Larut

About

Larut is a narrative-driven visual novel that follows Kandita, a young woman cast out by her family, who finds refuge with a mystical sea queen. Set in a world blending folklore and courtly intrigue, the story centers on Kandita’s journey as she navigates loyalty, power struggles, and her own survival. Players make decisions shaping her relationships and fate, with branching paths influencing how she adapts to the queen’s realm. The tone shifts between intimate character moments and darker themes of betrayal, balancing emotional depth with mythic scale. The game stands out for its reimagining of Indonesian maritime legends, offering a fresh take on Nyai Roro Kidul through a personal, human lens. While the story’s pacing leans toward slower character development, player choices add weight to Kandita’s growth. Early builds show striking watercolor-inspired art and a soundtrack blending traditional and ambient electronic elements. With a release date in late 2024, it positions itself as a quieter but ambitious entry in the visual novel space.

Storyline

Having lost her home and her family's trust due to her stepmother’s schemes, Kandita finds herself struggling alone on the beach marking the edge of the South Sea. There, she meets her savior, the eternally kind and loving Queen of the Southern Sea who takes her in and grants her a position as the Queen’s lady-in-waiting. Eternally grateful for the Queen’s kindness and generosity, Kandita promises to devote her whole life to her savior. However, in this dog-eat-dog world society, a frail and naive lady like her must learn to adapt or lose everything yet again.