pay gorn

Anna
Is a worm

Simulacra, developed by Kaigan Games OÜ and published by Kaigan Games OÜ alongside Neon Doctrine, is a gripping and unnerving found-phone horror game that masterfully blends storytelling, mystery, and interactive gameplay. The game places players in the shoes of a person who discovers a lost phone belonging to a woman named Anna, who has mysteriously disappeared. What begins as a seemingly straightforward search quickly evolves into a dark, psychological thriller that unravels through the phone’s contents, offering an immersive narrative experience driven entirely by player interaction with texts, apps, videos, and social media. This innovative format taps into contemporary fears about technology and privacy, creating a tense and intimate atmosphere that keeps players hooked from start to finish.

At its core, Simulacra excels at storytelling through environmental and digital clues, requiring players to carefully sift through Anna’s phone for evidence to understand what happened to her. The game’s interface convincingly mimics a real smartphone, complete with calls, messages, emails, and even a creepy AI assistant named "Maya" that adds an additional layer of eerie presence. Players must navigate conversations, unlock apps, and decrypt files, which gradually reveal Anna’s troubled life and the sinister forces at play. The game’s narrative pacing is well-calibrated, steadily building suspense while offering occasional moments of emotional vulnerability that make Anna’s plight feel deeply personal and urgent.

Visually, Simulacra embraces a minimalistic but effective approach, using the phone’s screen as the main canvas for its storytelling. The user interface is polished and intuitive, making it easy to become engrossed in the investigation without distractions. The game’s use of sound design is particularly noteworthy — ambient noises, notification sounds, and voice messages all contribute to the growing sense of dread. The lack of traditional cinematic cutscenes is replaced by clever interactive sequences that heighten immersion and player agency, ensuring that every discovery feels earned and impactful.

One of the standout features of Simulacra is its branching narrative and multiple endings, which encourage players to explore different paths and decisions throughout the game. This replayability factor enhances the game’s value and allows for varied emotional outcomes, depending on the player’s choices. The writing is generally sharp, weaving together elements of horror, thriller, and drama while avoiding common genre clichés. The characters, though primarily seen through their digital personas, are well fleshed out, and the voice acting adds authenticity to the conversations, heightening the emotional stakes.

That said, Simulacra is not without its limitations. Some players might find the pacing slow during certain investigative segments, and the reliance on reading through extensive text may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for more action-oriented gameplay. Additionally, the horror elements are more psychological and subtle rather than jump-scare-heavy, which might not satisfy fans expecting traditional scares. Technical issues, such as occasional app glitches or interface bugs, have also been reported but generally do not detract significantly from the overall experience.

Overall, Simulacra stands out as a unique and compelling title that pushes the boundaries of interactive horror by situating its narrative within the intimate space of a smartphone. Its creative storytelling approach, immersive sound design, and chilling atmosphere combine to deliver an experience that feels both modern and unsettling. For players who appreciate mystery, psychological horror, and narrative-driven games that challenge them to piece together a story from fragmented clues, Simulacra offers a memorable journey into the dark side of digital life and human vulnerability.

Rating: 9/10