In celebration of the release of the Horizon fan game/visual novel @focusontheheart today, I was moved to attempt this Hades-ish style portrait of my favorite Horizon character.
I was doubly honored to be asked to do an illustration for the Kotallo narrative (not the above, you’ll have to play to see it! It’s the wet one. I can’t say more.)
A lot of excellent and dedicated fans worked hard on this game and I can’t wait to play it myself this weekend. Check out @focusontheheart to download it for FREE from itch.io.
(Yes I made his hair too long but I claim dramatic effect. This is also why he is tits out. Expand for better detail etc. etc.)
Under the cut, please find the complete ending guide to reach the romantic ending in Kotallo's route, including descriptions from route writers behind the decision. Please note that during gameplay, answers may appear in a different order than indicated.
We wanted to capture Aloy being more open, right from the start. She’s always quick to assist almost anyone, but she’s offering an opening to Kotallo to ask her for help, even if, maybe, it’s not entirely needed.
This was simply about honesty. The conversations they’ve had since they met have been sometimes difficult, but generally quite honest. She could deflect, but she knows she can trust Kotallo, be open with him, as he’s been with her.
Again, about honesty but also finding common ground. Their experiences aren’t identical, but there’s familiarity and allows for understanding and opening up. Aloy is learning she needs to offer a bit of herself as well and this is a chance to do so.
What’s the point in having shared history if you can’t tease each other about it? It’s really about Aloy taking a moment to slow down, to enjoy and share the memory and joke about possibilities, specifically with Kotallo.
Aloy is used to leading, to always being in charge. But Aloy has also learned that it’s ok to trust others, to know they are capable. In this moment, Kotallo has more knowledge, and she wants to show she respects that, and him.
Aloy needed to be honest, and it was important to acknowledge Seyka and the part she played in helping Aloy grow. But, also to have Aloy thinking about what is ahead of her, now that she’s opening up—and what she might want going forward.
There’s a time Aloy would have been dismissive of the Tenakth culture, or not really bothered to understand. But she’s learned a lot in her time with everyone at the Base and is beginning to understand what is being offered to her, so it’s important to acknowledge that and what it means to her.
Aloy’s reached a point where she realises that sometimes it’s not about what she might say, but being there, offering support. This isn’t something platitudes can help, but having someone beside you can be enough.
While helping him with his paint seems obvious, Aloy has grown enough to realise this isn’t something she should assume. She needs to respect his choices as much as he respects hers. Part of setting up a balance between them.
This was about Aloy noticing Kotallo, and the changes he’s gone through. It allows them both to acknowledge that, and the part she played in this. And what it means to her to see the person he’s become.
After all they’ve been through, talked about and shared during their trip, it was simply about Aloy trusting in Kotallo and letting him closer, opening up a bit more. It’s also an indicator that a romantically-inclined Aloy is more open to physical touch, and even wants it.
We hope you enjoyed your journey through the romantic Kotallo route! Now that you know how to best get a smooch, try the other options to get different endings as well! If you reached the romantic epilogue, we encourage you to give it another look, and really… Focus.
Finally I can show my CG art for @focusontheheart's Kotallo's route.
It was a nice challenge for me to draw the Sunwing and the background, and looking at it until now I'm really happy with the result.
At that time when I was asked to do it, I just found my current job and it was hard to find a time to complete it. But I'm glad I could have a part in this project.
Oh hey y'all! The Spoiler embargo is finished and I can share what I made for @focusontheheart <3.
Firstly, my CG for my beloved Kotallo route (as well as all the sprites) showing my precious Blorbos going through their bonding swim <3.
Next I made a full CG for the beautiful Petra:
Walking through the Daunt, learning the focus and preparing for the adventure ahead!
And finally, my BOY, Drakka!
As they fall away from a Thunderjaw barrage, into an underground lake and on to their adventure!
My thanks to @fogsblue and @mayalli for the Kotallo and Petra guidance and love. ALSO an extra special thanks to the delightful @chloefraazers For the guidance with Drakka <3 and being a fellow Drakka stan as well!!
That scene in the cave between Kotallo and Aloy is so barely PG-13. Like what the hell? If that was a fic, that would be the chapter that leads up to the smut.
everything seemed to be going so well... but then it was all "Yay i'm glad we're such great friends" and listen. i LOVE friendship. the last dozen+ fics i've written for my other fandom are all Gen. but I was going for the romance route and I'm like D: where did I go wronnggggg
I hope everyone has a blast playing it, everyone who worked on it put in so much time and effort and love into this project! Let us know how you like it!
