SHUT IN
- October 30, 2020
- HiddenTrack
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"SHUT UP" Summary: In SHUT IN, a free content update of the dark comedy/psychological horror game, players are trapped in their own dirty and threatening house, tasked with going outside for fresh air. Facing strange puzzles, uncomfortable obstacles, and a judgmental narrator, players must overcome their own personal demons and isolation. The game explores depression, anxiety, and the difficulty of seeking help.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Xbox
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and humorous exploration of depression and mental health, resonating with players who have experienced similar struggles.
- It features multiple endings and engaging puzzles that encourage trial and error, providing a satisfying gameplay experience.
- The dark humor and witty narration enhance the atmosphere, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Some players found the controls and gameplay mechanics frustrating, with reports of glitches and difficulty in interacting with objects.
- The puzzles can be obscure and may require external hints or guides, which can detract from the overall experience.
- A few reviews mentioned that the game felt repetitive or unenjoyable at times, with some players expressing disappointment in the dialogue and story.
- humor32 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its clever use of dark comedy, often intertwining themes of depression with witty inner dialogue and relatable character experiences. While many players found the humor to be outstanding and engaging, some noted that it could feel tiresome or may not resonate with everyone, particularly due to its unique blend of spookiness and comedic elements. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with horror, providing both laughs and thoughtful reflections on serious topics.
“I enjoyed seeing the humorous twist to the narration since that isn't common in horror games.”
“The humor is outstanding and made me laugh many times.”
“If you're looking for a game that will spook you out, test the bounds of your common sense and most of all have you falling about laughing despite the many unfortunate ends which befall your character, this is your game!”
- story16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its unique exploration of themes like depression, isolation, and apathy, resonating deeply with players who relate to these experiences. While some reviews note that the graphics are lacking and the overall narrative may not be extensive, the tense atmosphere and engaging gameplay keep players invested. The dry humor interwoven with the storytelling adds an intriguing layer, making the experience both compelling and relatable.
“As someone who experiences some of the things this game talks about, I enjoyed the story of this game very much.”
“[i]Shut In[/i] tells a story of depression, isolation, and apathy in a way that I haven't seen in a game before.”
“The narrator and plot nail the feeling of, 'Yeah, I guess I could do this, but... why?' experienced by those of us with depression and agoraphobia.”
“Shut In tells a story of depression, isolation, and apathy in a way that I haven't seen in a game before.”
“The narrator and plot capture the feeling of, 'Yeah, I guess I could do this, but... why?' experienced by those of us with depression and agoraphobia.”
“Story of my life.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its intriguing and horrifying atmosphere, characterized by a tense and oppressive feeling rather than reliance on jump scares. While the graphics and story may not stand out, the pixelated visuals and musical score effectively contribute to a spooky ambiance that keeps players engaged. Overall, the atmosphere is a key highlight, enhancing the gameplay experience and adding depth to the puzzle elements.
“The game opts to rely on the oppressive, uneasy atmosphere.”
“It isn't jump scare scary, but has a great spooky atmosphere.”
“The game, instead, opts to rely on the oppressive, uneasy atmosphere.”
“This is a good puzzle game that provides an uneasy atmosphere brought about by the pixelated visuals and musical score.”
“It reminds me a lot of the game Lily's Well in terms of graphics, atmosphere, controls... and the fact that everything is trying to kill you.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as unremarkable and reminiscent of old-school pixel art, contributing to a tense atmosphere rather than impressive visuals. While the art style has its charm, particularly in creating an uneasy ambiance, it lacks interactivity and depth in storytelling. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay well, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience despite their simplicity.
“While the graphics aren't very impressive and there isn't much of a story, the atmosphere is tense and the gameplay holds a person's interest easily.”
“This is a good puzzle game that provides an uneasy atmosphere brought about by the pixelated visuals and musical score.”
“Old school graphics.”
“It reminds me a lot of the game Lily's Well in terms of graphics, atmosphere, controls... and the fact that everything is trying to kill you.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around interacting with various items, often leading to death or the acquisition of new items that can be used elsewhere. Despite lacking impressive graphics and a deep narrative, the tense atmosphere effectively maintains player engagement.
“The gameplay mostly consists of you interacting with items, picking up items, and then using them on other things.”
“The main thing you do in this game is interact with things, die from interacting with said things, or sometimes get items from them, which you can then use on other things.”
“While the graphics aren't very impressive and there isn't much of a story, the atmosphere is tense and the gameplay holds a person's interest easily.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions, often described as an emotional rollercoaster that can make players cry while also providing a sense of comfort. Many reviewers consider it an underrated gem that keeps players engaged and deeply connected to the experience.
“This game is an emotional rollercoaster and what I can only describe as an underrated gem.”
“Very good game, you don't get bored and it hits right in the feelings. Go for it 100%, made me cry and feel better at the same time.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered average, contributing to an uneasy atmosphere that complements the pixelated visuals. While it may not stand out, it effectively enhances the overall experience of the puzzle game.
“This is a good puzzle game that provides an uneasy atmosphere brought about by the pixelated visuals and musical score.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is reported to be flawless, with users consistently describing the performance as perfect.
“Performance: perfect.”
“Performance: perfect.”
