Keep the lights on or else
Keep the lights on or else
Vote: (4 votes)
Program license: Free
Version: 1.0
Works under: Windows
Vote:
Program license
(4 votes)
Free
Version
1.0
Works under:
Windows
Pros
- Innovative use of meta-gaming elements
- Atmospheric dark narrative
- Interactive gameplay that encourages exploration
- Free to play with optional support content
- Cute art style contrasting the horror elements
Cons
- Additional installation steps necessary for Mac users
- Short playtime may leave players wanting more
Surreptitious tasks await in "a pet shop after dark"
Unsettling Pet Shop Antics
"a pet shop after dark" is a free, indie short horror adventure game designed with a seemingly innocent premise that quickly turns bizarre. Developed by indie creator npckc, the game was an entry for the "Summer Slow Jams August 2020: Horror Games." Renowned for charm-touched games with a twist, such as the one-night hot springs series, the developer now delivers unsettling thrills wrapped in an adorable point-and-click visual novel façade.
A Deceptive Night Shift
Players take on the role of a job seeker who stumbles upon a vacancy at a quaint pet shop, with two simple requirements — no allergies to animals or plants and the ability to oversee the shop overnight. The interview process is suspiciously straightforward, leading to immediate employment. The tasks seem easy enough: water the plants, feed the pets, and, crucially, never turn off the shop's lights. When the nocturnal shift begins, that singular warning stands out as an eerie foreshadowing to the peculiarities that unravel as the night progresses.
As time ticks on, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary pet shop; cryptic puzzles and hidden truths lie beneath the surface of routine caretaking duties. The true horror does not lie in jump scares but in the creeping realization that something is profoundly amiss within the store's innocuous walls.
Engaging Visuals and Gameplay
The visual style, while maintaining the developer's signature cute overtones, diverges with a darker, more monochrome palette to evoke an unsettling atmosphere. Gameplay deviates from the typical linear narrative often found in visual novels, allowing for exploration and interaction with various aspects of the environment.
A particularly innovative feature is the game's integration of meta-gaming elements, which incorporate the actual files on your computer as an extension of the game's universe. This novel mechanic adds a layer of immersion, drawing players deeper into the unsettling story. It's worth noting that for Mac users, this feature requires extra steps, extending the game's completion time.
The Gift of Extra Content
The game offers more than just a chilling adventure. For those who elect to support the creator, an exclusive digital art collection featuring the game's artwork is available for purchase. This bonus content is an appealing addition for fans who appreciate the aesthetic and creativity of "a pet shop after dark."
Final Verdict
"a pet shop after dark" is a compact yet impactful horror experience that blends cozy visuals with a sense of dread. The game challenges traditional gameplay boundaries by effectively using the computer as a prop, thereby enhancing the player's engagement. For a free title, it offers an impressive level of detail and thoughtfully executed storytelling that fans of the horror and visual novel genres are sure to enjoy.
Pros
- Innovative use of meta-gaming elements
- Atmospheric dark narrative
- Interactive gameplay that encourages exploration
- Free to play with optional support content
- Cute art style contrasting the horror elements
Cons
- Additional installation steps necessary for Mac users
- Short playtime may leave players wanting more
