I'm pleased to share a newly remastered version of The Secrets of Sylvan Gardens!

The major update is that I've ported it to Lamp Post Ink Player: an open source, browser-based interface for publishing games authored in ink, developed by John Resig and based on my prototype. Huge thanks to John for his incredible work on this!

This interface has allowed me to make a number of big improvements that weren't possible with the old system, including the following:

• The game no longer requires a live server to run, so it may be downloaded and played offline! A downloadable .zip file has been added.

• Saved games can be downloaded to your hard drive as an alternative to the browser's local storage, which provides a stable option for saving with non-Chrome browsers while playing on itch.io. Achievements and user preferences are all included with saves.

• A new, dynamic "Hints" screen replaces the need for a walkthrough. This screen is fully responsive to the player's progress through the story, showing which essential steps have been completed and which have not — including blurred hints to avoid unwanted spoilers.

• The player character's journal entries can be reviewed at any time on the new "Journal" screen.

• A dedicated "Map" screen has also been added.

• The "Achievements" screen now includes spoiler covers that may be revealed.

• Automated dark/light mode theme changes are now opt-in, with options offered to play the game in light mode or dark mode only.

This update does mean that old saves will be broken... Crossing my fingers that no one was in the middle of a playthrough!

I've tested everything, but there's always a possibility that new bugs will have cropped up in the process of moving everything over to the new system. If you run into any problems, or if you have any other questions or comments, please email me at lamppostprojects@gmail.com.

And if you're feeling nostalgic, the original 2025 release is archived here: https://lamppostprojects.com/the-secrets-of-sylvan-gardens/archived 

Enjoy!