One might wonder how a single developer maintains such a consistent schedule. SmallTownGames (alias online; real identity anonymous) has been developing Forsaken Throne since 2022. Known for monthly development blogs and transparent roadmaps, the developer is particularly responsive to Patreon feedback.
What sets SmallTownGames apart is the writing quality. While many adult VNs rely on poor translations, Forsaken Throne features nuanced English dialogue, with distinct accents for different regions of the fantasy world. Version 0.16 includes a glossary of terms (accessible via the pause menu), a nod to epic fantasy novels.
At its core, Forsaken Throne is a sandbox-style adult visual novel set in a medieval fantasy realm. You assume the role of a disgraced noble—the last surviving heir of a fallen house. The prologue establishes a classic revenge arc: your family was betrayed, your lands were seized, and you were left for dead.
However, v0.16 deviates from the "zero-to-hero" trope. By this version, you are no longer the underdog. You are a player on the board. Forsaken Throne -v0.16- By SmallTownGames
SmallTownGames utilizes a Ren'Py engine base but layers it with RPG elements:
In the ever-expanding universe of indie adult visual novels, few titles manage to blend grimdark fantasy, political intrigue, and character-driven storytelling as effectively as Forsaken Throne. Developed by the one-person powerhouse known as SmallTownGames, this ongoing project has steadily built a cult following. With the release of Forsaken Throne -v0.16-, the developer has once again raised the bar, delivering a substantial chunk of content that pushes the narrative toward a tipping point.
If you are a fan of morally grey choices, high-stakes kingdom management, and a protagonist who rises from the ashes, here is everything you need to know about the latest version. One might wonder how a single developer maintains
Released in late 2024 (rolling into early 2025 depending on patreon tiers), v0.16 is not merely a bug-fix patch; it is a content-heavy expansion. SmallTownGames describes this update as the "Calm Before the Storm" chapter.
Before diving into the specifics of v0.16, let’s set the stage. Forsaken Throne is an adult visual novel rendered primarily in high-quality 3D (using Honey Select 2 / Blender hybrids, typical of SmallTownGames' signature style). The story follows Aric, the disgraced and exiled heir to a kingdom that was stolen from him. Left for dead after a brutal coup orchestrated by a traitorous regent and a foreign empire, Aric must navigate a world of broken loyalties, dark magic, and carnal desperation.
Unlike many games in the genre that focus solely on immediate gratification, Forsaken Throne emphasizes slow-burn storytelling. The "Forsaken" in the title applies not just to the throne, but to the characters themselves—each love interest and ally is scarred, suspicious, and reluctant to trust. Balancing Changes :
Up until v0.15, Aric’s faction was in hiding, barely surviving. In v0.16, the protagonist finally secures a foothold—The Ashen Keep, a fallen fortress deep in the haunted Greywood Forest. This update introduces the first full War Council mechanic.
SmallTownGames has established a distinct visual identity. Like many modern developers in this space, they utilize 3D rendering (likely Daz Studio or similar).