Concorrenza is an indie casual visual novel for PC that presents a linear narrative through sequential art and dialogue. The experience draws from comic traditions while incorporating elements of confrontational philosophy, centered on the theme of candles struggling to reveal their beauty amid fluorescents. Developer Daniel describes it as his third effort toward making videogames literature, shifting emphasis toward the comic compared to earlier works while retaining philosophical undertones.
Gameplay
Players advance the story by pressing space or a south button to progress through scenes filled with images and text. The format blends comic-like panels with narrative delivery, creating a sequential art style that feels both visual and literary. At one point, control shifts to a character who can walk freely, introducing a brief interactive segment amid the otherwise straightforward progression. The limited color palette shapes the aesthetic throughout, giving scenes a distinctive, restrained visual tone.
Dialogue drives much of the experience, mixing funny, goofy, and emotional beats. A character named Salai stands out as particularly creepy, adding tension to interactions. One notable figure is a large mouth character inspired by a sketch from Leonardo da Vinci's notebook, as detailed in Walter Isaacson's biography. This element merges cartoon fantasy with historical and biological motifs in an otherwise pseudo-fantastical setting.
Game Modes
Concorrenza follows a strictly linear structure with no branching paths. The story unfolds in a single sequence, allowing the narrative to focus on its comic and philosophical elements without player choices altering the outcome. This approach frees the storytelling from the need for multiple routes, delivering one cohesive experience from start to finish.
A demo version exists for those who want to sample the style before committing. No additional modes such as multiplayer, side stories, or alternate endings appear in the design.
Story and Themes
The core narrative explores the struggle for individual expression in overwhelming environments, symbolized by candles competing with fluorescents. Scenes emphasize sequential art that leans comic in tone, with confrontational philosophy woven in more subtly than in the developer's prior titles. The result mixes humor, emotion, and odd character moments, including the creepy Salai and the whimsical large mouth figure drawn from historical sources.
Most of the tale stays grounded in pseudo-fantastical territory, using the Leonardo-inspired character as a deliberate exception that blends cartoon elements with historical fiction. The limited color palette reinforces the intimate, focused feel of each scene.
Is It Worth Playing?
Concorrenza suits players who enjoy linear visual novels that prioritize artistic storytelling over choice-driven mechanics. Its comic-like presentation, emotional range from goofy to heartfelt, and unique character designs offer a distinctive short-form experience. The inclusion of a demo lets interested readers test the pacing and style directly. Those drawn to experimental indie works that merge philosophy with sequential art may find its focused, non-branching format refreshing. Availability on PC keeps the barrier low for anyone seeking a compact narrative title with visual flair.