Headache: Altered States

Headache: Altered States is a psychedelic adventure game created with RPG Maker MV. Players dive into surreal worlds shaped by the influence of the fictional hallucinogenic substance Nix, exploring ideas and secrets that fuel a truly unique book.

Story: The protagonist consumes Nix hoping to unlock a remarkable perspective for writing. As the journey unfolds through dreamlike landscapes, she confronts inner struggles and the escalating cost of reliance on the drug. The experience reveals a troubling truth: continued use threatens her health and sense of self. Faced with this revelation, she makes the choice to quit Nix and redirect her life toward creativity without dependence.

Gameplay: The game blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving across two realities. Players traverse surreal environments filled with enemies, hidden passages, and optional side activities that deepen the narrative and unlock new angles on the book. The core objective is to discover ideas for the manuscript. Each idea is hidden behind tall wooden doors bearing a book-shaped lock, inviting curiosity and careful exploration.

Structure: The adventure unfolds over seven days, alternating between real-world segments and trip sequences inside the altered states. When a player finds an idea, the action returns to the real world, prompting progression through the daily cycle and reevaluation of choices. The rhythm emphasizes the tension between inspiration and dependency, and how perception shifts across realities.

Experience: Surreal trip sequences contrast with grounded real-world play, creating a deliberate pace that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional arc. Expect strategic encounters, environmental storytelling, and meaningful side tasks that influence the book’s concepts and the player’s understanding of addiction, creativity, and personal transformation.

Theme: Headache: Altered States uses its visuals and progression to explore creativity under pressure and the journey toward self-improvement. The seven-day cycle invites reflection on how choices shape not only art, but life itself, guiding the player toward a decisive step of change.