This is Miranda is a free-to-play adventure experience from Lachlan Shelton. In this indie horror game, you walk around an empty apartment looking for a mysterious figure known only as Miranda. As you walk through dimly-lit hallways, unlock windows and find doors you can actually pass through. You’ll find jumpscares as the larger picture is gradually revealed to you.

Its short playthrough and lack of details make This is Miranda your typical one-shot indie horror. However, its use of well-timed jumpscares and the build-up near the end make it a must-try. Alternatively, check out The Man from the Window.

Find Miranda in your home

According to the game premise for This is Miranda, which is explained in the first part of the game, you are tasked with looking for the titular female character currently inside your home. Supposedly, she has a secret she wants to share with you. This premise sets up the unpredictable pacing of the game, feeling like a slow burn at times and dropping jumpscares rapidly at other points.

In terms of visuals, it feels like an average indie game with its 3D environment that lacks textures and therefore, a sense of realism. However, it works with the specific type of horror this game offers. It allows the developer to insert jumpscares that are more psychological in nature. It feels like your character is seeing visions before you finally meet whatever Miranda is.

Also, the game, like most indie entries in the genre, has a rather short playthrough. You can finish a run in less than fifteen minutes. However, its good or true ending is quite difficult to achieve and might require you a couple of tries before getting the right one. There are cleverly hidden mechanics and objects that require a sharp eye to spot and use.

A good one-shot scare

If you’re a fan of scary games, even short independent ones, then This is Miranda is a great entry you must try at least once. Its restrictions on visual quality are offset by its timing and its build-up to the climactic end, which also determines the kind of ending you get. Aside from multiple endings, its replayability hinges on the fact that its scares are basically unpredictable. Recommended.