An independent horror game that puts in you in the role of a child who must defend their home from bad guys while your parents are away
An independent horror game that puts in you in the role of a child who must defend their home from bad guys while your parents are away
Pros
- Engrossing psychological horror narrative
- Simple, user-friendly controls
- Immersive experience through the protagonist's childlike perspective
- Free to play with a relatively short playtime for quick enjoyment
Cons
- Only one ending, limiting replay value
- Choice-making does not impact the storyline outcome
- May be too short for players seeking a long-term gaming investment
An Unsettling Home Alone Scenario
"It's Not Me, It's My Basement" plunges players into an eerie world of solitude and responsibility. Developed by arcadekitten, this indie horror title offers a 2D role-playing experience that hinges on psychological thrills and spine-chilling storytelling. Suitable for gamers that appreciate a mix of domestic normalcy and disturbing twists, this game invites you to navigate through a situation far from the innocence of a child left in charge of a household.
Assume the Role of Young Embry
The game centers around Embry, a child tasked with maintaining their home while their parents are absent. With a focus on day-to-day chores, the game at first conveys a semblance of normal life. However, the most critical task is attending to something enigmatic and potentially sinister that resides in the basement. The responsibility shifts from mundane to ominous as players contend with rationing food and engaging with the unknown entity below.
Simple Mechanics, Profound Impact
Interaction within "It's Not Me, It's My Basement" is intuitive, using conventional keyboard controls. Movement and selection are handled with the arrow keys, while the Enter or Spacebar allows players to interact with objects, advance dialogue, and confirm choices. Pressing Esc is the pathway to exit sub-menus and access the in-game menu. Despite the lack of an explicit tutorial, players will find the controls straightforward and accessible.
Engaging in Embry's World
The game’s strength lies in immersing players into Embry's perspective — a disconcerting journey through the eyes of a child grappling with overwhelming circumstances. The narrative thrusts you into the throes of tension and apprehension, crafting an ambiance where the scares stem from the unknowns of the child's dilemma.
While the story resonates with the thematic depth, it concludes with a singular ending. This may come as a disappointment for players accustomed to multiple outcomes based on their choices during gameplay, as this game does not embrace narrative branching.
A Linear Tale of Chilling Proportions
In essence, "It's Not Me, It's My Basement" executes a captivating, if linear, experience. It is a title that can be completed within 30 minutes to an hour, offering a succinct yet haunting session of gameplay. Though the player’s decisions do not alter the final outcome, they do enrich the narrative journey to that single, inevitable conclusion.
Final Thoughts
Predominantly, "It's Not Me, It's My Basement" serves as a commendable homage to RPG Maker horror games, blending classic mechanics with a disturbing narrative. Engaging for those in search of a quick foray into indie horror, it may leave others yearning for a more robust system of choices and consequences. This title's worth lies in its ability to envelop you in an eerie atmosphere and challenge you to reflect on the unsettling nature of its plot.
Pros
- Engrossing psychological horror narrative
- Simple, user-friendly controls
- Immersive experience through the protagonist's childlike perspective
- Free to play with a relatively short playtime for quick enjoyment
Cons
- Only one ending, limiting replay value
- Choice-making does not impact the storyline outcome
- May be too short for players seeking a long-term gaming investment
