than most visual novels. By tying dialogue options to emotional states, the system encourages players to consider not just what they want to say, but how they want to shape the protagonist's personality and relationships. This approach can increase replay value and make each playthrough feel distinct, but it also requires careful writing and design to ensure that choices remain meaningful and the story remains coherent across different routes.