An abstract horror RPG FriendShapes is not your typical RPG. Instead of combat and clear-cut objectives, it immerses you in a world of existential horror without relying on jump scares. With its 2D and 3D visuals, you explore Leavalley, an expanse that lets you experience cryptic encounters and ever-shifting Digressions. 

FriendShapes is about understanding rather than fighting. Meet enigmatic Entities—each with unique behaviors and needs—and engage with them through observation, gestures, and dialogue. With over 70 original songs, the game fosters an atmospheric experience that keeps you questioning the nature of the world and your place within it. 

A journey through the unfamiliar 

In FriendShapes, Leavalley is a town in decay, twisting and reforming itself as you traverse its remnants. The game introduces Digressions—roguelike areas that change every time you enter, featuring randomized text events and shifting layouts. These zones stretch longer than they logically should, warping your perception of time and space. The game’s eerie atmosphere and the absence of direct threats foster a creeping sense of unease. 

The game’s core mechanic revolves around unique, non-violent encounters. Instead of attacking, you must engage with Shapes—strange, sometimes unsettling beings that react to your actions. Whether it’s the unsettling Huh?Man or the memory-feeding Collective, each encounter becomes a puzzle of trial and intuition. Your choices as a player impact your well-being, sanity, and focus, adding a psychological layer to the gameplay. 

Despite its abstract nature, it offers a sense of progression through scattered files and enigmatic figures like Mícheart Jinsil, who always seems to know more than they let on. Saving the game is tied to locations represented by emotional states, such as Nightscape and Cityscape, reinforcing the game’s existential themes. However, it offers little handholding that might leave players feeling lost, especially in the early stages when grasping the mechanics. 

A thought-provoking RPG 

To sum it up, FriendShapes is not for those seeking fast-paced action or clear answers. Instead, it’s for players looking for a meditative, unsettling journey that leaves them to interpret its mysteries. With its innovative approach to encounters, haunting soundtrack, and deeply atmospheric storytelling, it’s a not-so-typical RPG that lingers in your thoughts long after the screen fades to black.