The more obscure elements aren’t too much of a surprise considering that the game pens itself as ‘a dark/sad/weird/funny first-person exploration game. As you approach, a name, age and cause of death are indicated before the protagonist is suddenly transported to find themselves waking in a bedroom. There are so many things that make The Static Speaks My Name more than just a little strange! Everything begins with the player moving towards a floating grey ball (static?). Overall, The Monster Inside is a mixed quality experience but is definitely worth the very little time and money that it costs! The Static Speaks My Name
The plot twist was certainly unexpected but it was such an out of place development it could be considered obscure and crazy enough to just feel out of place or even breaking the player’s sense of immersion. The game starts well, with a clear and enjoyable storyline but towards the latter half things get a little weird. Lines like “my head hit the pillow like it owed someone money” made me laugh without feeling out of place. Additionally, The Monster Inside featured some really great writing, even managing to complement the overall darkness with some comic undertones. This fits the themes of the game, especially when matched with its typical film noir soundtrack of saxophone and piano. Stylistically, the game is fairly simplistic, it is entirely black and white, with a basic art style almost like the objects are untextured. The player takes on the role of a detective who has been asked to look into a missing person and murder case. The Monster Inside describes itself as a ‘film noir style, audio-visual novella’ and takes around 20 minutes to complete. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist is a unique and enjoyable experience and a great way to casually pass 15-20 minutes for free! The Monster Inside Due to the near-constant narration, music in the game is minimal but there are snippets of dramatic classical music used well to build tension. The game has a simple and familiar art style but the contrast of dark scenes with vibrant colours and lighting help the industrial theatre setting feel more unique and atmospheric.
An unseen voice, played by comedian Simon Amstell, directs the player in assisting with weather control, lighting, high concept miscellaneous interactions and wildlife preparation! The narration has an enjoyably dry yet silly humour to it, however, the game as a whole is not as funny as it thinks. Whilst the protagonist is waiting to play, it is revealed that the game is understaffed due to strikes and the protagonist is asked to help out. The game is essentially an extended fourth-wall break as the player finds themselves helping behind the scenes of an overbooked game as if backstage at a theatre. Langeskov, The Tiger, and The Terribly Cursed Emerald: A Whirlwind Heist is unsurprisingly a pretty strange experience. Directed by William Pugh (The Stanley Parable), Dr.