SHUT IN
Cael O'Sullivan · 2020 · Dark Comedy, Horror, Emotional, Exploration, Puzzle
PC
Very Positive90% · 11178Metacritic
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About SHUT IN
Includes both content updates, 'SHUTDOWN' and 'SHUT UP'
SHUT IN is a dark comedy/psychological horror adventure game which explores depression and isolation by trapping you inside your own house.
Your task is simple: Get out of bed, go outside, and get some Fresh Air.
Think you can handle that?
Oh, but it might not be quite that simple. Your house isn't looking quite like it used to. You don't recognise any of these photos, everything's gotten dirty and disgusting, cracks seem to be opening up everywhere, and you're SURE everything didn't used to be so... constantly trying to kill you.
Maybe it's not worth it. Maybe go back to bed. Try again tomorrow.
If you do decide to keep going, you'll have to face strange puzzles, bizarre and uncomfortable obstacles, and a narrator who is unreliable at best, and downright insulting at worst. You'll have to get through your day under a constant barrage of judgment, sarcasm, and melancholy. If you can cope with that. Idiot.
SHUT IN is about tension and discomfort in a familiar environment. Your greatest tools are also your worst enemies. Common sense will keep you alive, but it might not get you very far. Curiosity can have great rewards, but will probably just get you killed.
But don't worry. When you (inevitably) die - because you fell down the stairs, were too stupid to operate an oven properly, got ripped apart by untold invisible horror, something like that - you can always just give up. Try again tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next day.
Key Features:
- Over a dozen unique ways to die!
- Probably a way to survive!
- Original atmospheric horror soundtrack by composer Luc Wilkinson.
- Everything else done by person/mess Cael O'Sullivan.
- A dangerous house full of original puzzles, and loads of ways to get them wrong!
- A hint system which isn't that helpful, and often insults you!
- Multiple items to experiment with, each with tons of unique interactions that solve no puzzles and achieve nothing.
- Option to just stay in bed forever!
- Quite short, so it's over quicker!
- Writing up these features is exhausting...
- Try again tomorrow.
What Steam players say
Recent verbatim reviews from Steam — separate from playze.io community reviews below.
A real emotional and wild game with such a simple idea. I find it complex and fun to mess around with, and the whole time I play I felt something strange in my heart, the style and narration is perfect at capturing what this game is about, and I find it just perfect!
I adored this game. I wish it had achievements for my lil goblin brain 😆 But seriously, this is a wonderful, short yet replay-able game. As someone who has struggled with feelings of hopelessness, anxiety about leaving the house, issues with executive dysfunction, and all the little things that come with it all… This game pretty accurately parallels how it can feel inside your mind. It’s technically well made as well! Easy to understand and play. Works well on Steam Deck. And don’t forget to Try Again Tomorrow.
Its very fun and there are many endings to get!
It was, an experience to say the least. mixing the emotions from it with some of my personal happenings. It felt like a good closure, as if things can look up now.
I've suffered from depression before. I remember not being able to take care of myself, I remember feeling worthless and empty, and I remember feeling unable to do anything but just lay in bed in the comfort of my room. Honestly, I don't think a game could showcase the way I felt so accurately. The unsettling music, the creepy setting, the overall eerie and ominous vibe, it's all there. It might not represent what everyone with depression or other mental health issues goes through, but it hits close to home for me. In this game, the goal is to leave your house. Sounds easy, but it's really not so simple, because it's a lot more dangerous to take care of yourself in a place that's trying its best to end your life. Solve puzzles, gather items, and navigate the twisted nightmare that is your home. Oh, and don't die. As of now, I've gotten 2 of 4 possible endings in less than three hours. You should try it out. You might find it interesting. Or fun. Or whatever. But if you don't want to, don't worry. Try again tomorrow.
legitimately one of the best games i HAVE EVER played 10/10 game
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