Now available on Steam:

"Ahead of you lies the temple of my creation."

Welcome to Animus Toil, the debut video game from Mindset Makers!


The Temple Of The Herring was a legend to the people of Thera, said to be cursed by an evil wizard known only as Somnus. Two explorers find their way into the illusive temple, finding themselves trapped in a dynamic, yet parallel path towards their own fates.
Who exactly is Somnus? Why is the temple cursed? What is the secret behind the mysterious artifacts? And how does this tale all tie into the future of our humanity?


Animus Toil is an experimental puzzle-adventure game, featuring two playable characters and randomized room sequences, giving each player different experiences. While each puzzle can be solved on their own, it is encouraged for players to exchange solutions and reach the game's end together.
Each playthrough has an estimated completion time of 1-2 hours, and there are 4 possible endings to discover.

"Proceed with curiosity."

In order to fully realize the creator's vision, this experience contains intense and disturbing scenes, including those with various visual effects that may be dangerous to anyone with photosensitive epilepsy.

Download the PC port for FREE! This native Windows version is the original Game Boy ROM running on GB Studio's built-in emulator and exported to an executable. This version allows for easy windows/screen-resizing, as well as plug-and-play support for controllers (such as the newer Xbox controllers, which have been tested and working).

The game is also playable on other computers, such as Macintosh and Linux, through this game page itself. Simply start the game in the window above, and enjoy!
The controls are as follows:

  • Arrow Keys = move player
  • Z = A/select/interact
  • X = B/back
Receive the transmission in your own world.

Donate to gain access to all bonus content! This includes access to the Game Boy ROM itself, as well as an exported version for Analogue Pocket, allowing you to experience the game natively through hardware or emulation. Also included is the official soundtrack, enhanced and exported to both FLAC and MP3 formats, as well as assets to create your own physical copy.

Physical DVD-ROM copies are also available to order via the button below. These DRM-free discs include the full game and all bonus content.

Click here to buy now!

Animus Toil has been tested and working on most Game Boy emulators, although please be mindful when saving is implemented. VisualBoyAdvance is recommended. For the most authentic experience, as the creator intended, play on Game Boy Color hardware using a burned cartridge (requires battery for saving) or flashcart of your choice with stereo headphones.

Thank you for playing. Good luck, explorers!

Credits:

StatusReleased
PlatformsWindows, HTML5
Release date Dec 22, 2021
Rating
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
(2 total ratings)
AuthorMindset Makers
GenreAdventure, Puzzle
Made withMilkyTracker, GB Studio, Aseprite
TagsExperimental, Game Boy, Narrative, Pixel Art, Retro, Short, Singleplayer, Surreal
Average sessionAbout an hour
LanguagesEnglish
InputsKeyboard, Xbox controller, Gamepad (any)

Download

Download NowName your own price

Click download now to get access to the following files:

Animus Toil for Windows 225 MB
Animus Toil for Game Boy 1 MB
if you pay $1 USD or more
Animus Toil for Analogue Pocket 1 MB
if you pay $1 USD or more
Animus Toil - The Official Video Game Soundtrack 100 MB
if you pay $1 USD or more
Physical Copy Assets 1 GB
if you pay $1 USD or more
Version 1

Development log