Reviews by Kinetic Mouse Car

What is this game about? I still have a hard time with understanding the premise but let me do my best in explaining the backstory. While at a New Year’s party you had the impulse of getting a Texas Instruments calculator surgically implanted in your brain. You found some medical staff who worked for Texas Instruments and gave them drinks in exchange for the operation. You wake up in 2003 by a man and a group of children who inform you that Y2K had passed, during which robots enslaved humanity. Since technically you are a cyborg, you supposedly have a better change at overthrowing the robot overlords. I think. I would love to hear from the author or other players about whether I summarized this accurately.

This game describes itself as a "math adventure." It has math themes, not math puzzles. Do not expect something like A Beauty and Cold Austere.

Gameplay
I have always liked Texas Instruments calculators. My first graphing calculator had a screen that displayed things in (gasp) colour! There was nothing revolutionary about this. The only difference was that it was a little more expensive than a black and white one. But still, I liked that I could use colour-coded lines in my graphs. These recollections inspired me to play this game.

The setting appears to take place on a train. As the player defeats and/or interacts with robots, they meet all sorts of creative, though often confusing, character. Usually, the player is presented with two options at a time to advance the story. Each playthrough is short and the game is meant to be played multiple times.

The gameplay consists of clumsy humor. Consider this scene of trying to overthrow a robot in a train car (mild profanity warning):
(Spoiler - click to show)
You point at the calculator jutting out of your head. "I'm not a human anymore. Cyborg. So piss off."

"NEGATORY. *YOU* PISS OFF."

Which I did find humorous at times. I did smile. Maybe not the pinnacle of comedy but the sheer wackiness sometimes draws a laugh. But most of the game’s content is too disjointed to sustain its humor.

Story
Texas Instruments Theater is an entrant in ShuffleComp. Its train setting and storyline of a cyborg protagonist facing off against robot overlords adheres to some of the songs that the game is based on. There are other songs as well but were harder to pick out from the chaotic gameplay.

There are multiple endings (14 total!), which is great, but they feel abrupt without any substantial resolutions to the story. If you click on the “Options” button at the bottom of the screen you can choose to revisit different plot points which makes it easier to experience every ending. One ending (Spoiler - click to show) features a built-in ad for eBay (or least a pretend ad).

Visuals
The game’s appearance is not quite your default Twine look. It has a cream-coloured background with black text and blue links, but the top and bottom of the screen have a black band with large beige links. This provided a bit of a unique look although I had to zoom out of my browser window because the edges were cut off.

Final thoughts
The game is short enough that if you are in the mood for some bizarre story content, I would recommend this. Or if you are curious about a story based on Texas Instruments calculators. After all, that is what drew me to this game. To put it simply: Confusing but unique, with bits of humor.

This is a story-centered game about returning to an old passion after it slipped away. It follows a protagonist whose view of an ideal life is to live and work on a ship with a close crew. Though the past never guaranteed this lifestyle, a change in life circumstances may make things brighter than they were before.

This is also a ShuffleComp game. It incorporates song lyrics into the radio that the captain listens to on the ship. Not particularly novel but still works.

Gameplay
Submerge begins with the protagonist (I believe they are unnamed) seeing Mira after a long absence. Mira is the ship that was once the protagonist’s home and workplace until it sank. As they set to work with restoring the ship their mind relives flashbacks. Most of the gameplay takes place in the past.

The game has some brief moments of interactivity such as deciding on which part of the ship to examine or choosing how to respond to another character, but it does not go further than that. While none of these choices influences the outcome of the scene or the game’s overarching story, it does add some variety. Expect gameplay that focuses on story rather than player choices.

Story + Characters
The downside was that the story was hard to follow. Even after playing the game four times, I still cannot confidently summarize its key plot points. The flashbacks, though interesting, made the order of events difficult to grasp. There are two story elements that appear in the narrative. The first is about the protagonist’s personal life struggles, while the second covers their experience with their fellow crewmembers on the Mira.

Protagonist: The game does not explain the name or gender of the protagonist. My guess was that they were male, but I do not want to be too hasty in assuming that. I think the story would have been stronger with more attention to protagonist details. What we do know about their story is that they (Spoiler - click to show) lost their job and got in trouble with the law over drug possession. They were assigned to a parole officer with whom they often conflict with. Life deteriorated. Then Leslie, their significant other (spouse, perhaps?), leaves them as the eviction notices and unpaid bills accumulate. But they have already been passionate about the sea. Their best memories are of being employed on a fishing ship. But when (Spoiler - click to show) that disappeared, they feel into despair. Or at least, I think this came after their experience with Mira. Like I said, it was hard to follow.

Crew: When it came to the second story element about Mira’s crew, the game skimps on detail. The gameplay frequently mentions a handful of characters, such as Jamie or Wendy, but we are never really introduced to them. There seems to be some resentment about the ship’s captain. He was slipping in his leadership abilities due to alcoholism, leaving the crew feeling undervalued and overworked. Then (Spoiler - click to show) a storm changed everything. The ship ran into a coastline of sharp rocks. Wendy was swept overboard, and apparently drowned. Everyone else survived but had no plan of what to do next with their lives. I assume this is when the protagonist’s life spiraled down.

The ending is a bit vague but the gist of it is that (Spoiler - click to show) the protagonist runs into Alex, a former crewmember who brings up the idea of regrouping with old acquaintances to retrieve and restore the ship on their own funds. Once completed the ship could open opportunities for self-employment, or simply just provide a sense of closure. The game ends with the protagonist agreeing to this idea and looking forward to a new change in life. Ultimately, I liked aspects of the story and its core messages, but its content lacked substance. It had all the signs of an emotionally charged story but fell short.

Visuals
The game has flashbacks but not the type where the game says, "10 years ago..." Instead, flashbacks are represented by background colours. They pulse in and out in a dreamlike manner, almost like a passing thought. These colour coded backgrounds try to organize the narrative a little more. Pale blue background for the protagonist’s memories with their crewmates on the Mira, light blue green for memories about their own living situation. They fade out and return to the protagonist’s present-day reality of repairing the ship. These scenes are shown in a dark navy-blue background. Occasionally this is paired with changes in text colour. I have seen lots of colourful backgrounds in Twine games, but few experiment with fade in or transitional effects. I like the game’s use of this technique because to creates a daydream feel.

Final thoughts
Submerge is an interesting game but not a particularly memorable one. If anything, its visual effects are the most distinguishing part. Nonetheless the game presents a detailed story and is reasonable in length, about 15 minutes. For me, replaying the game was more inspired by the visual effects rather than experiencing the story. I do not think that this will be the case for all players. Though it is a confusing story it is also an emotional one with the theme of a protagonist trying to land on their own feet after a negative chapter in their life. With that, I encourage players to give this a try.

The game's visuals and subject matter has faint similarities to the Twine game Tangaroa Deep which also features a marine setting (though with completely different gameplay mechanics) and the use of backgrounds with blues and greens.

This is an autobiographical game about undergoing chemo for breast cancer. The game does not go into detail about the chemo treatment itself but instead the aftermath and effects on the author’s daily life when they come home.

Gameplay
The gameplay is in second person. My impression is that you do not play specifically as the author in the but instead as a relatively neutral protagonist who portrays the author’s real-life experiences. I could be wrong about that. Either way the emotions and struggles experienced during chemo shine through and paint a picture of what it is like to manage basic routines in life when you feel sick or have physical and mental fatigue.

The player has tasks that they need to complete such as showering, washing the dishes, meeting with friends, and devoting time to personal projects. As chemo continues, they have less energy to work on these tasks which requires that the player prioritize even though it means leaving other things unfinished. They can also ask their partner for help which demonstrates how a person can be a support system in your life but also conveys how asking for help can make one feel like a burden.

The game rates the protagonist’s state of mind with the phrase “You don't feel much shame about the chaos in your life," which changes as life grows more hectic. Next would be “You feel a little shame about the chaos in your life,” and so forth. I thought that this was effective in demonstrating how the effects of chemo accumulate both in mundane things such as maintaining an apartment but also how it shapes more complex areas in your life, especially self-confidence and anxiety. As chemo advances so does the protagonist.

Story
The writing was heartfelt and descriptive. One that stood out to me was “all of a sudden the big wave of energy you've been riding crests, and washes you up on your sofa like a dead jellyfish.” This illustrated how a moment where you feel uplifted and capable can fall flat because of a new development, such as needing to return to the hospital for another round of chemo despite wanting to spend your day on other things. The writing lets the player glance into this daily experience.

Then there is the (Spoiler - click to show) overwhelming sense of triumph of having gone through chemo and emerging knowing that A, it has helped in assuring that you are cancer-free, and B, that you can now regain your life with renewed enthusiasm. The best part is at the end of the game when the protagonist comes home “The Day After Chemo” (this milestone also shares the title of the game) after the whole chemo ordeal is over. There are no dishes or laundry or chores that need to be done. Just an open block of time. The protagonist decides to use that time to make a Twine game about what it took to reach that point.

Visuals
There are three cycles of chemo that each consist of a few days. The game alternates with different colour backgrounds as each day passes and incorporates colour-coded text with links. Occasionally a few are difficult to read but most were a fun splash of colour. There are occasional text effects which added some movement to the gameplay.

Final thoughts
The Day After Chemo is a candid game about cancer and recovery, and I am glad that the author chose to share this story through a Twine format. Its short gameplay balances the daily struggles of chemo with the rewards of having a good day. It is basic, straightforward, and well worth playing.

You have moved to a new town after landing a new job. There is no sure way to know what is in store for you, so you decide to take it one day at a time. Can you keep a positive attitude?

Gameplay
The gameplay cycles in a loop, with each loop consisting of a single workday. The protagonist wakes up, goes to work, and returns home to spend some free time. The interactivity mostly consists of choosing what to do after work. These choices influence the player’s stats which determines the protagonist’s performance at work the next day. The player manages six stats. These stats are fitness, relationship with friends, relationship with family, time spent working on a personal project, time spend on playing video games to relax, and tiredness.

My main critique is that these stats decrease too quickly. Over the course of five days, you go from (Spoiler - click to show) being “You’re in great shape” to “You've become weak and have visibly gained weight.” Sure, it is probably possible to gain weight in less than a week, but this seems drastic to go from the highest level for this stat down to its lowest level in so little time. Or if you do not check Facebook after a few days the game says, “You're sad about losing contact with your friends,” which is the lowest level for this stat. If the player has too many stats at the lowest level, they lose the game. There is only time for two activities per day (or three at the expense of being more tired) and managing all six stats is an uphill battle. There are also no weekends or days off at all which seems unrealistic for a game that simulates a workplace environment. If you are (Spoiler - click to show) extremely tired, you can sleep in and skip going to work which gives you the entire day to improve your stats. Unfortunately, your boss will fire you which ends the game.

Story
The game does a decent job of capturing the monotony of a job and I like the idea of having random events outside of the protagonist’s job thrown in to make it more realistic. However, the only special event that occurs is (Spoiler - click to show) when your car breaks down, requiring that you get it fixed. I think that the game would have been stronger if it added more of this variation and focused on strategizing with life events rather than leaving the player to drown in managing stats.

The difficulty of managing stats in this game results (Spoiler - click to show) in a poorly implemented ending. Once the player builds up too many low stats the game suddenly says, “You can't sleep because your life sucks. GAME OVER” which is followed by a link called, “Continue?” The game lets you keep playing but it is impossible to improve your situation. This was frustrating and felt sloppy. Perhaps the game is trying to make the point that sometimes it is too overwhelming to manage so many areas of your life all in one go. But the way the game conveys this with its ending is ineffective.

Is it possible to win this game? If you mean in terms of (Spoiler - click to show) the protagonist succeeding at their job than I believe the answer is no. But I did find an ending that could be interpreted as a win. You end up being recruited by a secret organization that sponsors people to win track races. That means quitting your job, which the protagonist gleefully does. The mysterious man who recruits you explains that you will be flown to an island where a new track is being built, the first of its kind. The game then ends on a cliff hanger and says that the story will continue in a game called Job Quest II: Jog Quest. I am not sure if the author is planning to produce this game, but it would be cool to see where the story goes. It also sounds more exciting than the desk job featured in Job Quest. I must admit this secret ending made me smile.

Visual design
The game has a clean visual appearance. It uses black text and blue links inside a white box with a small border against a grey screen. I have seen this colour and format design in other Twine games and it always succeeds in creating a polished look without being overly stylized.

Final thoughts
I like the game’s concept of settling into a new job. The briefness of each day keeps a steady pace and simplifies the gameplay. All you need to do is balance the activities that you do in your free time. The downside is that the implementation of the protagonist’s stats makes the game feel clunky. The player feels like it is impossible to win, and any premature ending feels especially incomplete. Nonetheless, this game is another take of the slice-of-life workplace genre that carries its own charm. If you feel like playing an idle Twine game that (Spoiler - click to show) may or may not have a secret ending than give Job Quest a try.

This is an urban fantasy Twine game about seeking refuge in a new city. On your first day in Bareport you make a monumental discovery: contrary to what you always thought, the population of modern civilization is not entirely human. (Spoiler - click to show) Demons partly make up the waking world and have lives of their own in society. With nowhere else to go you find yourself taking a job at a bar called Vespertines with unearthly patrons.

At first, I thought this was a full-fleshed game. The game’s IFDB page explains that it is a multi-branching story with different endings. Right now, it is currently a demo (though a quality one, nonetheless). This review is for CHAPTER 1.

Gameplay
This is a Twine game that features character customization. It starts with the basics of choosing name, gender, and pronouns, and later lets the player customize the protagonist’s physical appearance such as hair, height, eyes, and body type. It only takes up a brief portion of the gameplay but still adds some richness that is nice to find in choice-based games.

Most of the gameplay is based on conversation, which some significant choices near the end such as (Spoiler - click to show) deciding whether to get a tattoo of a protection ward. I had the impression that the gameplay would be largely about the protagonist in their new job, but the chapter ends (Spoiler - click to show) once Gremory agrees to employ them. If you were looking forward to encountering paranormal bar patrons, you are out of luck at the moment.

Story
There is not much to spoil right now. The story is still developing since the game is only on the first chapter. This is a partly a romance game and so far, everything has been built around (Spoiler - click to show) introducing the two (potential) romance option characters. But the game does not feel over-saturated with romance either. The characters are interesting for other reasons and the player is not required to purse a romantic relationship with them. I think this flexibility will appeal to players.

Most of the other urban fantasy games that I have played so far are a bit grittier. This one is a little more lighthearted and upbeat without abandoning its somber undertones. Then again, this is just the first chapter. I cannot say what direction it will go in.

Characters
The protagonist has run away from home for some unexplained reason, other than that they are being hunted by an unnamed entity. The only default piece of character background is that they previously lived in a country environment and now must adjust to life in the city. But other than that, the protagonist’s character features are selected by the player.

There are two love interests, Ashheart and Gremory, that can be romanced in the game, and their gender is selected by the player. Romance games can stumble when it comes to pacing or character dialog but so far, the game has managed itself pretty well. The characters, Ashheart and Gremory, do not seem contrived. Ashheart is thoughtful, mysterious, and cryptic without overdoing it while Gremory is an interesting blend of no-nonsense and compassion.

The game’s description flat-out mentions (should I put this under spoilers just in case? Fine.) that Ashheart and Gremory are (Spoiler - click to show) demons. While this proves to be a startling discovery for the protagonist the player already has a sense of what to expect. The game still devotes a chunk of gameplay for the player to ask questions about (Spoiler - click to show) demons and their place in society which adds some worldbuilding. The game ends before we get a chance to interact with other NPCs, but I hope that upcoming characters share the same quality.

Visuals
The game’s appearance is basic but stylized. Grey screen with light grey text and pink links. The font and text organization create a simple and elegant look. There is a column on the left side of the screen with a link called “profile” that has an overview of your character’s attributes and stats. The game keeps track of stats for character self-awareness and attitude which are shown in percentage bars, similar in appearance to the format used in ChoiceScript games. While the game is currently not long enough to really see these stats at work, there indicators that the player’s choices do influence the gameplay, making everything more robust. For example, (Spoiler - click to show) if you have a high enough “withholding” stat an option to trust a character may be grayed out in an encounter. This provides opportunities for strategizing and encourages multiple playthroughs.

Final thoughts
This game has a lot of great things going for it including smooth implementation and complex characters. Does urban fantasy romance sound like your cup of tea? To summarize, here are some defining features that may interest players:

-Choice-based format romance with flexible gender identity and orientation
-Paranormal non-human NPCs
-Atmospheric city setting
-Offers another interpretation of the urban fantasy genre

Even if I was expecting Chapter 1 to have more content, I must admit I found myself thinking, “aw, it’s over?” It is off to a great start, and I hope it continues in this trajectory.

This is a story about an unusual and awkward dinner date. Actually, “unusual” and “awkward” are grave understatements. A woman named Marcia has roped you into a dinner date with Angie, a recent acquaintance. You just hope that things will not be too weird.

Gameplay
Marcia is introduced as "the host." She gives the impression of setting up two acquaintances on a date in her home and trying to walk them step-by-step through having a good time. Marcia's dialog is shown in extra-large all-caps text in bold to CONVEY THAT MARCIA HAS A STRONG, OVERBEARING, AND OVERLY ENTHUSIASTIC VOICE. Otherwise, things seem normal if tense. The gameplay consists of following Marcia’s cues and shuffling through generic conversation topics. This was not particularly interesting, but gradually new developments arise.

About halfway through the game it becomes apparent that something weird is going on, but it is not until after the date that we get a full explanation. We learn that (Spoiler - click to show) Marcia personally bathes the protagonist and Angie and sews them clothes, with Angie wearing a dress that was "tailored for a doll several inches taller than her." Now you know that these circumstances were abnormal. (Spoiler - click to show) An eyedropper descended to the table, silently offering refills for our glasses, but we both politely declined. Yep, definitely abnormal.

Story + Characters
Here is the twist that had me thinking "whoa, where did THAT come from?" Get ready. After the dinner date, the twist is that (Spoiler - click to show) Marcia's hobby is to sneak around collecting DNA from people to make mini clones that serve as her dolls. The clones manage to retain basic memories of their originals, but the originals are unaware that this is happening. As for the clones, all they can do is suck it up make a life out of their situation. Marcia builds dollhouses for her clones, seven total. The protagonist is a clone. So is Angie. I realized that the appearance of Marcia's dialog was not just to suggest that she has a loud voice. It is to (Spoiler - click to show) highlight the fact that she is a standard sized human (I think) whereas the protagonist and Angie are the dolls dwarfed by Marcia. It almost reminds me of Finding Nemo (random film spoiler) where (Spoiler - click to show) the fish are overwhelmed when children bang on the aquarium glass in the dentist’s office. This added a sci-fi horror element to the story that motivated me replay the game for new insights on details that I overlooked. Sure enough, the implications of (Spoiler - click to show) what goes on during the dinner date are intensified now that you now that the protagonist and Angie are clones designed for Marcia’s entertainment.

The story also throws one last twist at the player: The protagonist is (Spoiler - click to show) secretly in love with Marcia. Obsessed, even. This was not obvious in the gameplay and is only revealed right at the end. The game also says that (Spoiler - click to show) Marcia is planning on making a clone of herself for the other clones to interact with, but the protagonist knows that only the original will do. And on that note, the game ends a bit abruptly. I felt like this was a big development to reveal in the story, but the gameplay stretches just long enough to entertain these thoughts before the protagonist falls asleep. I was almost expecting a “chapter two” to explore this new development. Furthermore, like other Twine games I have encountered, it just ends with a (Spoiler - click to show) frozen screen. There is no "the end" or "credits" that affirm that the game is over. It just ends by saying, "And dream of vast dancing hands and quivering hills of hair until the morning." When this occurs in Twine games I sometimes wonder if I merely stumbled across a broken link. With Dining Table, it is clear enough to determine that the game is finished but this made it feel rough around the edges.

Visual design
The backdrop is an ornamental pattern that reminds me of a cross between outdated wallpaper and elaborately patterned napkins that people only use for special occasions. In this case, perfect for a dinner date. The text is placed on a light cream coloured square through which you can barely see the patterned background, providing a nice contrast. This was a good look for this game that added polish and made it more memorable than if it were just a plain background. It gives the game an extra boost that makes up for weaker areas of the game.

Final thoughts
The gameplay is nothing exceptional. The dinner date is delightfully weird yet lackluster in content. But the underlying horror sci-fi theme of (Spoiler - click to show) secret clones being made into demented Polly Pocket dolls add a dimension that I was not expecting when I went to play this game. I feel that this twist is the strongest part of the game. I also liked how the author conveys (Spoiler - click to show) a story about two characters trying to make a normal situation (going on a dinner date) out of an extremely abnormal one (being observed by a giant woman who controls every interaction). The downside is that the game ends just as the plot thickens. Nonetheless, playing this game has been an interesting experience and I think players out there may appreciate its surreal humor.

This is a Twiny Jam game of less than 300 words about a parent casting a critical eye over you and your possessions before you leave on an excursion. It reminds me of being in the dead of winter about to leave when your parents interject that your jacket is not warm enough or that those shoes will be painful for your feet halfway through the day (and usually they are right). This game follows a similar concept.

At the start of the game, you select either a mom or a dad to be the parent in the gameplay. When you try to leave your parent stops you and comments on the (Spoiler - click to show) practicality of your clothes, the amount of food you have, how you intend on keeping yourself safe, and whether or not you snatched something sneaky when they were not looking. For each of these prompts the player selects one of three links that influence the dialog. For example, (Spoiler - click to show) when asked about food you may say trout, mushrooms, or rabbit which each result in a different response. This is the height of the interactivity in this game. It is a short game and needs to be because it was submitted to a game jam with specific rules, but it still felt like it could have been more substantial. The game's ending is sweet and sentimental but a little abrupt.

We never get any backstory on the protagonist's journey. I am curious to know why they are inspired to (Spoiler - click to show) don a "rakish hat sporting peacock feathers" or have a "mark of Grun" to ensure their safety. The writing suggests that the protagonist will be weathering the raw elements during the trip and risk the possibility of encountering bandits. There are tiny little details that hint at a surreal world but none of it comes into play.

In conclusion, this is a short and simple Twine game that can be reasonably relatable. There is not really a specific audience in mind or a dominant message but if you are looking for something brief and positive than this game is a good choice.

This appears to be a somewhat autobiographical story about a game designer creating a cover letter for a job interview. It is a familiar concept, but the author makes it personal by capturing the struggles that come with trying to create a flawless cover letter to wow your potential employers. The gameplay is short but shows off creative visuals that take the experience to another level.

Now, my understanding is that a CV and a cover letter are two different, though similar, documents prepared in an application. The CV gives the nuts and bolts of one’s skill set and experience whereas a cover letter is a bit more personal. It focuses on providing a statement on the applicant’s intent and motivation for applying. Technically, the game only has the player write a cover letter.

Gameplay
First the gameplay has the player “research” the company that they are applying for: GameHouse. This information is then used to construct a draft that the player edits by clicking on links that cycle through responses. The game really captures the anxiety of trying to sound professional without bragging or trying to impress with your people skills without coming off as fakey.

The links cycle through options that consist of the protagonist fumbling with the writing. This shines a light into the protagonist’s thought process of writing which is a strength in this game since it makes it more relatable. However, the gameplay does not give the player the flexibility to choose the tone or quality of the finished letter. As you (Spoiler - click to show) cycle through each link the quality of the writing may improve until it suddenly cycles back to square one. No matter what you do the cover letter never feels finished. The game has the player manage the protagonist’s scattered thoughts but stops short of allowing the player to build from key ideas, such as the (Spoiler - click to show) protagonist’s experience with working internationally. Being able to explore these experiences and ambitions would have made a different in the gameplay.

Story
The basic story is about the protagonist’s desire to work at GameHouse. The downside is that (Spoiler - click to show) there is no real ending. You submit the statement and that is it. No endings that judge your success or final reflections from the protagonist. The game does not feel incomplete, just that it could have had more of a resolution.

Visuals
I was impressed by the visual design. Simple but incredibly creative. It is identical to the screen that you see when using a word document in Google Drive. Same heading and everything. In fact, the author used a screenshot and designed the gameplay so that the text occurs in the document space. The top of the screen even says, "I've Attached My CV And Cover Letter - a game by Jaime Monedero March" right where the title goes when you name the file. This was clever because it feels like you actually are editing a real document.

When the game began, I had to check twice because for a moment I thought I clicked on the wrong link. There is nothing in this game that says “made with Twine,” but IFDB assured me that I was playing a Twine game. The text links are underlined with the type of red squiggles that you would normally see when you misspell something. Obviously, there is no typing in this game, but this added visual effect made it more convincing.

Final thoughts
If the game used featureless visual effects, such as sticking to black text against a white screen it would not have scored as well. As you can tell from this review, I was smitten with its replica of a word processor’s appearance. That alone does not make a game, but it was effective enough to pull everything together. It is still interactive in the sense that the player edits the text, and the writing was humorous and relatable. I think players will enjoy this game. Maybe not for the richness of the game’s content but for its creativity and candidness.

It is the midst of an ongoing zombie apocalypse. Night has fallen and your best option for shelter is a small hotel, perhaps one with resources that you can salvage. But surely it is not empty. You know that everyone you expect to encounter will either be long dead or undead.

Gameplay
After a brief intro the game begins on the second-floor hallway of the hotel, right outside of Rooms 207 and 208. The objective is to quietly go from room-to-room, scavenging for items that will ensure your survival once you leave.

Each room is organized as a grid within which the player shuffles around with a flashlight. Imagine being at the top of the ceiling in a dark room while pointing a medium-powered flashlight at the floor so that a few feet of floor is illuminated. That is what the gameplay looks like. What makes this unique is that the game never says, “you see a coatrack and window.” Instead, objects are represented by single letters such as “C” for coatrack or “W” for window. If someone opened a pack of magnetic letter magnets and spilled them across the floor that would describe how they look in the game.

When you click on a letter, a popup box appears with more information. Within it are links to learn more about the object or to take it and add it to your inventory. The player begins with an empty backpack at the start of the game with a status of 0%. Each time an item is added the percentage increases. If this exceeds 97% the game requires that you lighten the load. To resolve this the player can open their backpack to drop* items. When they are finished with a room they return to the hallway. The game (Spoiler - click to show) ends when you visit Room 202. If you try to enter this room right away the game will say that you need to visit the other rooms first, but in truth all you need is to step into Room 201 for this requirement to be satisfied.

At first the game gives the impression of having puzzles. There are items in every room just waiting for the player to snatch up, and the management of items in the backpack adds a fun challenge. However, (Spoiler - click to show) you do not need a single thing to complete the game. While the protagonist’s identity as an apocalypse survivor provides a reason for ransacking the place, none of the items that you collect have any application. I did not realize this during my first playthrough and I had a great time. Afterwards, however, I was surprised that the game turned out to be mostly puzzle-less. Nonetheless, the game is still worth replaying for its visual effects and atmosphere. Even if objects seem like mere props, the writing and setting carry it through.

Story
There is no backstory about the protagonist or the overarching zombie apocalypse which the game gets away with. Normally I like it when games include background information that explains why their world is in an apocalyptic state, but this game manages to fit into the vaguely-described-zombie-apocalypse trope where you assume it builds from the same mold: an outbreak occurred, zombies attacked, and daily life is now a matter of survival. While I certainly would not have minded if this game were built on an elaborate backstory, it does not seem to be lacking without it. As a zombie piece I enjoyed it.

The final (Spoiler - click to show) segment of gameplay is effectively thrilling and the highlight of the story. When you step into Room 202 there is nothing to click on but a shoe rack. The popup box says,

No shoes by the door. An acrid smell stings through the staleness of the room.

You barely have enough time to read this when the text changes to:

Something in the room just moved.

Then a zombie ambushes you. These pauses were incredibly effective in creating a sense of horror. Furthermore, the game (Spoiler - click to show) implements a mild jump-scare of angry, quivering descriptions of the zombie as it lunges at you. There are no pictures, just text, but it effectively adds an element of surprise.

The only real criticism I have about the game’s story is that (Spoiler - click to show) there is only one ending and that the gameplay choices have no sway over it. During this final encounter with the zombie a link appears telling the player to “RUN!” I wondered if stalling would result in being eaten but there was no difference. I even deliberately weighed my backpack down to see if that would slow the protagonist down, but that had no effect either. No matter what you do it seems like you always escape the hotel and win the game. Then again, perhaps that is not such a bad thing. I wonder how other players will feel.

Characters
While the game does not say so outright it is suggested that the protagonist is male when the player goes digging through the clothes in the dressers and coatracks in each room. In every other aspect the protagonist is neutral in description and identity.

This is not a zombie hunter game or one with combat. Instead, most of the content on zombies is suggestive. For instance, (Spoiler - click to show) if you try to open Room 205 you will hear a zombie try to break the door down. Even though you never see the zombie from the room the atmosphere and writing convey the horror in this scene. The only time (Spoiler - click to show) you see a zombie is near the end of the game. Otherwise, the player only encounters corpses during the gameplay (speaking of which, be prepared for such things).

Visuals
The visual effects make The Second Floor a bit of a gem because it shows how special effects can be used in a Twine game to tell a story. For this game these effects are notably used to establish setting. Shapes, patterns, colours, and timed pauses work together to portray a grungy and powerless hotel during a zombie apocalypse.

For me the most memorable visual element in this game is the hallway: simple and effective at establishing the setting as a hotel. The hallway consists of a strip of bloodstained carpet running vertically across the screen. On each left and right side is a door that allows access into a room, and at the top and bottom of the screen are arrows that lead to other sections of hallway.

Typically, the game’s screen is black, but the author adds more details for the hotel rooms. There is a thick boarder that creates the illusion of a room’s perimeter. At the bottom of the screen is a backpack icon that keeps track of the player’s inventory percentage levels.

The floorspace is explored in sections with arrows that the player uses to move through the room. Your location is marked with a faint box-shaped yellow that replicates the beam of a flashlight. This block of light provides only a few feet of visibility which really makes it feel as if the protagonist is exploring a room with nothing but a flashlight to guide them. Paired with the player’s freedom to roam around the space, these special effects make everything feel more immersive.

Final thoughts
Most zombie games that I have played are parser games, but this Twine format brings something new to the table. It you like zombie games in general then I highly recommend The Second Floor. It may also be of interest if you are seeking out gameplay where scavenging is a central feature. It is also a great example of a Twine game with free range of movement, allowing the player to navigate the game’s world like a parser game. On top of that it has great atmosphere and successfully incorporates horror elements, especially with its (Spoiler - click to show) text version of a (sort of) jump-scare. I can see myself returning to this game in the future.

Also: If you enjoyed this game, consider playing my father's long, long legs. It is also made with Twine and has similar horror vibes. Both games share the visual technique of navigating a space with a flashlight but successfully use this concept in a unique way that sets each game apart.

*Rather than (Spoiler - click to show) dropping the food it would be nice if the protagonist could at least eat some off it. This is the zombie apocalypse, after all. Wasting food probably is not the best idea.

You are strolling along the countryside with the intention of finding a horsehair extension. Apparently, horsehair extensions are made from hair collected from horses and processed into hair pieces that can be worn by both humans and horses. In this game, you looking to acquire one for a horse.

Gameplay
The game begins with the protagonist strolling across a field when they see the words “HORSE HAIR EXTENSION” scrawled across a wall. This turns out to be a trail of messages leading the player towards the possibility of finding an extension. The player passes a farmhouse and reaches a branching road. Since the game ends when the player takes the first path down the road the other paths are the focus of the gameplay.

One of the roads leads (Spoiler - click to show) to a ditch with a hole that runs to a sewage tunnel. Inside the tunnel is a merchant who sells extensions for $5. There are two ways to acquire $5 which adds a little variety to the gameplay. Since the merchant will only sell one extension per customer the protagonist uses the extra $5 to buy ice cream at the end of the game.

Characters
The gameplay is mostly NPC-less. There are no defining characteristics about the protagonist, they are neutral. There are (Spoiler - click to show) two other characters. The first is a horse that you find on the second path at the branching road. If you search the bush a horse will appear and follow you for the rest of the game. This part is optional but influences the ending. The second character is the mysterious shadowy merchant who sells horsehair extensions in the sewer tunnel.

Story
The first part of the game has an ominous atmosphere. There are messages about horsehair extensions in your surroundings. When you (Spoiler - click to show) enter the farmhouse the game says,

You find the inside of the ruined farmhouse rather melancholic. The space appears to be completely devoid of horses, large or otherwise.

This is deeply disturbing to you.

Leave this place

This was effective in making me wonder about the backstory, especially about the farmhouse. The horses are gone but someone has engraved brief messages about horses on the surroundings, almost like a trail. I was eager for an answer on why the messages were left behind. It is eerie and makes you anticipate when you reach the end of this trail of odd messages. But the (Spoiler - click to show) messages only lead to the branching road and then they stop without any further explanation. The farmhouse too is never revisited, except for the clutter outside.

We also never learn why the protagonist needs a horsehair extension. It seems like the protagonist’s goal is simply to acquire a horsehair extension and then attach it to a horse, but the implementation of this goal is flimsy. If the player (Spoiler - click to show) takes the first road without finding an extension the game just ends. All it says is that you walk until you lose track of the road that you came from. Then you forget about horsehair extensions altogether. Providing some exposition would have sculpted the story a bit more for the player. No matter what, there are no comments about the protagonist’s reason for seeking out a horsehair extension in the first place. And even the outcome of finding an extension is lackluster. The overall effect is that it feels like random gameplay.

The endings are nothing spectacular but there are multiple ones, which adds some replay value. I can recall (Spoiler - click to show) 8 ending variations. The optimal ending is (Spoiler - click to show) to buy a horsehair extension, clip the extension onto the horse, and then buy ice cream.

Visuals
The game's strength is its simple background graphics. Set against a light grey background are basic sketches of nature in what reminds me of a thin black sharpie marker. The wheat field design was my favorite because it conveyed a basic yet polished look. When I first saw a screenshot of the game in its cover art, I was compelled to play it. The gameplay with the (Spoiler - click to show) underground merchant deviates from this design. These scenes have a black screen with a white spiral pattern. The only downside is that the font, which is different from the rest of the game, is a bit hard to read. Otherwise, it captures a "down the rabbit hole" feeling that was appropriate for the setting.

Final thoughts
The game has some interesting ideas but feels unfocused without providing any insight on the protagonist's objective of finding a horsehair extension. I recommend this game if you like short and surreal Twine games that rely on atmosphere rather than story content. You may also like it if you are a fan of horses. The graphics are nice to look at and I can see this being a good potential "lunch break length" game.