Istanbul (not Constantinople)
A downloadable visual novel for Windows and macOS
Due to itch.io space restrictions, the Android version of the game can be downloaded from the Patreon page only -still free.
Synopsis
'Istanbul (not Constantinople)' is a complex, multi-layered story which tackles the East-West clash of civilizations in the modern era, through the lives of ordinary, everyday youths of different -and often contradicting- cultures.
Follow the story of a multitude of seemingly everyday people of all ages and walks of life. Witness how paths converge, stories start and end, and how best of friends can turn on each other, while mere strangers put their fates into each other's hands.
Istanbul (not Constantinople) visual novel is my first attempt at a visual novel. If I can promise you one thing about this story, it would be that it's full of twists and turns you won't see coming.
Though "Istanbul (not Constantinople)" is a visual novel, not a game, you will get to participate in the unfolding of the story. Your choices, knowledge and personal preferences will matter. Let's just say that not everyone will get to play through the same story; not in one run through anyway.
In the first chapter you get to run the story as multiple characters, male and female. Gradually though, the story gets to unfold from a male character's perspective, with 3 possible romance options.
Istanbul (not Constantinople) includes no nudity, sex animations or gay love, although it tackles different perspectives on straight, homo and bi sexuality in general. The visual novel also tackles political issues, king makers and many more non mainstream topics. I will take into account any particular topics you, my supporters, would like to include as well. Just drop me a line with an issue you think should benefit from a different point of view.
I think Patreon is a great way to support the projects (and the people behind the scenes) you like. So if you like my work -I seriously hope you do- please consider supporting it.
To get the latest release of the visual novel immediately as they are released, get development updates and to support Istanbul (not Constantinople) visual novel, please visit my Patreon page.
Download
Click download now to get access to the following files:
Development log
- Development Update (Nov. 11, 2021)Nov 12, 2021
- Development Update #1 (March 28, 2021)Jun 15, 2021
Comments
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I really like the idea of a Visual Novel with political, social and world view issues, this is a novelty. I like the graphic and the female characters are very interesting. Still, it's not enough for a good game.
First of all, it's very disappointing when you make an important choice (the very first in the game) and it does not have any impact on what's happening or even on what's the protagonist says. It would be great if the player could articulate his own views by the main Protagonist.
Second, it's much better when you just follow one main character, so if you want to develop a few, you'd better give an option to choose one.
Third, some points of views presented in the game are really biased, like Armenian-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is referred to as Armenian occupation. I understand that this is a Turkish University and Turkish point of view but it really looks like some sort of propaganda. It's very rare that only one part is right in a conflict.
Thank you very much for the feedback, Kuokamana. Truly appreciated.
I'm glad you enjoyed the concept and the visuals, and let me address the concerns you raised.
Please note that the version available to you is a "proof of concept" version of the actual VN. That is, it has the sole purpose of letting you get a feel of what's to come, not really experience the following builds.
The VN is more novel than game. You will not be bombarded with choices, but when you do get to make a choice it will count, and will have huge influence on how your journey unfolds. The choice you refer to, and all other choices you've seen and haven't seen yet, do show you different things and count towards your journey as of build 1 to come.
You will follow one main character throughout the novel. What you've seen in the PoC build was day 1 of a very long journey. You will continue to experience the novel through several characters for a few more days, but before long you will experience things through the eyes of the VN's male protagonist.
Istanbul (not Constantinople) is a serious story with dozens of characters. Each of which will have their own personality, mannerisms and views on life. These views are what you will see when a certain character is speaking or behaving. Therefore, if you see a professor in Istanbul University testing one of his students, you can pretty much expect the point of view of a Turkish professor.
This is not a politically correct VN. It's a story on opposing and conflicting points of view and ways of life. Eventually, you'll be experiencing the whole thing through the eyes of Turkish, American and nationals of many countries, each with their own views and biases, all of which are expressed as a matter-of-fact for the character in question.
Thanks again for your feedback, and keep 'em coming.
Thank you for your very detailed answer. It sounds all encouraging. However, I would be only interested in the game as long as I can really feel that I am the main character and I can make my own choices according to my own beliefs. Let all other characters have their own points of views and clash with mine, that's OK for me.
Unfortunately, in the very first choice when I chose 'She's right' (a pro-feminism choice) I ended up criticising what she was saying and it was very disappointing. It turned out that I couldn't really be myself in the game. :(
Can we get some more information about the game? Like, is the main character male or female? Do the romances include straight and gay? How many characters are romanceable?
Thank you Erized for your questions. That's the kind of feedback I need to be able to clarify things further. I went ahead and added the replies to your questions to the VN's synopsis. Keep me updated with your opinions and feedback.
"In the first chapter you get to run the story as multiple characters, male and female. Gradually though, the story gets to unfold from a male character's perspective, with 3 possible romance options.
Istanbul (not Constantinople) includes no nudity, sex animations or gay love, although it tackles different perspectives on straight, homo and bi sexuality in general. The visual novel also tackles political issues, king makers and many more non mainstream topics. I will take into account any particular topics you, my supporters, would like to include as well. Just drop me a line with an issue you think should benefit from a different point of view."