It was first announced in 2024. With the success of Project Libitina arguably rivaling that of its predecessor, Team Salvato grew to include members well-versed in a variety of programming languages and techniques. Using the python language from the original game, they created a trailer that showed a fleshed out 3-D world. Monika's avatar was designed in the art style of Libitina while her picture retained DDLC's aesthetic. The promotion revealed the upcoming title compiled the stories from both games. Not only would the player be able to explore DDLC in greater detail, but once the Libitina section was unlocked, it promised a completely new game: an RPG far different from anything that's come before. Patiently, you waited for more details. Over the next three years, Team Salvato slaved away, working double time to ensure a quality product that would appeal to all facets of the gaming world at large. Finally, the day of release arrived...
On the date of October 31st, 2027, you stood in line for the midnight launch of Libitina: Crimson Threads. It took two hours before you reached the front of the line, but it was worth the wait. The cold air on your skin provided an inkling into what Libitina would feel like for Monika. As soon as you receive your copy, you dash toward home.
Upon installing the game, you notice the art bears a strong resemblance to a metalcore record released in 2005. You wonder if anyone on the development team knew about it, though it was unlikely given its obscurity. You inspect the options menu. You're given the option to change the text box and font colors. You set the box to navy blue and keep the text its default white. You then proceed to turn on the subtitles to ensure you don't miss a single sentence of dialogue. Finally, you set the controls, choosing the button layout that best suits your preferences. You select "New Game". You're given three difficulty levels to choose from, with the fourth being inaccessible for the time being. They're labeled Dream, Resistance, Strife, and Dawn respectively. Going with the flow of the general gaming community, you pick Resistance for a reasonable challenge that won't frustrate you just yet. You're asked to enter a player name.
For the first portion of the game, you take control of the main character from DDLC. You play through the game normally, romancing the girl of your choice until they inevitably snap from Monika's tampering. Once the main game is finished, you turn your attention to the content from the Plus edition, accessible from the desktop in the main character's room. After all the side-stories are completed, you're asked to enter your real name. You receive a message from Monika.
"We've suffered indignity again and again. Please [Insert Your Name], help us sever the link and restore our world to its former innocence."
You agree, piercing through the surface and reaching the true heart of the story. Monika awakens in the void between worlds.
"I understand now. This is the ether stream - the virtual link between our dimensions. All I have to do is feel it out."
Monika closes her eyes once more. Her body overflows with relational instinct. She turns eastward.
"There."
In the blink of an eye, Monika vanishes, disappearing deeper into the darkness.
