Shadow of Choices: A Solstice Journey

Brian Richard — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 10:51:31 +0000

Live Demo

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17JAJlXBxvEOrs909oOhJYs4yZi9Rw5aS/view?usp=sharing

Source Code

https://github.com/richartdo/shadow-solstice-journey.git

Shadow of Choices: A Solstice Journey is an interactive narrative game inspired by the June Solstice and the idea that every decision we make shapes who we become.

The game explores the balance between light and shadow within ourselves. Throughout the journey, players are presented with meaningful choices that influence their path and ultimately determine their ending.

Rather than focusing on combat or competition, the game focuses on reflection, identity, personal growth, and the consequences of choice.

Inspiration

The June Solstice represents a moment of transition and balance. It is a point where light and darkness meet, making it a powerful symbol for personal growth and self-discovery.

I wanted to create a game that reflects the choices people face every day:

Choosing courage over fear
Choosing truth over comfort
Choosing compassion over indifference

Each choice pushes the player toward light, shadow, or a balance between the two.

Gameplay

Players progress through a series of narrative scenes.

In each scene:

A situation is presented
Multiple choices are available
Each choice affects the player's journey

The game tracks:

Light Score
Shadow Score

At the end of the journey, the player's decisions determine which ending they receive.

Possible endings include:

The Dawn Bringer

For players whose actions consistently favored hope, courage, and compassion.

The Keeper of Shadows

For players who embraced fear, isolation, and self-preservation.

The Balance Walker

For players who found equilibrium between light and darkness.

Features
Interactive narrative storytelling
Multiple endings
Choice-driven progression
Dynamic score system
Solstice-inspired theme
Responsive design for desktop and mobile
Beautiful atmospheric user interface
Built With
Frontend
React
TypeScript
Tailwind CSS
Lovable
Backend
Node.js
Express
Database
Supabase
Deployment
Vercel
Theme Alignment

This project was designed specifically around the June Solstice Game Jam themes.

Light and Darkness

The central mechanic revolves around choices that influence the player's relationship with light and shadow.

Identity

Every decision contributes to the player's final identity and ending.

Change

The story focuses on transformation and personal growth through decision-making.

Time

The journey represents a progression through meaningful moments that shape the player's future.

Challenges

Some of the biggest challenges included:

Designing meaningful choices
Balancing the scoring system
Creating endings that felt rewarding
Building a clean and immersive user experience within the game jam timeframe
What I Learned

Through this project I gained valuable experience in:

Interactive storytelling
Narrative game design
State management in React
Structuring game logic
Rapid product development during a game jam
Future Improvements

Planned future enhancements include:

More story branches
Additional endings
Character customization
Sound effects and music
Achievement system
AI-generated personalized endings
Expanded world-building and lore
Screenshots
Home Screen

Story Scene

Choice Selection

Final Ending

Play the Game

🌞 Live Demo:https://drive.google.com/file/d/17JAJlXBxvEOrs909oOhJYs4yZi9Rw5aS/view?usp=sharing

https://shadow-solstice-journey.vercel.app/

Thank you for checking out Shadow of Choices: A Solstice Journey.

Every choice leaves a mark. Which path will you follow?

DEV Community: Brian Richard

Shadow of Choices: A Solstice Journey