Message in a Melody

Can the power of music save the human race?

When you and the Raqullan regime descend upon Earth, the plan is to force all humans into submission. Otherwise, exterminate. But when you learn about this curious practice they call music, you realize the humans may be worth more than just labor.

Music does not exist in Raqullan society, and your curiosity to learn more may be enough to keep the humans alive long enough to understand it. Is it an art? A tool? A weapon? You may have to come to a conclusion when the fate of the human race rests in your claws.

"Message in a Melody" is a 150,000-word interactive science fiction novel by Tyler S. Harris in which your choices control the story. It is entirely text-based—without graphics—and fueled by the vast, unstoppable power of your imagination. There are some opportunities to click a link and hear the song that inspires the scene. Open in a new tab to listen if you'd like.

• Play as male or female. You do not have to choose a sexual orientation and can play as straight, gay, bi, or aromantic.
• Become a master of science, oration, weapons, or perhaps even a musical instrument.
• Build relationships in a manner similar to humans. Find a partner, a companion, or even a lover.
• Help a friend to research weapons, cure a disease, bring animals from your home planet to Earth, or become a musical prodigy.
• Be the first of your kind to perform music for a human audience.
• Gain enough power to become a member of the Raqullan High Council, or throw it all away to become a starving artist.
• Discover songs (achievements) as you play. Can you discover the entire playlist?

Will music be the bridge that crosses the divide between Raqullans and humans? Or will the troubled waters from the first contact be too much to overcome?

Recent changes:
You can now choose a font in the Settings menu. Switch to Helvetica for crisp sans-serif text, or try the OpenDyslexic font, designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia. If you enjoy "Message in a Melody", please leave us a written review. It really helps!