Cubenen Gardens: Befriend

Cubenen Gardens: Befriend is a linear, story-rich adventure about Michael’s attempt to befriend a monster in the Mall District. Deep in the storeroom of the abandoned Gems Incorporated offices, Michael investigates a theory that monsters are connected to the memories of the deceased. The monster, Bear Repeating, is nicknamed “Adust” (pronounced are-dust) by Michael’s companion and becomes a powerful ally. Finding the bear is only the start: the offices have come back to life under the control of a force more powerful than any monster, and escaping to normality is another challenge.

The Mall District

The Gardens is inhabited by cartoon animals and friendly cube people called cubenen. You meet them at their places of business and encounter others while travelling through the mall’s labyrinth. Your route takes you through back areas of the Mall District that most citizens never get to see, including cluttered storerooms and cafeterias, cubicle farms, H.R. departments and locker rooms. Magic has twisted these places beyond recognition, and their dangerous realms are filled with puzzles.

The abandoned offices still hold magic, and abstract, gem-headed entities now treat Michael as one of their own despite the uncertain status of their employment. Though they should not exist, the entities pursue endless expansion.

Turn-based combat

Combat uses the Order Turn Battle System, in which participants act in a set order that skills and abilities can change. Seamless powers let you act without using your turn, while charging Michael’s robot enables powerful attacks in later rounds. You can examine enemies to identify weaknesses and exploit them in battle. Michael and the party gain a range of abilities and magic as the story progresses.

Equipment and food

More than 100 pieces of equipment and dozens of food items let you adjust your team’s statistics on the fly and shape your strategy.