By My Side: Narrative Puzzle Across Two Worlds, The Light That Stays With You

If a lost loved one could "stay by your side" in another form, would you find the courage to face the wounds buried deep in memory?
The new puzzle game By My Side blends Tripo AI generation with dual-world exploration and shifting perspectives: players switch between elder sister Xiaoyou and her late younger sister Xiaoya (who now exists as a second personality), piecing together torn memories to guide Xiaoyou out of her inner abyss.

Basic Info

• Title: By My Side
• Developer / Studio: Gumo
• Platform: PC
• Language: Chinese
• Release Date: 2025.8.31
• Tags: Narrative / Puzzle / Psychological / Generative

Dual Perspectives: The First Step of Creation

Xiaoyou and Xiaoya grew up together under the shadow of domestic violence. They promised to run away the day after Xiaoya's birthday—but a sudden car accident claimed Xiaoya's life. Overwhelmed by guilt, Xiaoyou developed dissociative identity disorder, with Xiaoya's spirit living on as her alternate personality.
In-game, you will:

• Press F to switch worlds—moving between reality and inner imagery.
• Press E to interact with suspicious objects and gather scattered clues.

Together, you and "she" will reassemble broken fragments of memory.

Generative Technology: Making Memories Tangible

By My Side leverages Tripo AI 3D generation to render key objects, producing random models based on player text input. Large language models further simulate Xiaoya's tone and personality, creating dialogue that feels like she's truly there with you.

Gameplay Overview

Genre & Core Loop

• Type: Story-driven narrative puzzle / Dual-world exploration

• Core Loop:

  • Observe: Right-click magnifying glass 🔍 to inspect details; use WASD to explore rooms.
  • Interact: Press E to engage with objects, collect clues, and piece puzzles together.
  • Switch: Press F to move between real and imaginary worlds, revealing hidden information.
  • Deduce: Integrate clues to solve layered mysteries within the house.
  • Restore: Complete the puzzle, unlock the final door, and help Xiaoyou face and reconcile with herself.

World & Story (Brief)

A broken family, one sacrificial accident, an elder sister crushed by guilt, and a younger sister's spirit unwilling to leave. You will witness how, through mutual presence, they journey through loss, guilt, and eventual redemption.

Highlights

• Two Worlds × Two Selves: Dual perspectives illuminate each other; switching shifts both scenery and perception.
• Clue Feedback Loop: Fantasies provide solutions for reality, and reality triggers new visions—layer upon layer.
• Generative Immersion: AI-generated objects embody memories; personality-driven dialogue feels like companionship.
• Gentle Guidance: Minimal 2D widgets and lightweight UI maintain immersion without breaking flow.

Player Experience

Strengths

• Emotional Resonance: Themes of love, loss, guilt, and self-redemption create powerful immersion.
• Steady Puzzle Flow: The loop of observe → switch → verify is intuitive and layered.
• Low Interaction Cost: Simple mechanics (inspect/interact/switch) keep focus on story and deduction.

Potential Weaknesses

• Heavy Themes: Depicts domestic violence and death; certain moments may feel intense. Content warnings and support options are recommended.

Target Audience

Story-driven players / Puzzle enthusiasts / Fans of psychological narratives

Conclusion: A Journey of Confrontation and Reconciliation

Through the mirror of two worlds and the presence of her sister, Xiaoyou unravels the knots in her heart.
The moment you open that final door, you'll understand—some who leave still remain by your side.
👉 Step into the house, and help Xiaoyou bring the light back to life.