The Witch Trials EP1 The Abyss Gazer is a free to play indie adventure visual novel set in modern Taipei. It presents a single linear story focused on an ordinary man named Li Haonan who encounters Liu Ruyan at a matchmaking event and believes he has found happiness, only for a blue flame from a lighter to expose a darker reality beneath the surface. The narrative draws on contrasts between ancient Eastern legends of fairies as symbols of purity and kindness and their altered connotations in the twenty first century, unfolding as an urban revenge drama.
Gameplay
This title operates as a straightforward visual novel without any interactive systems or player agency beyond basic progression. Users advance the text by clicking the mouse or selecting a skip function to move through the story at their preferred pace. The experience contains no branching paths, decision points, or multiple endings, ensuring every reader follows the exact same sequence of events from beginning to end. There is also no voice acting or romance elements involving multiple characters, keeping the focus entirely on the central plot and its themes of revelation and retribution in an urban setting.
Game Modes
The game offers only one mode of engagement: a continuous single route narrative. No separate modes exist for exploration, combat, or alternative storylines, as the design prioritizes uninterrupted delivery of the revenge drama centered on events in Taipei City. Players simply read or skip through the text to experience the full account without deviation or additional layers of interaction.
Story and Setting
The plot follows Li Haonan, presented as an everyday individual, whose meeting with Liu Ruyan at a matchmaking event initially suggests a path toward personal fulfillment. This setup shifts when the blue flame of a lighter uncovers underlying deceptions, transforming the tale into one of confrontation and payback. The urban environment of Taipei serves as the backdrop, blending everyday encounters with the weight of hidden truths and the evolution of cultural symbols like fairies from benevolent figures in old legends to something far more complex in contemporary contexts. The story remains self contained within this single episode, released in autumn 2026.
Is It Worth Playing?
Readers interested in linear visual novels that emphasize a focused revenge narrative without distractions from choices or side content may find value in this free to play experience. Its minimal mechanics suit those who prefer to absorb a complete story in one sitting through simple clicks or skips, particularly if the themes of urban deception and personal reckoning in Taipei appeal. Availability on PC makes it accessible for anyone seeking a concise, single route adventure that avoids voice acting or romantic subplots in favor of direct plot progression. Those who enjoy unadorned storytelling centered on revelation and consequence will likely appreciate its straightforward approach over more complex interactive titles.
