Melanin Friendly Games - 'One Thousand and One Days'

Hey Hey! I took an unexpected break this past weekend, I took a blogging break to enjoy my new Switch and do some adulting. I wanna get back into the swing of things with another Melanin Friendly Game pick. This time around I’m covering a game that I’ve covered before, but I don’t see many people talking about, which is a shame because it’s really quite impressive.

For today’s pick I’m covering Asif G.’s episodic Arabian Nights inspired fantasy visual novel, One Thousand and One Days. The game borrows heavily from ancient Persian mythology and Islamic lore AND features an all ethnic cast that draw inspiration from Middle Eastern, North African, and Mongolian cultures. Like Nusantara, this game focuses on a culture and region you don’t see explored very often in games—sure you get otome games that borrow the aesthetic of Arabian cultures, but you don’t see any one taking the time to really go in depth. One Thousand and One Days, does that and more while also weaving an intriguing fantasy adventure that will keep you captivated through each new chapter.

Set in the bustling city of Gehennam, you take on the role of the Dreamer, an individual plagued by strange and mysterious visions, each one more terrifying than the last. In an attempt to find a cure for you strange dreams, you find yourself a guest at the palace, but, your search for answers draws you deeper into a world of court intrigue and magic as you delve into the ancient secrets of the city and the people that live there.

Rumors have been spreading about a series of mysterious disappearances at the palace—but things come to a head when the Empress is attacked by and unknown assailant. An investigation is ordered and you must work with several others to uncover the truth behind the incident.

One Thousand and One Days gives players a chance to interact with several unique fantasy species—the Ridam, the Lotogh, the Nnjid, the Div, and humans; each has their own distinct appearance, history, and lore associated with them. The Ridam are in tune with the astral plane and typically have darker skin tones; the Lotogh are tall nomadic people with horns, tails, and scaly skin; the Nnjid are scholars; the Div are an extinct race of people, thought to have all vanished ages ago. Each of the love interests come from one of these distinct groups and as you pursue them you learn more about them and their people.

I wrote a more in depth review of the first few chapters awhile ago, but now that a few more chapters have been released, One Thousand and One Days is definitely worth checking out! An enchanting visual novel, full of beautiful art and an immersive story that will keep you coming back for more with each new chapter.