South Scrimshaw, Part One

Set in a fictional ocean on a distant planet, the story follows a male Brillo whale calf from birth through adolescence. Human researchers document his life as part of an interplanetary expedition.

This linear visual novel unfolds through text and illustrations, with music, sound effects, and narration presenting events in the style of a nature documentary. Players advance through the account at their own pace.

Across four chapters, the story traces the calf’s growth and introduces the ocean’s creatures and ecology. Optional tangents and linked entries provide further details about the fictional biology and the human expedition.

Players often praise the detailed illustrations, the documentary-style presentation, and the imaginative, carefully explained alien biology. Many say the format makes the world feel convincing and that following the whale calf’s life becomes emotionally engaging. Some reviewers note that the experience is brief and has little interaction, while others criticize the narration or the lack of a Chinese translation; several also wish the story continued.