Before You Depart
A downloadable game for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Canines are often companions for life. Some can even be companions in death...
This is a SFW visual novel, but player discretion is advised. Our story deals with heavy topics such as:
- Terminal Illness
- Mental Health
- Death & Grief
This project was made for the May Wolf Visual Novel Game Jam. Please go check out the submission made by the other developers!
This visual novel is a 100% complete experience. Any updates made in the future will be for bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, or implementing features we didn't have time to create.
Love our story? Check out the Before You Depart, Asset Pack! You can download high quality images and our original soundtrack.
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Development log
- Novembear Game Jam!45 days ago
- 1-Year Anniversary!Jun 01, 2024
- More BYD Merch Available!May 10, 2024
- Before You Depart Merch, Now Available!Apr 12, 2024
- Asset Pack, Now Available to DownloadJul 09, 2023
- Icon commissions!Jun 21, 2023
- Game Jam Results & Future of Before You DepartJun 18, 2023
- Please Vote For Us for the Game Jam!Jun 03, 2023
Comments
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Wow... WOW... This was so beautiful. Absolutely fell in love with the music
What an absolutely impactful experience! About a 1.5-2.5h read. I've never had such a short piece of media impact me so much before.
10/10, please give this novel a shot if you find yourself with some time in your day!
Such an amazing, tragic and gay little story, very beautiful highly recommended.
I had to take a break halfway through because I started to cry so hard that my eyes were getting swollen aaaa. This VN means so much to me, genuinely. Death is such a scary thing, even more so because it can come any time in your life regardless of if you are ready for it. This VN gave me a little bit of hope that it won't be so bad when it's my time. It gave me hope that when I die, death might cry for me too. <3
*sniffles* w-who gave y'all the right to make me cry, i-idiots 😭 I loved this story and it affected me for a whole day and maybe it will even longer..
It's the most touching VN I've ever read in fact… Though it's short, its story successfully and deeply hits me.
i think this game made me feel less scared about death 10/10 would recomend
This very gay and fun :) 5 stars from me
That ending... Now I feel like crying! this VN is truly a masterpiece, thank you.
Truly the most breath - taking story i have ever read, It reached deep inside me and struck a chord i have havent felt in so many years, thank you, from all that is me, Team Lycoris!
I read this with a friend in vc and started to BALL MY EYES OUT I loved it
Though I wished there was a way to listen to some of the music for this online I tried looking but I couldn't find any sadly
My feelings are much too volatile to write an extensive review after playing this, but what I can say is one of the best visual novels I have ever read in my entire life, massive props to the team behind this masterpiece.
The most heartfelt thing i have ever read.
I don't even know where to begin with this, I started playing this game at like 1 am and I couldn't stop because I was too engrossed into the story (I stayed up pretty much the whole night) First thing I gotta say is that the music is heavenly, absolutely love it, (is there an ost I can find?) second I loved every second of the story. It had a very great way of telling it and building the characters so you could feel the story and love them, I loved it so much I was tearing up when it ended, and speaking of that ending...I don't know what to say other than. I loved it, All of it. Thank you for making this.
i went into this expecting sad topics, but not expecting the reaper to be a silly goober most of the time lol
10/10
Omggg I cried three times in this story ;(
Too good! The arts, music, characters' design, the CGs, the visual effects... All of it is wonderful and made me so damn immerse in this story!!
DEFINITELY WOULD PLAY AGAIN
I said what I wanted to in my review, but so others scrolling the comments can see, what a beautiful game! Excellent work, definitely worth the play.
Beautiful, love every moment of this one. Good job for everyone on this project, and hope to see more of your other works as well.
This might aswell be one of my favorite visual novels ever made, all tho im not good at making well written Reviews for visual novels and this'll be the first one ever, i dont wanna keep the thoughts to myself
**SPOILERS**
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The art style is absolutely wonderful, such pleasant color schemes and character designs. Mori's design reflected what kind of a person he was and how rough of a life he had so well, Memento's adorable design conflicting with who he is as a Reaper fits his character so...so well...
where do i start....the dreadful theme when Mori tried to escape, the stage play music, and the final dance theme....the latter finnaly breaking the camels back for me, im still in tears writing this very part...
when visual novels have open ended endings...ones that end hopeful, thats when i love them the most...i want more of them but i know i cant have more of them, but this ending in particular...what will be of Mori and especially Memento...but all i know is that the Final dance, the Final kiss and the Final walk to nothing felt so so dreadful in a good way? (i dont know im so full of emotion right now)
there was no hopeful open ended finale, its just as Memento told Mori...and i love it
After all his Life Mori felt love from what it felt...and after what seemed like ages, ages of evolution, ages of change Memento felt human, he learnt the joys, he felt guilt, he felt sorrow and most importantly he felt love, a blind love that made him walk into nothing with Mori, im so proud of him- no both of them
an hour, it took me just an hour to finish this and yet the feels it gave me....i could have never guessed just an hour could make me this devastated, ive played my fair share of emotional visual novels (hell, im still playing them) but this one felt particularly different, i love it
I saw myself in Mori in some way, a man that had a passion for art, a man that couldnt make this passion his main thing...a man that had a dreadful life...when the word "Computer science" dropped off his mouth i just froze, "thats me...my mom said i should do something that could make me live comfortably aswell..." but unlike Mori i have a future....i think
My gut still churns thinking about this game...and how its over, but thats just death isnt it? Its sudden...
Always appreciate the ones with you, ones who are right next to you, pursue the joys of life, ones that wont make you regret your life, death is but an unknown, its sudden, its unfair, illnesses, accidents we cant prevent these, so live your life to the fullest without regrets
A wonderful story with a wonderful premise, with a wonderful lesson acompanied with wonderful art and wonderful writing.
10/10 for this short masterpiece made with passion, Memento Mori.
Short story about furry thanatos picaro lol. I don't really get why it gets everyone to cry so easily, but it was beatiful.
Is that a persona reference
Such a lovely heart-felt story. I could not keep myself from crying by the end.
Nothing but love on my end.
Really loved the ending. Didn't think I'd end up crying but here I am, tears in my eyes. Truly can't express how incredible of an experience this was. Kudos!
I haven't cried this much in a long while. What a beautiful piece of art. Thank you to everyone who made it
Truly a brilliant short story. You all captured so much in such a small time frame, and in fact made that time-frame elevate the story. An incredible amount love and effort went into this, and it's very clear.
Thank you all for creating this experience, I hope to see more from you all!
Brilliant short story. Does what it wants to do so well and what it does is also very impactful. Wonderfully impressive job!
There is a quote I think is oddly fitting for this game: "His feet are light and nimble. He never sleeps. He says that he will never die. He dances in light and in shadow and he is a great favorite. He never sleeps, the judge. He is dancing, dancing. He says that he will never die."- Blood Meridian (Cormac McCarthy), I feel although it fits this splendid tale! You've got a lovely thing here! Truly just 👌
A great little story. Did exactly what it intended to do. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
Wow, I am so glad I checked this out after seeing a single piece of fanart. I'd write more, but it's 2:30 in the morning and I'm still shocked. That was great!
I love this story oh it's so emotional and I LOVED!!! EVERYTHING in it from the music the writing the art it's truly is a masterpiece and it really earned it's place as the 1st ranked novel.
Damn. I cried. Multiple times.
11/10
Would pet Memento again
SPOILERS
God, that ending tho. We, as an audience, not being able to know what happens next is such a good way of of- ending the story? I dunno, i dont have the words. Its amazingly poetic tho
took me a moment to realize Memento was wearing a hoody all along
Also, I need to say that i loved the subtle (but not really) detail of them being named Memento and Mori.
Memento Mori "Remember Death" (Latim)
There are some scenes that made me tear up. Memento is so handsome and adorable, and Mori seems to be a realist. Both seem to be introspective, though, and I feel like what Mori went through resonated a chord within me.
The music set the mood correctly and, as Camazule always does, made it set the tone.
All in all, this VN is, in my opinion, one of the greatest I've played. The art, the music, the CGs, and Memento, all of it was so good. Thanks for this visual novel, and I hope you have a good day/night.
Before I get to the review/analysis, I'd like to say what a ride this VN was. If you're reading this right now and, for some reason, you haven't already-I implore you to stop whatever you're doing and give this VN a read.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
I doubt I will touch on everything, but I will attempt to touch on the things that stood out to me. I apologize in advance for my verbosity.
A play has a beginning and an end. And, like in tragedies, not all of the characters make it to the closing act, but all will fall behind the curtain as it descends.
Art and Music:
The art palette reminds me of a sunset, and the warm orange and red contrasted superbly with the black. Due to this, the artful touches of other colors later stand out. And I felt some Latin (character design) and Greek (for the hospital scene) inspiration vibes from the art, which was a pleasant touch. The emotion in the art for the chase scene was so thick it was palpable. The visual contrast of Momento looming over, staring down at a small helpless Mori, was a fantastic set piece. Not to mention how we are told a sliver of information in visual form alone at the start of the story- you have to love that. The music was sublime in heightening the ambiance of each scene and does so with gusto. The Starbound Waltz was an absolute pleasure to hear, one I know I will revisit. Needless to say, but I will anyway, the art and music work together in glorious tandem to bring about an incredibly emotional experience.
Writing:
Given what I've written so far, what I have to say shouldn't be surprising. The script was good, really good. There was never a feeling that the writing lingered on something for too long, nor was a scene cut short abruptly without good reason. I was momentarily taken out of the reading by the sudden transition from the chase scene, but after a moment of consideration, its curt nature made sense.
The writer's ability to say so much with so little is admirable and, perhaps, something I could learn a thing or two about. From philosophical discussion to the brutal reality of cancer patients to the impacts of divorce, there was always something to stop and ponder. I loved the references to mythology, among other things (like Mori's last name referring to the word 'katabasis' or 'catabasis'). I am yet an amateur in analysis, but I can't help but clasp my hands together in giddy anticipation at what will come next from the writer's deft hands.
Programming and GUI:
The unsung hero of any FVN, the programming was flawless (minus the one thing I mentioned to Arcadia). The experience at the end of the hospital scene was quite memorable. Excellent execution! The custom textbox was an eye-pleasing addition to gaze upon as I read; the overall polish put into the GUI work was incredible.
The Moonlit Waltz:
The play and its constituents are mirrors of the end of the story. Moreover, the theme of the play resonants throughout the story and acts as a through-line for one of the story's overall core messages: passion, life, and love, and how brief they can be, and despite that briefness, how genuine and captivating they are for that modicum time in which they exist. Romance can be short and bittersweet, as it was for the Star and the Man, but that doesn't dim its luster. Near the end of the story, we see a reenactment of that final scene of the play, but now Mori is the Star and Memento the Man: "A story about a romance that was never meant to be."
Stella:
As the name 'Stella' (Latin for Star) implies, she is the star of the show, and this is portrayed to us in Mori's descriptions of her when she performs- her movements are effortless as she moves across the stage. Backstage we see another side of her. She is distraught as her father, despite his promises, didn't come to watch her performance. Her parents are going through a divorce like Mori's parents did. Moreover, her father had said that these performances she was so enthused about were a waste of time. Now she wonders if he was right. Mori empathizes and reassures her here, going on a passionate tirade about how awful it is that her parents left her in the rubble of their issues and doubted her dreams. For Mori, this is a bit personal to him, so he reels himself back in and reassures her that she will be an amazing actress.
Mori mentions that even though other people he would perform with would eventually leave and drift apart, he and Stella had been a constant since the third grade. Even she fell away unexpectedly. Their passion for what they do pours out from both of them, so it is no wonder they were so close. When she visits him in the hospital- in both Mori's description of her and visually- there is a stark contrast between their states. The depiction of stars behind her is a nice touch to the state of affairs. One is being pulled toward stardom, while the other is chained to a slow death- by the uncaring and cruel nature of terminal cancer. In her excitement on her second visit upon getting a big part, she says something insensitive to Mori. In a rage, he tears into her, saying how great it is that she is living the life he wanted so badly and throwing it in his face. He goes on and on- and in doing so, ensures that he breaks the last connection he had left. The star exits the stage, and Mori is left alone to the death that awaits him.
Mori Catybassis:
What gives your life direction and purpose? Mori is one of the main facilitators for this question. When Momento asks him what 'joys' he could show him, it takes Mori a moment to think about it. Eventually, Mori does recall such a time. As they go on together to relive his memory, Mori tells Memento his prior dreams and aspirations: He wanted to act and one day be on Broadway. But, it was not to be. At his father's behest, he threw away his dreams for a four-year degree in CS. His father told him there was no money to be made in Theatre, so what was the point of it? But, he remarks, what use do the dead have for wealth?
He laments throwing away his dreams; wonders what he could have done with himself in those years of doing something Mori lacked true passion for, a longing he had for Theatre. Stella, in some ways, is the embodiment of what might've been, and as he relives these memories, he displays deep remorse for how he treated her. He uses this introspection that he gained at the hospital and from seeing his memories to tell Momento what he believed to be what sustains humans. Lovely as they are, it isn't flowers, sunsets, or belly rubs (allegedly). These simple joys are fleeting things, temporary gratifications. It is our ambitions and dreams that make life worth all the while.
So when Memento tells him he lied about what comes after- he breaks. In those four years of dealing with leukemia, Mori pushed everybody away. He never found somebody to love; he had suffered unimaginable pain, alone and isolated. Nobody came to mourn when he died. And now, after having dealt with all of it, he was offered a reprieve, eternal bliss, and it was all a lie? The stars dance along his hair as he flees. Having been told it is fruitless matters not, he sprints as if the sun is searing at his back. Eventually, though, there is no more running. The end draws neigh for Mori. But who else can say they danced on the world's- or perhaps out of this world- grandest stage with a reaper?
Memento:
Memento's name is apt, as he seems to be a memory receptacle for all of humanity, changing as they do (as do all reapers- I loved the worldbuilding for them). Memento has grown kind and chipper through his experiences with humans but can't grasp their emotions or humanity beyond a base level. He has spoken with them and heard of their stories but hasn't experienced their memories firsthand.
Upon meeting Mori, he tells him that he needn't worry about going into the Beyond, as he will experience eternal bliss. However, Memento is still confused about what makes humans have that spark in life- why are some of them happy to see him after they die?- and asks Mori to show him his- something he has asked no one else. As he said himself- he had always planned on asking the next time (I know the feeling, Memento) but never went about it and decided, by random chance, this person would be the one. Later, after experiencing firsthand Mori's memories, the good and the bad, he has an existential crisis, and he questions aloud the need for all the suffering, wondering what will even become of him in the coming years. After even humanity is gone, will he even be himself? A strange but beautiful thing to see a personification of death itself having such a crisis.
Back in the memory of the Lycoris Community Theater- when Mori explained why he didn't want to talk about why Stella was crying- he spoke of guilt to Memento. We see Memento almost immediately steer away from the conversation- a foreshadowing. Even before that, there were hints. Because of this and the emotions Mori has unlocked by sharing his experiences, we see Memento come forward with the truth- he doesn't know what comes after. He tells Mori that the spirit returns to the universe, and as for Mori's consciousness- while he is not certain, he believes it will be gone.
Before Mori, I'm sure he told them all the same lie because he thought it'd bring them comfort. He had no way to feel guilt- nor did he understand it- so why wouldn't he? Mori, of course, tries to run away, consumed by anger and fear with the unfairness of it all. He doesn't want to lose consciousness- his very being- as Mori proposes is the most likely outcome of going Beyond. Eventually, though, he cannot continue to run, for no one can escape death.
And as they approach the After, Memento breaks down, overcome with emotion, telling Mori how unfair his life was and that he doesn't want to forget him- or any of them. He doesn't want to forget any of it. He wants to remember. Now that he feels these complex emotions he had no way of feeling or truly understanding before- Memento is experiencing a paradigm shift in how he views his place as a Reaper.
However, Mori is tired, so very tired. He says as much as he prepares to march forward into proposed oblivion before Memento stops him. He asks that before Mori departs to show him how to dance. So, they dance as Memento brings them to a space full of, well, space. It is a beautiful scene, and he experiences the feeling of love as they dance among the stars. And as the stars bear witness to their great dance, for but a moment, Mori, while just a man, is a star too.
Toward the end, Memento asks if they couldn't just dance among the stars forever. Their roles have now switched from when Mori asked, "Why?". It is now Mori who reminds him that all things must come to an end. The waltz- like his life was- is temporary; as it comes to a stellar end, they walk hand in hand through the wall and into the Beyond.
The Beyond and Lycoris Flowers:
As Momento stated- he doesn't know what lies beyond. Lyrcoris flowers have many meanings, and the fact that they make up that barrier to the Beyond could be more significant than it first appears (IE, it could mean rebirth/resurrection). It would be hilarious if they walked through that, and then we immediately smash cut into a MY WOLF world. It's assuredly not the right VN for it tonally, but that would be a sidesplitting April Fools edit. It is a bit odd that I imagined such shenanigans occurring to the two of them not long after my first reading? Probably. Does it make sense? No, but the idea of them trying to navigate together in an unfamiliar world is burned into my mind.
I wanted Lyrcoris flowers to have an individual section. In said section, I would delve deeper into their cultural and symbolic meanings, but I told myself that I would stop writing this at the end of the jam. Alas, I deprive the world of more of my mad rantings- for now. For example, definitely a stretch, but I pondered whether the fact that they come from Memento's tail could represent that, in a way, he is in a semi-perpetual state of mental rebirth. That, of course, is pretty nonsensical, and there are about four, if not more, representations of what they could mean, and the tail could also mean nothing beyond a stylistic choice. Tangents aside, ultimately, what happens to the consciousness after the Beyond is left open to interpretation, as no one truly holds the answers, but it's still interesting to ponder.
And so, as I hear the curtain call and the sky falls, I ask- Mors, Memineris Mei.
TL;DR Synopsis:
This story was an incredibly well-made passion project with a lot of work put into it. It's a good reminder to cherish those you care for and to chase your dreams and passions because you never know how much time you have left. Memento Mori.
Rating: [∞ /10] Belly rubs for Memento
This has to be my favorite visual novel and I am not lying. The way that this made me feel was so unparalleled by what I have ever read before. The music, the visuals, and the story oh my god it was so good. This really brought out emotions that I haven't felt in a long time and it was just a really good story.
(Copied and pasted because I think I put it in the wrong section)
This is quite the VN! I actually played it yesterday, but I needed a few hours to process it before leaving any form of comment. Your work resonated with me - given that I share a few similarities with the MC - and the message behind it has even inspired me to change my outlook on my own life. Life is indeed fleeting, and should be enjoyed before it's cut short. It's a simple lesson, but it's so very easy to forget.
There isn't much I can say that others haven't already said in their own comments, and probably worded better than I ever could, but...That was one hell of a story. I could really feel Mori's exhaustion and bitterness, and it's a sobering reminder of how quickly any of us could end up in the same position. Memento was adorable, and I can't help but feel for him during his struggle - and eventual understanding - of what life was, and why people react differently to him.
The only decent criticism I could offer would be the length, but given the story was created to be a part of a VN collection and in such a short length of time...You all did very well with this. Bravo!
I just want to comment something meaningful here, to write forth all my fellings while reading this novel, but I just... can't
For the first time I didn't read a visual novel only for the romance, it made me cry, and think about life and death and just... fell
I am glad to be like this, but at the same time it hurts
Thank you.
This brought a tear out of my eye the moment memento told Mori that what he said was not true. I felt bad for Mori since he then new that he did not live life the way he wanted to live it and that everything for him was about to end. The short story ends with them dancing. But after that scene and the story ends, I wonder how sad Memento felt after doing what he had to do to Mori? Obviously by how well he valued Mori's company, he certainly would have broken down in tears knowing that he will never see Mori again. I have always wondered what death would bring. Religious people are so sure that there is a heaven and a hell, but what if neither exist? What if nothing exist? What if something entirely different exist?
Yknow, I think this is the first story ever that I genuinely just feel a need to talk about. This will not leave my head until I write a comment here, and honestly I kinda wish it still won't leave after, I want to remember this
Thank you, genuinely just thank you for making this story. For introducing me to these characters and letting me experience Mori's happiness at the end. And thank you for letting him have that happiness
It was absolutely beautiful and it made my heart hurt so much and it made my heart so happy
Just beautiful. I felt so fragile reading this, but it made me remember that death is what gives life meaning. Thank you for making this
I find it kind of poetic how Death (Memento) is the only person or entity that Mori ends up falling in love with and with reciprocity, simultaneously taking place as he accepts his fate of disappearing into oblivion.
Right away woah and oh... sad...
Some post mortem reflections and humor...
Silence... broken!
Doofy introduction!
Quite the music piece!
Interesting eccentricity!
Weeeee!!!
The fun of learning, the fun of teaching, the fun of sharing.
Yesh Puppies! And Belly Wubs!
Neat abilities! Very fitting!
Logic, how we deal with things that are tangible and grounds us to reality
Emotion, how we deal with things that are not tangible and allows us to connect with others
Too much emotion or logic and you have no sense of self awareness and/or situational awareness. It is not only ones own feelings or thoughts that matter. When one accepts this to be willing to discuss and listen, only then do you find a common ground or fairness to all be on.
Not quite the same, but my dad has no kidneys, so has to be hooked up to a dialysis machine roughly every two days. It also when he has other health problems jsut makes it even worse too.
Life isn't fair and even I am suffering in my own ways, but keeping those who care about you the most close and the things you cherish beside you, give the glimmers of hope to hang on, even in the face of the inevitable.
When you got he face to melt hearts, how could one stay upset? :/3
Remorse and guilt, even in the face of something you can't fight against or take back, this is what taking responsibility for actions is. Never forget though everything is a two way street, do not think of oneself as immune. Anger and spiteful actions only serve to make a wedge or gap bigger, and further negatives fill that void, for no one is bothering to contain it. If you just shut others out for petty reasons, then the issue is you yourself, its not about you, its not about me, its about finding a mid point between us all. If you rock the boat and sabotage things, someone is going to go overboard, into the deep end.