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Flatheadis a game that takes the simplest of concepts and uses it to masterfully build a palpable sensation of dread and tension around a seemingly innocent core concept. Being lucky enough to work as a gaming journalist, it is a rare occurrence that a game comes along that I know nothing about. I was so glad that I was able to go intoFlatheadcompletely blind.
If you had told me that a game based solely around the rudimentary concept of higher or lower would be the best thing I have played this month so far, I’d have laughed you out of the room. Yet here we are,Flatheadis great. If you have ever wondered what it would be like if David Lynch directed an episode ofPlay Your Cards Right, thenFlatheadprovides the answer.
Flatheadis available now on PC.
In a short indie experience made by one person such as this, presentation and tone of the game are so important. It is imperative to make a significant impression on the audience in a short space of time andFlatheaddoes this marvellously. The way that Tim Oxton sets up the game is a perfect blend of vague and intriguing, with pacing that a number of AAA horror titles could learn a thing or two from.
The use of dank lighting, the limited input functions, the excruciatingly eerie audio and the sparseness of it all makesFlatheadstand out from the crowd. This isn’t a game that throws a million concepts at the wall to see what sticks. Instead, it knows specifically what it wants to achieve and it executes it effectively.
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There is a story of a sort being told here, although I could never quite make sense of it. The narrative elements that I did uncover felt reminiscent of a vague, nonsensical dream where something just doesn’t feel quite right. Some may see this as a flaw, but I though that it spoke to the game’s Lynchian influence and added to the slightly trippy, off tone that the game was going for.
Theart direction also reminded somewhat ofTwin Peaks. Everything in the game has a grungy, CRT look to it, from the creepy mannequins to the dreaded monster that perpetually creeps around behind you as you try to free yourself from the messed up, anxiety-inducing situation that you have found yourself in.
Surely, There Must Be More to It
Thankfully, there is a bit more to the gameplay inFlatheadthan just guessing the next higher or lower number. Points are earned with each correct guess, which then appear on a screen labelled; Temporary. At any point these points can be moved onto the Stored screen that sits above the Temporary one.
However, if you leave the points sitting in the Temporary section, you can earn more points quicker thanks to the double or nothing stakes, just don’t guess wrong or you’ll end up back at square one. A certain number of points is required to progress through each round, so earning as many points as you can as quickly as possible is in your best interest, unless you want to get caught by the terrifying presence that lurks behind you.
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I won’t spoil what the monster in the game looks like, only that it is extremely creepy and the lighting, audio, and other effects are used masterfully to maximise the tension leading up to the unsettling encounter. And no, I wouldn’t call it a jump-scare,Flatheadnever made me jump, instead opting to send multiple shivers down my spine. IfFive Nights at Freddy’swasn’t lazy and was actually adequately able to build up to a scare, then it may feel like this.
The light gambling mechanic that is baked into the game only adds to the tension being built and leads to some frantic decision-making moments that left my heart pumping. From deciding when to use precious shortcuts like activating a noisy light switch or using a cheat mode that allows you to take out the guesswork, but significantly speeds up the pace of the deadly beast coming towards you, these additional mechanics compliment the game’s tone perfectly.
Flatheadis without a doubt, a game worth playing. It is incredibly unique, nails the basics masterfully in terms of what it wants to achieve, and is available at the insanely low price of $1.99. That is why I give the game a pass for not including more concepts or mechanics. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can experience one of the most creative and artistically distinctive games released in 2024.
Flathead – 9/10
Daniel Boyd
Former Head of Gaming and Tech
Articles Published :169
Dan is one of FandomWire’s Former Gaming Content Leads and Editors. He is a 28-year-old writer from Glasgow. He graduated from university with an honours degree in 3D Animation, before pivoting to pursue his love for critical writing. He has also written freelance pieces for other sites such as Game Rant, WhatCulture Gaming, KeenGamer.com and The Big Glasgow Comic Page. He loves movies, video games and comic books.
