Whispers in the Dark is a premium adventure game that offers an original premise. This first-person experience from SSP Games combines heist, psychological horror, and idle game elements in a journey almost entirely set in the dark. You play as a career thief who breaks and enters other peoples’ properties, and the one project that will change your life—or end it altogether.

With the premise and the title, you’ve probably guessed by now that Whispers in the Dark is one of those games that’ll limit your vision and leave your imagination running wild, similar to Dark Hotel or Madison.

See nightmares turn into reality

With a troubled protagonist like this, you know a game like Whispers in the Dark won’t miss the opportunity to use his past as a point of conflict. Here, manifestations of his sins take various forms and play with the player’s eyes as they navigate through the abandoned and unusually dark mall. Whether they’re lifeless mannequins or something else is up for the player to decide.

Like most indie titles, its graphics are average, realistic enough to be immersive but the designs are not too memorable. Armed with only a flashlight, you can only see what is in front of you. It also offers bits of lore through letters and notes, which add a bit of depth to the game. Some are relevant to the goal while others just give backstories to characters you never meet.

Also, in terms of gameplay, it feels more like a walking simulator but with extra steps. The general objective is to rob a mall, yes, but the ways to get there are not included. You’ll have to find out which items are interactive. However, if you’re lucky enough to find out what you should be doing, the game has a fairly short playthrough, doable in less than an hour.

A good horror fix

If you’re looking for a quick game to get you spooked and thinking, Whispers in the Dark should be on your list. It looks common and unassuming but has its own twist that won’t only affect your character, but you as well. While it feels slow and boring at first, it only serves to lower your defenses before sending a sharp change of pace. It’s short yet still recommended.