Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW is a metaphor for the negativity of social media and modern living. That feeling of being trapped in a world where everything is not as it seems. Alongside this, it visits memories of bullying and harassment. The result is a hard-hitting game that’ll resonate with many gamers.
This first-person horror game was developed by Serafini Productions and published by Shochiku. It is a single-player experience that has some traditional jump scares and classic puzzle moments. However, it is the dialogue choices, multiple endings, and sinister edge that make this shine.
Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW tells a cruel story.
As we age, we realise that our youngerselves were foolish. Bullying, harsh words, and acting the buffoon haunt many people. Yet, it is the lasting effect on those who are victims that suffer the most. This can take years to recover from, and in some cases, people are scarred for life.
Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW plays with this idea. You control Anne, who is obsessed with social media and the need to be wanted. Followers come and go, and memories of her past make matters worse. Sadly, the imagery of those who harmed her is twisted. Cruel monsters track her down as she tries to break free from the shackles of her mind.
Traditional mechanics.
The story is fantastic, and your choices have a meaningful impact on proceedings. Moreover, the heartfelt and emotional plot is a joy to witness. Despite its dark and sinister edge, you’ll love exploring each location and avoiding the oppressive memories.
Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW is pretty traditional in its horror and puzzle approach. Tight corridors, doors that open on their own, and creaking floorboards ramp up the pressure. Furthermore, there are items to find to solve the basic problems you encounter. However, it is the sinister memories that rule the roost. The twisted monsters create a daunting atmosphere and a horrible sense of cat-and-mouse gameplay. Finally, there are uncomfortable moments of stillness and emptiness. This was a brilliant way to highlight the feeling of loneliness and despair. Although some may feel that this was long-winded, I believe the developer got the balance just right.
Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW is horribly brilliant.
The constant ticking of your followers and the snippets of lore were great to witness. Word of warning, some of the articles were long-winded, and this may put some people off. However, if you take your time and enjoy finding the subtle clues, you’ll adore this aspect of the game. The sense of despair and emptiness is brilliantly explored without being too overpowering. I love the lack of cheap jump scares and the horrific nature of some of the monsters.
The audio blends silence with some incredible ambient sounds. Furthermore, the classic use of doors slamming, creaking floorboards, sinister noises, and screaming delivers a horrifying soundscape.
Point and click.
Although Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW lets you explore each corner of your mind, many of the core elements utilise point-and-click mechanics. Moreover, the use of basic fetch quest ideas helps to keep things simple. Therefore, this is relatively easy to play.
If you can stomach the cruelty of the story, you can play this on repeat. Each of your choices impacts the conclusion, and gamers can witness various endings. I adore this approach and enjoyed seeing multiple conclusions.
Brokenlore: UNFOLLOW is a good indie game.
The developer has created another impressive gaming experience. Despite its short playtime, it is captivating, interesting, and extremely uncomfortable. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you escape your past? Explore your mind, grab key items, and avoid the monsters.
