Lab42 Games and publisher Secret Mode have released their latest title, A Storied Life: Tabitha, on PC via Steam and the Nintendo Switch. The game is currently available for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
Set in a location known as Lavender Laithe, the story follows the aftermath of the death of a woman named Tabitha. Players arrive at her former home to find that her memoirs, which were set for publication, have been damaged following an accident. The gameplay involves exploring the residence to recover items that help piece together Tabitha’s history and fill the gaps in her unfinished manuscript.
Each room requires players to make decisions regarding Tabitha’s belongings, deciding whether to keep, sell, or recycle specific objects. Storage space is a primary constraint, as players are only permitted one cardboard keepsake box per room. The mechanics involve spatial puzzles where items must be rotated and aligned to fit. Players can use tape to reinforce heavy boxes or bubble wrap to protect fragile items, though broken objects may occasionally reveal hidden information.
The final narrative is shaped by the specific items the player chooses to retain. Depending on these choices, Tabitha can be remembered in various ways, such as a botanist, a mother, or someone involved in the arcane arts. This allows for different narrative styles, ranging from a traditional memoir to a more avant-garde collection of memories. The game is designed for multiple playthroughs, offering different facets of Tabitha’s life and the option to recycle everything and take nothing of her life with you.
Lab42 Games’ Terry Goodwin and Cherish Goldstraw expressed their satisfaction with the project and the initial feedback received from the community:
This has been one of the most fulfilling projects we’ve ever worked on, and we’re so excited to finally get the full game into player’s hands. We’ve been bowled over by the positive reception so far, and it’s been a pleasure watching people resonate with our little game. We hope they enjoy the full experience just as much.
