About the Developer
Meet Marisa0704, the creative mind behind Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant
Marisa0704
Indie Game Developer
Marisa0704 is a Vietnamese indie game developer and student from Hanoi University of Science and Technology. They create unique horror games inspired by Vietnamese culture, folklore, and real events using the Godot Engine.
In early November 2024, Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant unexpectedly went viral on Vietnamese social media, becoming a trending search term. The game resonated so deeply with Vietnamese players that many searched for "Phở Anh Hai, 10 Đan Phượng, Hanoi" on Google Maps, believing the restaurant was real!
Marisa clarified on YouTube and X (Twitter) that the game was not a graduation project—they hadn't yet met graduation requirements. It's a personal creative work combining their passion for game development, Vietnamese cultural storytelling, and horror game mechanics. The game supports both Vietnamese and English, making it accessible to international audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity.
Development Journey
Inspiration
The concept for Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant came from Marisa's love for both Vietnamese street food culture and horror games. They wanted to create something that felt familiar to Vietnamese players while being accessible and intriguing to international audiences.
Creative Vision
Marisa crafted every aspect of the game with careful consideration - from the pixel art that captures the warmth of a Vietnamese pho shop to the unsettling atmosphere that builds as the story unfolds. The game features multiple endings, each exploring different themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural.
Cultural Authenticity
One of Marisa's key goals was maintaining cultural authenticity throughout the game. They incorporated genuine Vietnamese folklore elements, traditional beliefs about spirits and the afterlife, and realistic depictions of pho restaurant operations, making the game both educational and entertaining.
Development Philosophy
Artistic Vision
Every pixel tells a story. Marisa believes in the power of retro aesthetics to evoke nostalgia while creating something entirely new and unsettling.
Story First
Narrative depth is paramount. The game features multiple layers of storytelling that reward careful attention and multiple playthroughs.
Cultural Pride
Vietnamese culture takes center stage, showcasing its rich folklore and traditions to a global audience through the medium of interactive entertainment.
Player Experience
Every design decision considers the player's experience, from pacing and tension building to meaningful choices that impact the story.
Connect with the Developer
Want to support Marisa0704's work or stay updated on future projects? Follow them on Itch.io and share Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant with your friends!
Support Indie Game Development
Brother Hai's Pho Restaurant is a labor of love created by an independent developer. Your support helps make more unique, culturally-rich games possible!
Play the Game
The best way to support is to play the game and experience Marisa's creative vision firsthand.
Rate & Review
Leave a rating and review on Itch.io to help other players discover this unique horror experience.
Spread the Word
Share the game with friends and on social media to help grow the community and support indie devs.
This is a fan-made website and is not officially affiliated with Marisa0704 or Itch.io. All game content and intellectual property belong to their respective owners.