Secret Data

Throughout the game, there are secret data files - called "INVALID DATA" - which can be unlocked. Most of these files are unlocked by finding and digging up sparkling patches on the ground using the Shovel, with only three exceptions. When at a spot where the Shovel can be used to receive a document, you will see a dialogue box pop up with the text: *"The HAND tugs on your shoulder."*

This data can be viewed in the Documents folder of one's real-world computer. If not yet discovered in-game, the data file will display only indecipherable code. When discovered, the file will become a batch file, which will print out text inside of the console when opened.

There are 21 files to discover.

## Locations/requirements for unlock

(Note: These files were copied word for word, including any misspellings and grammatical errors that occurred in the text.)

* A: Dig behind Rudy's smithing rack/shop, during the 2.5D part of the game.

* B: Dig in front of one of the bottom pillars in the Snoodlewonker’s Lair.

* C: Achieve Ending 1.

* D: Dig in Gwandma/Scroobert’s House in the office, behind the desk.

* E: Dig in the secret area by the docks at the home hub in 2.5D, through the trees to the right just below the dock.

* F: Dig under Novak's cage after slashing it in 2.5D.

* G: Dig behind one of the trash bags in King Raff's sewer, to the right of the throne.

* H: Dig behind the stump where you find Sa.

* I: Dig behind the Drink Shelf in Toot’s Tavern in 2D.

* J: Dig to the right at the beach in Palchumville, near Plappo.

* K: Dig behind a tree in the upper left corner of the area you first met Groncho, during the 2.5D part of the game.

* L: Dig behind the big crate to the right of the door to the Raff Hideout.

* M: Dig on the path connecting the tunnel and skull gate areas at the southern-most part of the Home area.

* N: Dig on the upper left path in the Bluglands; the very left before the second encounter.

* O: Dig behind the shed at Home in 2D.

* P: Dig behind Reginald's house.

* Q: Dig behind the crates in the top right of the Captain Chunk boss fight area.

* R: During the text adventure, take the “Surprise” in the shed before using the seesaw or the lantern. Take the Fishing Pole and use it twice at the pond. Use the Hand and do three actions. Go to the hidden place, then use the code from the surprise on the Keypad. Then, use the box.

* S: Dig behind a tree to the left of the Shapes Gang's picnic area.

* T: Dig all the way down and to the right of the pier to Palchumville, through the trees.

* U: Survive the 'Glitched Gauntlet' that comes after defeating the Snoodlewonker.

## Summary of Data Contents

These files are personal notes written by a solo game developer to his son, Owen. Many of the notes are about his work on his game, "Journey to the North," but some contain descriptions of his mental state and daily life. It is implied that he is divorced and his wife has sole or primary physical custody of Owen, though the exact reason is never stated; emotional/behavioral instability, alcoholism, and a cancer diagnosis are all possibilities alluded to throughout the files. The developer cares deeply for Owen, and made "Journey to the North" to show his love for him. Several characters and details are mentioned in these notes that appear in *The Adventures of [Playername]*, including Milo the Dog as a companion, the creation of Numbly as a separate game, Groncho as a cut character, and how the player character's appearance is based on Owen's favorite Halloween costume. Notably, [S] mentions the developer buying a cheap game about friendship that was in the clearance bin.

## References

* "Where to Find All the Invalid Data in Buddy Simulator 1984" by MrAndMrsGamer (Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzGTOO-75Qc)