I’ve been going to PAX for years. However, this was the very first time I played a game in its entirety. T.W.I.R.L., by Genie Boy Games, describes itself thusly: “experience a haunting, abstract narrative about self-worth, growing up in 2006, and protecting a secret for life.” After playing through this walking simulator in about an hour, I was left grappling with something both uncomfortable and deeply moving.
The Secrets We Keep
T.W.I.R.L. wears its inspirations on its sleeves, and it does so proudly. Skinamarink, I Saw the TV Glow, and P.T. came to mind when I played. The idea for its inception came out of a David Lynch-themed game jam. The title sees you control a small child. Every night, they explore their house in a looping pattern. However, each evening is different, with previously locked doors becoming unlocked and new passages appearing. Nightfall always ends with you entering your sister’s dark closet, with the acronym T.W.I.R.L. getting spelled out differently every chapter. Gamers must perform a variety of button prompts to continue.
Every gameplay loop brought me deeper into the narrative, hungry for more. T.W.I.R.L. uses PSX-style graphics and an impressive lighting engine. Movement is deliberately slow to add tension. Your house is full of Catholic imagery, from religious paintings to Christmas. This all ends up being a big clue as to what issues this adventure is trying to tackle. The only named character in the game is Rose, and it is up to the player to deduce who exactly that is. Jump scares are few and far between. In all honesty, the real frights of T.W.I.R.L. come from a family that is not understanding of differences.
Take Me As I Am
I’ve been dancing around the true meaning behind T.W.I.R.L., and for good reason. Players owe it to themselves to experience this creepy story without me spoiling anything. There are two endings to the game, plus a secret one. I was DEEPLY upset by the one I received, so a replay is in order for me. If you have an hour to kill, I recommend purchasing the title on Steam. Be prepared for something unique and unsettling.
