Publisher Astrolabe Games and developer Helena Creative Studio have released a demo for “Kafka-esque” satirical pixel RPG Moth Kubit for PC via Steam.
Here is an overview of the game, via Astrolabe Games:
About
Moth Kubit is an RPG (role-playing game) about corporate life as an ordinary person… I mean, as an ordinary insect!
Our protagonist, Moth Kubit, has just been promoted, and all of a sudden embarks on a weird adventure in a megacorp to redeem (or eradicate) himself, his bug-ddies and the company before the mysterious “Final Process” arrives.
This game depicts an absurd but vivid Kafkaesque corporate world of insects and a unique combat system, featuring multiple endings based on the important choices Moth Kubit made along the way.
Story
So, what is the story, anyways?
To put it short—a strange, amazing, weird adventure of a working-class insect. Could this simple working-class bug decide the future?
Set in a mega-corporation, Moth Kubit is a 2D top-down, bizarre RPG that features our protagonist, Moth Kubit, an average worker that emotionless accepts a promotion, unaware of the mysterious “Final Process” that is coming his way.
Rumor has it that the “Final Process” will change everything, everywhere all at once, like a fever dream taking form. Will the corporation go bankrupt? Will the world come to an end? It is up to Moth Kubit and his bug-reaucrats to work their way up and to save or seal the fate of reality…
Anyhow, it’s hard to summarize this bizarre, absurd, but charming story. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed! There will be lots of mysteries, quests, and endings to uncover.
Gameplay
So, what does the gameplay looks like? Expect a classic RPG with multiple endings.
Basically, the gameplay follows the standard recipe for RPGs—play as Moth Kubit, walk around freely to solve puzzles, talk to your bug co-workers, investigate some objects, and advance the story.
All of this takes place inside a corporation full of bugs from different sectors and business levels! Find those who, like Moth, live for the sweet of each day… and find those whose motives are so secret and twisted that they are even powerful enough to alter reality…
Everything… from all the interactives to the rooms itself… everything is interlinked! So… Choose wisely, and keep your eyes open!
Characters
So, who… What kind of bugs do I get to meet? Moths, ladybugs, beetles, caterpillars, dragonflies—is this an Insectopedia?!
Yup, so there will be quite some bugs in the game (really cute ones, we promise, not those glitchy freaks). Moth will interact with coworkers of different species! Every insect lets slip through its species and category some glimpse of its personality and motivation…
*SPECIAL DISCLAIMER*: No insects were harmed in the making of this video game, and all of the insects have been cartooned to make sure no insectophobia (entomophobia, technically) will be triggered. If so, please let us know!
Reconnect to your long-lost bug-ddies, exchange random distant knowledge foreign to your world with other bugs or decide to isolate yourself in your own cocoon… Each character has their own story that intertwines with Moth’s. Discover the personalities and dreams of your companions, then decide their future through the choices presented…
Setting
So, about the setting… Well… How did I get here anyways?
Moth Kubit is a game made with an immeasurable hatred of cramped cubicles and bureaucracy. Every setting is the result of our team’s imagination amid so much time wasted facing piles of paper and responsibilities to be fulfilled. The result is a series of arcs where everyday boredom blossoms into surreal experiences. Workplaces, diverse business sectors, corporate events… Anyway! Check out our GIFs! We strive to bring unique play experiences, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to meet even the wildest expectations.
Combat
So, since it’s an RPG, can you explain a bit more about the combat system? Of course, in a nutshell—Talking Therapy.
Moth Kubit integrates a combat system known as Love Sick Disorder (LSD). It is natural that Moth, in the midst of endless conversations with his colleagues, his boss and his clients, has developed a sharp tongue capable of getting him out of any adverse situation. Moth uses his persuasion skills to overcome his opponents because physical strength… is obviously not his strongest attribute! The combat system will always allow for different outcomes that could influence how the story progresses. To bring more fun to it, Moth will also face a sequence of thematic minigames that require quick and direct reflexes between dialogues.
Moth Kubit is due out for PC via Steam in 2024.
Watch a new trailer below.