Every once in a while, I try out some new game on Steam, and I have to admit that I have found a new favorite. Since I have to make good use of my time, I can only try out a game for a little while before I have to write a review. Usually, an hour or so is good enough to get a good idea for the game, and then I stop. In this case, I found a hard time stopping.

Epistory-Typing Chronicles is from Fishing Cactus, and it has one of the most highest of high concepts. The press release says that there is an author trying to write a story, and is calling to a muse for help. This muse takes the form of a young girl or woman who rides a fox with three tails. The muse goes through this land that literally unfolds.

Yes, this place unfolds like paper to reveal a forest, and then words appear on the ground, which are presumably the story that is told, which reads like a fairy tale. To make things a little more confusing, sometimes there is other writing happening, presumably from the writing.

Oh yeah, did I mention that all the controls are made with typing? Oh yes, and this makes Epistory totally unique, because it isn’t subtitled Typing Chronicles for nothing. No joystick is required, needed, and probably wouldn’t work anyway. Instead of W-A-S-D to move, this uses I-J-E-F for controls. Yes, that is somewhat confusing, but you can use W-A-S-D if you want.

So, as you walk through this land, a story is being told, based on what you are doing. Occasionally, you can see some things in your way, and if you hit the spacebar, you have to type something to destroy it. Or something else will happen. Also, there are these insect-like creatures that show up, and only by typing can they be killed.

By the way, there are some times when the enemies just gang up on you, and then you have to repel them. It is pretty tough, and in addition to the difficult controls, that is the low point of the game.

However, I love this game’s high points. This game really captures what it is like to be a writer and to have a story stuck in you. I know that probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, but it is just so much fun.

I have no idea if Epistory is supposed to be some kind of an educational game, because the gameplay is all about typing. It reminds me of a game called Master-Type, where you have to type some things in order to shoot aliens.

I highly recommend this game, and you can find it on the Steam Early Access games here for $12.99