ACCORDING TO CAIN

Two brothers.
One murder.
And a mystery as old as mankind.

According to Cain is an interactive fiction game where you are tasked with solving one of the oldest recorded mysteries in Western literature: What is the mark of Cain?

You are a medieval investigator sent back in time to learn the secrets behind mankind’s first murder. Using a novel alchemy system, observation, and your wits, you must discover the untold truth about Cain and Abel.

It’s a literary murder mystery with an unusual twist on the detective story: Rather than solving the crime, you’re solving the punishment.

Awards

The game was an entry in the Interactive Fiction Competition 2022, where According to Cain took 6th place and claimed 1st place for the Miss Congeniality award (highest ranking by other authors in that year’s competition).

It won Outstanding Game of the Year (Player’s Choice) and Outstanding Game Over Two Hours in the 2022 IFDB Awards.

In the 2022 XYZZY Awards, it won Best Game and Best Implementation, and was nominated for Best Writing, Best Story, and Best Puzzles.

According to Cain was also selected for the 2023 Interactive Top 50.

About the game

According to Cain is an interactive fiction, sometimes called a text adventure. Rather than the game relying on graphics, animation, and sound, you play by reading and interacting with the story world.

The game features artwork and a soundtrack by Kevin MacLeod and Serge Quadrado. In order to experience these media features, you’ll need to download the game file and play it with the QTads interpreter.

Praise for According to Cain

“A brilliant oddity, According to Cain puts you in the shoes of a detective who has to go back and solve humanity’s first murder. It prizes observation and forces you to turn your brain on, which is true of all the best interactive fiction. It’s sharp as a slayer’s knife and gorgeously rendered.” – Winter is Coming, #1 on “The 10 scariest free interactive fiction games to enjoy this winter”

“What a remarkable story. It stays with me. I loved this without reservation.” – Brad Buchanan

“A modern classic.” – Denk

Links

Additional credits

  • Beta testers: StJohn Limbo, Mathbrush, Christopher Merriner, Rovarsson, Mike Russo
  • Music: Kevin MacLeod, Serge Quadrado (licensed under Creative Commons)

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