New Year's Eve, 2019

4.4 / 5

3,014 plays

action

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

4.4/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 3,014

Mobile Support: No

About New Year's Eve, 2019

Welcome to the bittersweet rush of New Year's Eve, 2019—a free online indie action game that throws you headfirst into the spark-filled chaos and subtle tension of a college reunion. Taking on the role of Karen Zhao, a college senior wracked with social anxiety and witty introspection, you'll navigate a night loaded with nostalgia, old friendships, and the possibility of change. This HTML5 browser-based adventure, available on itch.io, stands out with its emotionally-charged narrative where every choice leads you down different paths, guiding you to one of two distinct endings.

Forget about mindless button-mashing—here, the action is driven by clever dialogue choices, meaningful interactions, and a branching story that responds instantly to your decisions. The narrative structure boldly mirrors the unpredictability of real-life social gatherings, pushing you to step outside your comfort zone or retreat inward, depending on your play style. Every moment pulses with raw authenticity, capturing both the thrill and dread of seeing people you thought you’d left in your past.

Minimalist visuals and a sharply written script keep you laser-focused on the emotional core of the game. You’ll encounter moments of awkward tension, heartwarming connection, and the pressing weight of unresolved high school regrets. Each interaction gives you opportunities to confront Karen’s social anxiety head-on or find sardonic humor in the absurdities of reunions. Whether you aim for closure, catharsis, or just making it through the night, your journey is uniquely yours.

Designed for accessibility and quick play, New Year's Eve, 2019 is the perfect indie experience for gamers looking for something personal, relatable, and thought-provoking. With two endings and multiple routes, there’s enormous replay value for completionists and story-seekers alike. Will you face your fears or fade into the background? The choice—and the story—are yours.

Click to play now and see where your choices lead you on New Year’s Eve.

How to Play

Getting started in New Year's Eve, 2019 is effortless—no downloads or installations required. Open the game in a supported desktop browser through itch.io. The core gameplay revolves around interactive storytelling and dialogue-based choices, relying mainly on your mouse or trackpad. Text prompts appear on screen, each presenting you with multiple choices that steer the conversation, Karen’s mood, and ultimately your path through the reunion.

Step-by-step:

1. Launch the game in your browser. Start a new adventure as Karen Zhao.

2. Read the narrative passages attentively; clues about characters and upcoming decisions are woven into the dialogue.

3. At each decision point, click your preferred response from the listed options. Your choices change not only the story but also Karen’s inner state and relationships.

4. Explore different locations within the party by selecting navigation options. Each area offers unique conversations or encounters with old friends.

5. Keep an eye out for moments where you can opt to step back or push forward in social interactions. Every path can reveal different insights or emotional beats.

6. Continue making choices until the story concludes with one of two distinctive endings. Replay to discover alternative outcomes and hidden storylines.

Beginner Tips:

- Don’t rush through the dialogue—thoughtful reading deepens the experience.

- Trust your instincts; there’s no single right path.

- Replay decisions to see how they open up new story branches.

- Use headphones for an immersive, distraction-free session.

- Take pauses between decisions if you need to process emotions mirroring Karen’s own journey.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Replay the game and pick dramatically different choices to unlock both unique endings.
Pay attention to small narrative cues—they often hint at hidden dialogue branches or emotional triggers.
Some pathways can only be uncovered by revisiting earlier conversations with different responses.
Try intentionally avoiding social situations—you might be surprised by how the story adapts.
Balance Karen’s introspective tendencies with bold decisions for the most nuanced endings.
After a tough scene, take a ‘breather’ in the game, just as you would in real life—sometimes that opens up new options.
Notice how past choices alter current interactions; experiment to map the interplay between scenes.

Game Features

Branching, dialogue-driven narrative with multiple unique story paths
Emotionally honest portrayal of social anxiety and personal growth
Minimalist, easily navigable HTML5 interface—no installs or downloads required
Rich replay value with two dramatically different endings
Engaging, immersive writing that adapts to your decisions
Indie-crafted visual and audio experiences focused on authenticity
Free to play directly in your browser via itch.io

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have played Pageant to enjoy New Year's Eve, 2019?

No, New Year's Eve, 2019 is a standalone experience. While it is a sequel, you can jump in without prior knowledge of Pageant and enjoy the full story and all its choices.

Is my progress or completion tracked between playthroughs?

The game does not track progress or save paths in-browser. However, you can replay immediately and try alternative choices in new sessions to uncover all endings.

Can I play New Year's Eve, 2019 on mobile devices?

Currently, the game is only supported on desktop browsers and is not mobile compatible. For the best experience, use a modern desktop web browser.

How does player choice affect the outcome?

Every decision you make impacts the conversation, relationships, and emotional tone of the evening, guiding you toward one of two unique endings. Different paths reveal alternate dialogue and character development.

Are there any accessibility features for players with anxiety?

While the game authentically portrays social anxiety, its text-based nature allows you to progress at your own pace, take breaks, and revisit content as needed for your comfort.