Retro game escalates the chilling corporate horror reminiscent of Severance to a new height
New Indie Game PAGER Blends Horror and Humor in a Kafkaesque Office Environment
Get ready for a unique gaming experience with the upcoming release of PAGER. This indie psychological horror game transports players to a surreal, 1-bit (black-and-white), 3D pixelated environment that resembles a '90s office building.
In PAGER, players start their first day at a mysterious company and follow bizarre instructions given through a pager to survive and climb the corporate ladder. Each floor represents a looping spatial puzzle made of corridors and elevators, with the game blending horror and humor through Kafkaesque and absurd elements.
The game's atmosphere and narrative style draw inspiration from David Lynch’s surrealism and the meta-commentary approach of The Stanley Parable. The art style is described as “Severance-like,” referring to the unsettling, corporate-surreal horror vibe seen in that TV show’s office setting.
Key features of PAGER include one-bit 3D pixel art visuals that create a stark, surreal aesthetic akin to early computer graphics. The game presents psychological horror conveyed without combat but through environment, instructions, and atmosphere. It also boasts a surreal office setting inspired by Kafka’s themes of bureaucracy and absurdity.
Another notable feature is the meta-narrative tone and puzzle structure reminiscent of The Stanley Parable. This plays with player expectation and narrative control, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the gameplay.
PAGER is set to release on 6th August and can be wishlisted and downloaded as a demo on Steam. The game features caffeine-addicted butterflies and has palette and glow settings to enhance the overall gaming experience.
With numerous surreal details and surprises, PAGER is expected to be a game that will leave players questioning reality and captivated by its unique blend of horror, humor, and psychological puzzles.
[1] Indie developer Bilge cites the works of Franz Kafka, David Lynch, The Prisoner (1967), The Stanley Parable, and Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves as influences.
[3] The game's art style does not compromise clarity for the sake of horror, ensuring players can navigate the game's surreal environment with relative ease.
[1] The unique design of PAGER, a blend of horror and humor, is influenced by the works of Franz Kafka, David Lynch, The Prisoner (1967), The Stanley Parable, and Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves.
[2] The UI and UX design of PAGER is carefully crafted to ensure a seamless transition through its surreal office environment, which is represented in the game's one-bit, 3D pixel art visuals.
[3] The art style of PAGER doesn't sacrifice clarity for the sake of horror, allowing players to navigate the game's surreal environment with relative ease.
[4] The creative use of color and glow settings in PAGER enhance the overall gaming experience, making the caffeine-addicted butterflies even more vivid and striking.
[5] The logo and layout of PAGER are sleek and professional, reflecting the game's blend of corporate setting and psychological horror, making it a tantalizing piece of entertainment for gamers seeking a unique gaming experience.
