The Novelist: A Ghost's Guide to Family Drama

8/17/2026, 5:17:46 AM

Release date: 12/10/2013

Tags: #story-rich #choices-matter #atmospheric #stealth #indie #first-person #interactive-fiction #multiple-endings

User Reviews

Score: 74%Mostly Positive
Review Count: 1,038 reviews
Fetched At: 8/17/2026, 5:17:48 AM

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: ¥ 655
Global Price: $4.99
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 8/17/2026, 5:17:43 AM

Key highlight

Play as a ghost observing and influencing a novelist's family life. Make choices that shape their future in this story-rich, atmospheric indie adventure.

Who this is for

For those seeking a poignant narrative experience that delves into family secrets and interpersonal dynamics, The Novelist is highly recommended. Player choices significantly impact the story's conclusion, offering strong replayability.

Details

Overview

The Novelist invites players into a deeply personal narrative, exploring the delicate balance between ambition and family. You step into the spectral shoes of an unseen presence, a ghost sharing a remote coastal home with the Kaplan family for the summer. The core of the game revolves around Dan Kaplan, a novelist striving to complete his most important work while simultaneously navigating the complexities of being a devoted husband and father.

As the ghost, your unique perspective allows you to delve into the family's innermost thoughts, revisit their cherished memories, and understand their hidden desires. The central gameplay loop involves observing these dynamics and subtly intervening in their lives.

However, your effectiveness hinges on remaining undetected; the Kaplans must not know of your presence. The narrative unfolds based on your choices, guiding Dan's career and family life toward different outcomes.

It’s a game that asks profound questions about sacrifice, the pursuit of dreams, and the impact of our actions on those we love.

Highlights

A Unique Perspective: Play as an invisible entity, observing and influencing a family's life without direct interaction.
Story-Rich Experience: Immerse yourself in a compelling narrative focused on themes of ambition, family, and personal sacrifice.
Meaningful Choices: Your decisions directly shape the evolution of Dan Kaplan's career and family relationships, leading to multiple potential endings.

Who It's For

This game is ideal for players who appreciate narrative-driven experiences, enjoy games with significant player choice, and are drawn to atmospheric, introspective stories. If you like exploring complex character relationships and making impactful decisions that alter the course of a story, The Novelist should resonate with you.