Pumpkin Eater
- November 17, 2021
- thugzilladev
Get on Steam"Pumpkin Eater" is a psychological horror visual novel based on the rhyme "Peter, Peter pumpkin eater." The game features a family taking care of their pumpkin-headed son in a 40-minute kinetic story. With hand-drawn illustrations and a focus on medical accuracy, players can expect a disturbing and unique experience.
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Reviews
- Engaging and well-written story that provides a disturbing yet fascinating exploration of human decomposition.
- Unique watercolor art style that complements the grotesque themes of the narrative.
- Short but impactful experience, perfect for fans of psychological horror and those interested in the scientific aspects of decomposition.
- Extremely short gameplay, taking only about 20-30 minutes to complete, which may leave some players wanting more.
- Lack of interactive choices, making it feel more like a reading experience than a traditional game.
- Repetitive and bland art, with limited visuals that may not satisfy those looking for more dynamic illustrations.
- story43 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story of "Pumpkin Eater" is a disturbing yet intriguing narrative centered around a mother who, after accidentally killing her son, becomes delusional and treats his decomposing body as if it were still alive. The game combines gruesome depictions of decomposition with a unique art style, offering a well-researched and captivating experience that is both horrifying and thought-provoking. While the story is short, it effectively engages players with its psychological depth and unsettling themes, making it a memorable read for those who appreciate dark narratives.
“Definitely a unique game; it tells a simple story while providing detailed observation and description of body decomposition. You can even further acknowledge through explanations of terminology in the main menu.”
“A story that uncovers a tragedy and how a great family, in the eyes of society, became twisted and insane.”
“Pumpkin Eater provides an engaging and genuinely unnerving story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.”
“The story is incredibly gross, and the sickening descriptions play a huge part in facilitating that theme.”
“In short: the story is about what happens when a boy is killed by accident and his delusional mother decides to hang onto the corpse, ruining her family in the process.”
“The story is well-written, though with gruesome depictions of decomposition, so if you're sensitive to such things I'd recommend staying away from this game, as decomposition is what it centers around.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their unique and appealing art style, which complements the story effectively. The attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of medically accurate decomposition, adds a striking element to the visuals, though some users noted a lack of visuals in the game's conclusion. Overall, the combination of horror elements and watercolor aesthetics creates a visually engaging experience.
“The art style is appealing to look at.”
“I really love the unique art style as it really fits with the story in a way I can't explain.”
“The art style is quite nice and the attention to visual detail is laudable.”
“My one complaint is that the very end of the game is just text and lacks any visuals, but it's understandable considering this was made for a game jam.”
“The art style is different from other visual novels, and it's really fitting!”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its intense and jarring depictions of abuse and decay, which some players found both disturbing and impactful. While the artistic gore is a significant element, the emotional weight of the narrative leaves a lasting impression, eliciting strong reactions from players.
“It is a jarring horror experience with accurate and emotional depictions of the decomposition process.”
“There was a trigger warning for the artistic gore, but I think there could be a trigger warning for the emotional and physical abuse as well.”
“Gross, disgusting, and made me feel a bit sick... I loved it :>”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is straightforward and focuses primarily on the core mechanics, offering a no-frills experience that emphasizes the essential elements of play.
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music and sound design are considered average, not particularly noteworthy but still effective in enhancing the game's atmosphere. Overall, it serves its purpose without making a significant impact.
“The music and sound design isn't anything to write home about, but it's definitely better than silence and was thematic enough.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“I spent hours grinding for minimal rewards.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently described as funny, indicating that players find it entertaining and enjoyable.
“The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious, with clever jokes and witty dialogue that kept me laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game incorporates humor into its storytelling; the characters have such funny interactions that make every moment enjoyable.”
“The comedic timing in this game is spot on, making even the most mundane tasks entertaining with its quirky humor.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, particularly for its impressive background music (BGM) that enhances the overall experience.
“The background music and atmosphere are quite great; I really like it.”
