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.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and humorous exploration of depression and mental health, resonating with players who have experienced similar struggles.
- It features engaging puzzles and multiple endings, encouraging replayability and creative problem-solving.
- The atmosphere is immersive and the dark humor adds a layer of enjoyment, making it a memorable experience despite its short length.
- Some players found the controls and mechanics frustrating, with reports of glitches and difficulty interacting with objects.
- The trial-and-error nature of the puzzles can lead to repetitive gameplay, which may deter some players from fully enjoying the experience.
- A few reviews mentioned that the dialogue and humor could feel tiresome or dull, potentially alienating those who do not connect with the game's themes.
- humor16 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark comedy and relatable wit, effectively balancing the themes of horror and depression. Many players appreciate the clever inner dialogue and humorous twists in the narration, finding it both engaging and reflective. While some may find the humor tiresome or the tone off-putting, overall, it is praised for its ability to evoke laughter amidst the game's spooky elements and unfortunate character fates.
“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!”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its authentic portrayal of depression, isolation, and apathy, resonating deeply with players who relate to these themes. It combines a tense atmosphere with a dry sense of humor, keeping players engaged and curious about the unfolding narrative, despite some critiques regarding the graphics and overall depth of the story.
“As someone who experiences some of the things this game talks about, I enjoyed the story of this game very much.”
“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 nails 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.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as intriguing and horrifying, creating a tense and oppressive environment that captivates players despite its lackluster graphics and minimal story. It effectively evokes a spooky ambiance without relying on jump scares, enhanced by pixelated visuals and a fitting musical score, making it a standout feature of the gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is a key element that keeps players engaged and invested in the experience.
“The game has an intriguing, yet horrifying 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.”
“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.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as unremarkable and reminiscent of old-school pixel art, similar to "Lily's Well." While they may not be visually impressive, they effectively contribute to a tense atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. Overall, the art style and visuals support the game's unsettling mood, despite some players experiencing issues with interaction.
“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.”
“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.”
“There's not really a lot to comment on here regarding the graphics.”
“This is a good puzzle game that provides an uneasy atmosphere brought about by the pixelated visuals and musical score.”
“Old school graphics.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around interacting with various items, often leading to death or acquiring new items for further use. While the graphics and story may not stand out, 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.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions, with players noting it as an emotional rollercoaster that can elicit both tears and a sense of catharsis. Many consider it an underrated gem that keeps players engaged while deeply resonating with their feelings.
“Very good game, you don't get bored and it hits right in the feelings. Go for it 100%! It made me cry and feel better at the same time.”
“Overall, this game is an emotional rollercoaster and what I can only describe as an underrated gem.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered average, contributing to an uneasy atmosphere that complements the pixelated visuals, enhancing the overall experience of the puzzle gameplay.
“This is a good puzzle game that provides an uneasy atmosphere brought about by the pixelated visuals and musical score.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the visuals are impressive, the soundtrack is underwhelming and doesn't match the game's tone.”
“The audio design is disappointing; the music doesn't enhance the gameplay experience at all.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is reported to be flawless, with users experiencing perfect performance throughout.
“Performance: perfect.”
“The optimization in this game is outstanding, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
“I appreciate how the developers have fine-tuned the game to run efficiently without sacrificing quality.”
