Press Release: STARCULT Announced, A Dark Fantasy Visual Novel Where Emotions Shape Every Choice

Read intentions, shape relationships, and uncover the truth behind the monster

Aarhus, Denmark – April 16, 2026 – Indie developer Not A Cat Studios has announced STARCULT: Night – Twisted Age, a dark fantasy visual novel with romance set in a mysterious world on the edge of disaster.

In the game, players use a unique “Emotion Palette” to uncover the true feelings and intentions of others. This system allows them to influence relationships, guide interactions, and investigate the brutal murder of the protagonist’s husband.

Watch the announcement trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhf_acKi0sI

Story Overview

The story follows Silviya, a noblewoman from House Nebula, who enters an arranged marriage with Hans, the young head of the house. Shortly after their wedding, Hans is murdered by an unknown creature.

Silviya calls in a detective to solve the case—but one question drives the story forward: who is the real monster?

A Game About Emotions and Choices

According to Liliia Sitailo, artist and CEO of Not A Cat Studios:

“STARCULT: Night – Twisted Age explores how emotions shape relationships—how people express them, interpret them, and use them, whether intentionally or not.”

To bring this idea to life, the game introduces the Emotion Palette, an interactive system that lets players read emotions and influence how characters respond.

Another key mechanic is the Emotion Frenzy system. If players choose not to use their emotions, Silviya begins to lose her sanity—unlocking an alternate storyline.

Key Features

Make meaningful choices that lead to multiple endings, including Detective, Hedonist, Mystic, Nihilist, Ascended, and secret paths

• Build different types of relationships—romantic, toxic, sadistic, codependent, casual, open, or platonic
• Read and influence the emotions of allies and enemies using the Emotion Palette
• Create your own cult and decide its purpose

STARCULT: Night – Twisted Age is planned for release on Steam for PC, with additional platforms to be announced.

Follow the game on Discord, X, and TikTok for updates.

About Not A Cat Studios

Not A Cat Studios is an indie game developer inspired by contrast and dual meaning. As the team puts it: “We love cats, but we also love horror.”

This mix is reflected in their mascot—a tentacled cat—and in their games, which blend eerie, eldritch horror with grounded, emotionally complex characters.

Their stories unfold gradually, revealing darker truths over time. With STARCULT, the team explores empathy, emotional perception, and human relationships in a deeply unequal world.

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