Before They Catch Us

About the game

Before They Catch Us is a narrative-driven text adventure set in an original fantastical world. It draws inspiration from humanity’s fear of the unknown, the traditions of nomadic cultures, and echoes of spiritual belief. As you journey through the pages, you will discover a strange and shifting land, encounter striking characters, decide how your paths intertwine, step into uncanny visions, and perhaps even alter the fate of the entire world.

World

Once ordinary, the land has now been overtaken by vast fungal forests. These dark woods never rest, they creep forward relentlessly, swallowing meadows and leaving only barren steppes behind. The few who survive must live as wanderers, forever fleeing the encroaching forest that hungers for their lives.

Plot

You take the role of a young prophet, suddenly burdened with visions that invade not only your dreams, but your waking hours as well.

Perform rituals, resist spore infection, face the cruelty of both the forest’s creatures and rival clans — all in pursuit of a single purpose. Walk your Path, remain worthy in the eyes of your ancestors, and above all, survive.

Gameplay

The game unfolds across three Chapters, each capturing a defining episode in the prophet’s story. As you read, you will get to shape the narrative by making difficult choices. Many decisions will lie ahead, but only a few can truly shift the course of history and lead you to one of four possible endings. You will also have to interpret the symbols you see in your visions, matching them with possible meanings in a mini-game. Only by discerning their true significance will you uncover what the Ancestors are truly trying to tell you.