Where There's a Will...

3.6 / 5

11,936 plays

platform

Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.6/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 11,936

Mobile Support: No

About Where There's a Will...

Step into the luminous world of "Where There's a Will...", a strikingly original indie platformer that merges visual novel storytelling with challenging platform gameplay. Crafted in only five days for the 2024 Only One of Any Asset (O2A2) Jam, this free online adventure draws players into a moonlit field drenched in mystery, where nothing is quite what it seems.

You are a humble pawn, awoken one night by a twist of fate under the ethereal glow of moonglow. Your Arisen—your guide and guardian—is acting strangely, and darkness stirs beneath their surface. To uncover the truth, you'll need to summon every ounce of willpower and dexterity, maneuvering through a field of surreal platforms, environmental hazards, and cryptic narrative cues. The game balances hard-hitting platform challenges with rich, emotive storytelling, making every leap and dialogue choice meaningful.

The pixel art graphics glimmer with evocative lighting and subtle effects, setting a contemplative, almost melancholic tone. Every scene is punctuated by carefully crafted visuals that immerse you deeper into the Arisen's enigma. As you progress, the story unravels in unexpected ways, culminating in a single, dramatic main ending for those with the skill and tenacity to see it through.

What sets "Where There's a Will..." apart is its fusion of platformer rigor and narrative depth. Choices in dialogue shape your perspective—even as precise, twitch-driven gameplay tests your reflexes. Hidden story beats and nuanced environmental details reward the observant and the curious, while the challenging platform sections push even seasoned players to perfect their timing and decision-making. No two playthroughs feel quite the same, and success hinges on a unique synergy of wit and will.

Accessible directly from your browser, "Where There's a Will..." brings innovative indie game design straight to your screen—no downloads required (though for optimal experience, a downloadable version is recommended due to occasional browser glitches). If you crave a hard, emotionally engaging adventure that pushes boundaries, this is your next must-play. Will you unearth the secrets of the moonglow and master both your fate and your platforming skills? Your journey begins here.

How to Play

Begin your journey in "Where There's a Will..." by selecting the Start button directly in your browser. Control your pawn character using the keyboard's arrow keys (←, →) to move left and right, and the spacebar to jump. Responsive platforming is essential: time your jumps with precision to cross shifting platforms, avoid environmental hazards, and uncover hidden story elements scattered throughout each level. Interact with narrative cues using the Enter key when prompted, diving deeper into the mysterious bond between pawn and Arisen. Dialogue branches occasionally appear—read carefully and make your choice to influence the storytelling experience.

As you traverse each moonglow-soaked scene, pay attention to visual details and environmental clues. Some platforms may fade, move, or react to your presence, requiring strategy and keen observation. If you find the browser version glitchy, don’t hesitate to download the game for smoother performance.

For beginners: take your time learning the jump timing and experiment with approach angles. Engage with every piece of the environment for narrative surprises. If stuck, a brief pause to observe the patterns and subtle hints in the background can reveal your next move. The game rewards both platforming tenacity and narrative curiosity—combine both to reach the true ending.

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Master the timing of your jumps—some platforms shift or disappear unexpectedly.
Engage with every dialogue option; your choices influence the story's mood and outcome.
Look for subtle visual cues in the background; they often hint at platform paths and secrets.
If you’re frustrated by browser glitches, download the itch.io version for smoother gameplay.
Pause and study new areas—many hazards can be anticipated through observation.
Replay to seek hidden story sequences and soak up narrative nuances.
Balancing reflex and reflection is key—rushing usually leads to mistakes!

Game Features

Challenging, hand-crafted platforming with precise controls
Emotionally resonant visual novel narrative with a single, meaningful ending
Atmospheric pixel art set in haunting fields of moonglow
Unique fusion of choice-driven storytelling and hardcore platform action
Created for the O2A2 Jam—minimalist yet deeply impactful game design
No download needed—plays in-browser on desktop for instant access
Layered environmental storytelling and narrative secrets to discover

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't the game run properly in my browser?

Some browsers may experience JavaScript errors or visual glitches due to the game's engine. If you face issues like freezing, missing visuals, or unresponsive controls, it's best to download the itch.io version for flawless gameplay and all intended features.

Is there more than one ending in Where There’s a Will...?

The game is designed with a single, impactful main ending—reaching it requires conquering both the platforming challenges and exploring all narrative paths. However, how you experience the journey will be shaped by your choices and exploration.

Are there hidden secrets or easter eggs?

Yes! Stay attentive to background details, off-the-path platforms, and non-obvious dialogue prompts. Observant players may uncover hidden sequences or deeper lore woven into the environment.

Can I play Where There's a Will... on mobile devices?

Currently, the game is not mobile compatible. For the full experience, play on a desktop browser or download the game from itch.io.

How difficult is the gameplay, and is it beginner-friendly?

The game is intentionally challenging, rewarding precision and observation. While some platforming segments are tough, beginners can succeed by taking their time, reading environmental clues, and embracing the narrative-driven checkpoint system.