Veins Like Tapeworms

"Who needs a moral compass when you have a god in the gutter?"

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The Steam version and itch.io version are functionally identical, but the Steam version lets you earn achievements as well! Every itch.io copy comes with a key for a Steam redemption!

Try the Demo!

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Synopsis

When life becomes a monotonous cycle, it's not hard to grasp how someone could be pushed to the brink of violence, all in the name of feeling free. It becomes even more understandable if that person never even began to live, before being shoved out of the nest. With no gentle way out, the only chance to start anew is to snap chains and splatter organs.

Putting it that way, it was only a matter of time until Demian gave in. We can't prevent a tragedy, but we can cause their descent.

(A young adult on the verge of breaking discovers a flesh-eating parasite, who promises to help them finally live freely. If you let them, they'll become the monster of your own making.)

About

Veins Like Tapeworms is an NVL-style visual novel about disgust, snuffed out dreams, and the desire to be loved. It is currently available on Windows.

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NO GENERATIVE AI WAS INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF THIS GAME!!

Features

✦ A defined protagonist, Demian Zhao!

Take control of Demian Zhao, a 22 year old living on the razor-thin edge between murder and mental break. After moving to Kingsfield Beach in hopes of finding a place to call home, all of their motivation to get out and live a better life has been sapped away. Now, they survive paycheck-to-paycheck, working their miserable job at the Restful Night Motel as a cleaner.

As they become host to an ancient flower god, though, Demian will soon learn that not all is hopeless with their life; they just need to set themself free. If you let them, their humanity will slip away in exchange for their freedom.

The story revolves around Demian's own dreams, fears, desires, and bloodthirsty hatred. Every choice a player can make is a thought running through their mind at that exact moment; no action is out of character.

Will you help them pluck the worms of cruelty from their brain, or indulge in their most violent fantasies?

✦ A slow-burn, dread-filled story told in over 100,000+ words and 8 chapters!

Taking place in the fictional city of Kingsfield Beach, Nevada, Veins Like Tapeworms will present a chilling world for readers to immerse themselves in. Kingsfield is a concrete paradise, where dreams die under gaudy casinos and neon signs. Poor little Demian’s already been swallowed whole by the city, but that doesn’t mean they can’t crawl out of its festering underbelly. All they need is a little push.

Even with a slow-burn narrative told in 8 chapters and 100,000 words, readers will be begging for more by the time the story is over.

✦ 6 endings to discover!

The story of Veins Like Tapeworms is heavily dependent on choices made during a playthrough. The way Demian perceives the words and actions of those around them are influenced by the thoughts a player has allowed into their head - a heartwarming conversation in one path can become a harrowing monologue of bloodlust in another.

With 2 early endings and 4 full endings, the way Veins Like Tapeworms comes to a close is sure to shock or unnerve a player. Can you save Demian from their own violent desires, or will you let them finally give in to the rage that's boiled in their heart for years?

✦ 5 unlockable Bonus Scenes!

Curious about the damage left in your wake? 5/6 endings come with a Bonus Scene to read after the credits roll, taken from another's perspective of the aftermath! Each Bonus Scene is 100% optional, of course - though they can be accessed from the title screen at any time, they're not necessary to get the full picture.

✦ Over 250+ beautiful hand-drawn illustrations!

Written, programmed and drawn entirely by one person, Veins Like Tapeworms has over 250 full-screen illustrations for a player to discover. A gallery in the title screen ensures players can revisit any piece they may have enjoyed, or see what images they haven't unlocked yet.

✦ Immersive ambience!

Tired of visual novels that simply loop one song on repeat, with no regard for sound effects to coordinate with in-game events? Look no further with Veins Like Tapeworms; the game's ambience has been meticulously crafted for utmost immersion, and practically begs for headphones.

Content Warnings

• Cannibalism
• Transphobia
• Gender dysphoria
• Blood/Gore
• Vomiting
• Familicide
• Body horror
• Depression/self-loathing
• Disembowelment
• Animal abuse/death
• Alcohol abuse

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