Reflections (Demo)

Gameplay Trailer:

https://1drv.ms/v/c/89179a56d66deb24/EUrv8MwCXTtLu49MOxXKf8YB8pNz8RgXuUaW-Hgil8c...

Description:

Reflections is a first-person psychological horror game that immerses players in a surreal exploration of grief, guilt, and self-discovery. Set in an ever-shifting environment inspired by the early 3D style of PlayStation 1-era games, players unravel the story of a college student navigating purgatory after her untimely death. Each level embodies one of the five stages of grief, combining environmental storytelling, inner monologues, and unique gameplay mechanics to create an evocative experience.

In Level 1: Denial, the protagonist awakens disoriented in a dim hospital hallway, eventually finding herself in her dorm room. She clings to the illusion that everything is fine, as familiar objects like a flashlight, a photo of her and her roommate Bea, and a stuffed animal stir fragmented memories. A core mechanic, the shifting environment, comes into play as the dorm room subtly changes. A mirror, at first an ordinary reflection, transforms into a doorway, guiding her deeper into purgatory. The inner monologue system provides narrative insight, reflecting her denial with thoughts of confusion and false reassurance.

Level 2: Anger thrusts the player into the protagonist's childhood home, a place brimming with resentment and unresolved emotions. The environment mirrors her fury, trembling with tension as the destruction mechanic is introduced. Players interact with breakable objects, such as vases and family photos, to progress, culminating in breaking down a door to escape. The flashlight reappears, guiding the way, while a monstrous manifestation of her guilt emerges, teaching the player to mimic its destructive behavior. This level showcases the game’s dynamic design, where environments react to player actions, revealing new paths or puzzles.

Through its surreal yet deeply personal art direction, minimalist destruction system, and evolving environments, Reflections uses its early 3D aesthetic and haunting narrative to draw players into a fragmented world that reflects the protagonist's fractured psyche. The blend of shifting environments, puzzles, and subtle horror delivers an unsettling yet captivating journey through the stages of grief.