Ohhh this was such a treat of a game- I love the idea of a BAD END sequel! Very unique idea you don't see very often! :> One thing I forgot to mention in my last comment on the Purge/prequel; I think it's really fun of you to include a bonus folder for when people are done with the game(s)! (The password ref was really funny, if not heartbreaking for poor hank 😭

I really like all the extra details for the character movements like when holding items like the knife, bowl etc, as well as different head movements- it makes it all feel a lot more immersive and less "he just stands there...MENACINGLY" The body horror was suuuper creepy and well done, bravo for making me go "EYUGH OH NO!"

The references to other creators' games was another fun touch, but I will say, there was so much text during the tv scene, that I found it hard to focus without an accompanying image/character art- it was a whole lot of sitting and waiting for the tv show to end/be able to continue with the story- though I know some of it was necessary to remind/tell the audience about what lead to what.

I'm also impressed with the usage of another save slot to achieve a different ending- it feels meta, like we can see what Hank would really do in situations if he had everything laid out properly/time to take a breath and think.

I think I'd also snap and look for any means to "bring my son back" if he went the way he did in this scenario )': Poor Hank...good thing this game isn't canon aaa

Either way! Nice tie in for the main game, and definitely spooky!!

Retrieval shows a remarkable evolution both in art and concept compared to The Purge: Desperation. Movements and music are more refined, collisions have improved, and the cinematic scenes evoke an introspective atmosphere that enhances the intended dark tone. The development of Hank as a macabre figure—who, once broken, embraces the occult in a search for answers—is profound and makes an excellent starting point for the sequel.

The dialogue-heavy introduction, wich i belive its reminiscent of Eastern works like Yakuza, poses some pacing issues for me, but the deeper themes—such as error, remorse, and redemption—highlight the necessity of playing the first game to truly grasp these nuances. Retrieval delves into the penumbra of classic horror and existential drama, weaving in elements from Kabbalah and what I interpret as a subtle nod to tarot with the number 15. It’s clear that Doma is highly skilled at embedding meaningful symbols without making them a distraction or resorting to arbitrary references. Much of this painful cycle is not just justifiable but understandable, and in my view, this is due to someone deeply passionate about their craft, adding touches of humor and balancing the visceral elements without losing the humanity that resonates with our existence.

Usually, when I stop to comment on a game here on Itch.io, that I feel has a message, i leave a song in the end. For Retrieval and The Purge: Desperation, i remembered this song: 

I really loved this. It was really dark and hung really heavy in my heart. I went back and replayed the first aaaand made a whole video! 

I like the son's design in this one! Creatures made of blood and nerves are always cool.