Ells Tales: Chairbound

About

Ells Tales: Chairbound is a single player simulation game with a horror theme. It was developed by Ells&Pills and was released on August 1, 2025. It received positive reviews from players.

In "Ells Tales: Chairbound," you awaken tied to a wheeled office chair with a ticking 10-minute device attached. Navigate eerie office floors using physics-based controls for each hand, carefully avoiding tipping over, as you search for a way to escape. The game features retro-style visuals and atmospheric liminal spaces enhanced by ray tracing effects.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 98 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

music2 negative mentions

Chairbound offers a unique and absurd premise that creates a tense and immersive atmosphere, making players feel a genuine sense of anxiety and urgency.
The game features interesting mechanics that require players to master the physics of movement, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience as they navigate through the environment.
Visually, the game is well-crafted with a minimalist aesthetic that enhances the eerie atmosphere, complemented by effective sound design that builds tension throughout gameplay.

The controls are frustratingly awkward, requiring excessive button mashing that can lead to discomfort and detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
Many players find the random nature of the chair's tipping mechanic to be unfair, leading to frequent and frustrating failures that can feel arbitrary.
The game is relatively short and may leave players wanting more in terms of content and narrative depth, as the experience can feel repetitive after multiple attempts.

gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
56%
19%
The gameplay of "Ells Tales: Chairbound" is characterized by its unconventional mechanics and a focus on movement and spatial awareness, creating a unique horror experience that emphasizes atmosphere over traditional narrative depth. While the game offers a blend of exploration, logic, and survival horror, some players may find the controls frustrating due to their awkwardness and the random tip-over mechanic. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate experimental indie design and are willing to embrace its challenges for a memorable experience.
- “Chairbound is a strikingly unconventional indie horror experience that takes an absurd premise and commits to it with surprising confidence and mechanical depth.”
- “The deliberate lack of visual clutter ensures that the player’s focus remains on movement, spatial awareness, and the physics of the chair, reinforcing the game’s mechanical identity.”
- “Challenge variety: a blend of exploration, logic, simulation, and survival horror—paired with intentionally 'awkward' controls—offers variety and fluidity in the gameplay.”
- “Some players may find this frustrating or repetitive, especially if they expect conventional horror mechanics or narrative depth.”
- “Sure, it had its frustrating moments due to wobbly chair mechanics and constant high threat of carpal tunnel flare-ups in my wrists due to the incessant key spamming required to balance and maneuver your chair.”
- “- even when you know exactly what to do to complete the game, it will take you a frustrating couple of hours of doing the same 5 minutes of gameplay over and over again.”
atmosphere
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
33%
20%
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its immersive and unique qualities, characterized by a blend of claustrophobic tension, environmental storytelling, and effective use of lighting. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke feelings of mystery and discomfort, creating a hypnotic experience that lingers in the mind. Overall, the atmosphere is described as charming, surreal, and intricately designed, enhancing the gameplay without overwhelming it.
- “Beyond its mechanical core, Chairbound layers in light narrative and environmental storytelling that deepen the atmosphere without overwhelming the experience.”
- “The game creates an intriguing atmosphere of mystery and suspense.”
- “The claustrophobic atmosphere, liminal spaces, and retro style immediately generate a sense of tension and immersion that’s rare in the genre.”
- “Liminal office spaces create a surreal atmosphere of anxiety and isolation, while the separate control of each of the character's hands adds that signature 'jankiness' fans of the ells tales series will recognize.”
- “For players who enjoy mastering unconventional mechanics and are open to horror experiences that rely on atmosphere and systemic challenge rather than spectacle, it offers a memorable and distinctive descent into discomfort.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The game's story is characterized by minimalistic narrative elements and environmental storytelling that enhance the atmosphere without overshadowing gameplay. While some players appreciate the creative concept and consistent quest, others criticize the lack of a substantial plot, likening the ending to a public service announcement. Overall, the narrative is seen as a mixed bag, with some finding it more engaging than many films or other games, while others feel it falls short.
- “Beyond its mechanical core, Chairbound layers in light narrative and environmental storytelling that deepen the atmosphere without overwhelming the experience.”
- “This game has a better plot and concept than many movies released lately.”
- “A very creative concept that has some fun surprises and makes for an incredibly tense experience as you wiggle and swivel your way down a multistory office-block from hell!”
- “There's zero plot or story to this; the ending is just a wheelchair ramp PSA for countries who won't even be playing this game.”
- “Even many other games have weaker storylines.”
- “Her quest is consistent, with her always appearing on the same floors and in the same locations.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics are characterized by cohesive and atmospheric design, effectively utilizing lighting and shadows to enhance the mood. While some users note issues with physics and controls, the retro visuals, particularly when enhanced by ray tracing, contribute to a memorable and compelling indie experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic successfully blends experimental design with nostalgic elements.
- “Lighting and shadows play an important role in establishing mood, and while the graphics are not technically extravagant, they are cohesive and atmospheric.”
- “The graphics and atmosphere are well made.”
- “Aesthetics: retro visuals enhanced by ray tracing.”
- “Besides the absolutely infuriating physics, the graphics and controls are subpar, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- “While the graphics are not technically extravagant, they are cohesive and atmospheric, contributing to the game's mood.”
- “The retro visuals, although enhanced by ray tracing, still feel lacking in depth and detail.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report that the game evokes deep emotional responses, prompting introspection and questioning of personal life choices due to its intense themes of pain and anguish. The abandoned office setting and atmospheric design contribute to a pervasive sense of emotional tension, making it a compelling experience for those seeking short yet impactful gameplay.
- “The abandoned office setting, low lighting, and spatial emptiness successfully deliver emotional tension in every corridor.”
- “It’s particularly recommended for players who enjoy short but intense experiences with unique mechanics and a strong emotional tone.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game's music is described as perfectly fitting, with subtle ambient sounds enhancing the immersive experience. However, a contrasting secret level featuring heavy metal music during violent gameplay raises concerns about its alignment with the game's themes regarding the challenges faced by wheelchair users.
- “The music: perfectly fitting for the game.”
- “The hum of the environment, subtle ambient noises, and the absence of constant musical cues heighten awareness of every scrape, bump, and collision.”
- “Perhaps the secret level where you come back with a shotgun and shoot up everyone in the building while listening to heavy metal music slightly erodes the game's message about the difficulties wheelchair users face on a daily basis.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as a mix of dark and absurd elements, with players finding comedic moments in unexpected scenarios, such as a humorous spider monster and quirky puzzles. However, some aspects, like the abrupt shift to a serious message about wheelchair accessibility, may leave players feeling confused about the overall tone. Overall, the humor is seen as a unique blend that complements the horror experience.
- “Very good horror with funny puzzles and a duck.”
- “Le funny spider monster on the first floor that will kill you before you can turn your chair around.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the high replayability of the game, as its variability demands fresh decision-making with each playthrough, maintaining tension and preventing monotony.
- “This variability adds replay value and keeps tension high, as each descent requires fresh judgment rather than rote execution.”