 |
| The game's logo, or whatever. |
Roblox is rife with all types of horror games, as you’re seeing here (if you didn’t already know). A lot of them are carbon copies of one another: For every popular game, there are roughly a hundred inferior clones. That’s just the nature of a platform where anyone can make a game, and many are just trying to make a buck.
Thankfully, there are also a ton of innovative, unique takes on the horror genre. They don’t always hit the mark - many Roblox experiences are created by a handful of people, on down to just one - but many of them at least manage to be interesting, if nothing else.
 |
| Gameplay is pretty straightforward. |
Enter The Mirror, a game developed by a user known as Egroce. Actually “game” might be a little too strict a title, with the game’s warning screen explaining that it’s more a cinematic story than an actual game. It even goes on to say that some may find it “boring”. Clearly this isn’t going to be for everyone.
You start off in a small, well-lit room. Inside is a mirror, a lever, a paper affixed to the wall, and a door. In case you’re lost, the paper explains everything. Basically, turn off the light, and stare into the mirror. If things get too uncomfortable, you can turn the light back on at any time. That’s it, because that’s all there is to do.
Of course, if this was all that happened, “boring” wouldn’t even begin to describe it. Slowly, weird things start happening. And they only get weirder the longer the “experiment” goes on. A few seconds in, the door behind you opens…or does it? Your face starts shifting, getting more and more distorted. Until…
 |
| He seems pretty happy... |
The scariest thing about all this is that it’s based on an actual medical phenomenon. I thought it would have some cool name attached to it, like “mirror psychosis”, or something, but it doesn’t. It’s known only as “mirror gazing”, which can also have positive connotations as a form of meditation. Clearly, this experience isn’t about the “self-help” kind. In a published study - the first of its kind - “healthy” and depressed patients both spent 7 minutes in a lightly-lit room staring at themselves in a mirror. A whopping 66% reported facial distortion, while others experienced a range of other visualizations, including seeing the face of a relative, or even an animal. (More curious/frightening: The “depressed” patients actually reported less severe distortions and hallucinations.)
I’m a little torn here. The game has made many lists of “scariest horror games on Roblox”, which is how it garnered my attention. But just how effective can a three-minute game with virtually no replayability actually be? I’ll admit it does create a pretty unnerving atmosphere - mainly thanks to excellent sound design. The fact it’s based on a real medical phenomenon only adds to that.
 |
| Uh oh... |
But, perhaps unfairly, being a creation of Roblox does it no favors. The square-ish “noob” shaped characters - a staple of the platform - come off as rather silly, no matter how you try to mask it. Its decision to use the player’s avatar also potentially leads to reduced effectiveness. I’ve seen some pretty crazy-looking characters, thanks to the endless customization options available to players. If you’re dressed as a cat, or a closet (something I’ve literally seen), or a fruit, then how can it be creepy to stare at yourself for three minutes? Ditto if you have a smile, or other weird facial pose: It doesn't change no matter how eerie things get.
I would suggest using just a standard, plain-looking “male” or “female” template. One that looks like a normal human. This could cut back on the distractions that could potentially curb its effectiveness. On the flipside, I guess using the player’s avatar might make it feel more “personal” for the player, which could potentially increase its impact.
 |
| A "termination log" rounds out the experience. |
At any rate, “The Mirror” certainly does the best it can with its limited resources. It’s a unique idea executed with a clear vision. The fact it was made by one person makes it even more impressive. Its limited scope and replayability might force it into a more “niche” category of Robloxian horror, but it’s worth checking out for fans of the genre.
Overall: 6/10.
NOTE: There isn't an official trailer. It makes sense, considering the game lasts only a short while longer than the average preview, and it would basically give everything away.
No comments:
Post a Comment