Giraffe Town is a paid indie action game from Samer Khatib (Snowconesolid Productions). This game fuses elements of action and psychological horror on top of a challenging 3D game physics. You get to play the titular Giraffe afflicted by unusually slippery feet. Tired of being held back by his condition, you guide him across town to pursue his love interest–a female giraffe.

It shares similarities with The Forest for a survival story taking a dark turn or Postal 2 in its skin-deep portrayal of a town and a protagonist getting fed up with the mundane life.

Don’t slip, don’t fall

Graphics-wise, Giraffe Town mostly employs a grainy style for its designs, giving the idea that this is some 90s or early 2000s console game. It creates a feeling of nostalgia as well as the feeling of dread for the less visible areas of the screen. This adds suspense and excitement to the seemingly peaceful town the game takes place in.

In terms of control, it uses the same intuitive controls like most games, but with a twist. Due to his slippery feet, your character giraffe employs some weird game physics whenever you try to walk. He slides slightly with every movement, which, when paired with the pitfalls and narrow pathways provided in the game, makes it challenging and even frustrating especially when it looks easy but actually isn’t.

The movement alone requires quite the skill level, making it outright difficult for inexperienced players. Not only that, but the game employs elements that make the story scary and thrilling–both in jumpscares that will catch unprepared players and story materials that make the game even more rewarding once finished. Lastly, the ending alone is fiendishly difficult, and there are multiple endings to this game.

More like a dare

Playing Giraffe Town is a dare for players on multiple levels. First, its controls are easy but keeping the giraffe upright and above ground is notoriously difficult, thanks to its game physics. Second, its jump scare elements, character designs, and story all contribute to something both scary and surprising. Lastly, its multiple endings mean you have to play it again. If you’re up to the challenge, try this indie game.