A pet shop after darkness

More than it appears.

In response to a job notice, you’ve arrived at a strange pet shop to feed the pets and water the plants, while being cautioned against turning out the lights. Duly follow the instructions and the game will loop until you make a change – and it’s here where the game really begins to shine. As you Alt-tab and alter things, the game world will update, for example with a door appearing as if from nowhere. I’ve seen more inventive uses of the trick in other games, but I do like how it’s handled narratively here, with the player essentially taking control of the story away from the protagonist. She remains, from start to end, baffled about what’s happening, and it’s consistently funny watching her being confused about what’s going on around her.

Compared to other fourth-wallshattering games, this is smaller, subtler, and quieter as it performs its own version of the magic trick: it’s a backroom gig rather than some mega Vegas show.

TOM SYKES

You’ll have a great half-hour or so figuring out its puzzles.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★