In the newly released game “Apartment Story,” players step into the shoes of Arthur, a young Black man living a seemingly ordinary life in his cozy apartment. At first glance, the game feels like a relaxed life simulator, with Arthur going about his daily routine of eating, smoking, and maintaining basic hygiene. However, the peaceful atmosphere is shattered when Arthur receives text updates about his dire financial situation.
The tension escalates further when a friend offers to bring over a pizza, marking a turning point where everything collapses. By the start of the second day, a stranger has invaded Arthur’s living room, turning his tidy space into a scene of chaos. What follows is a dramatic fight for survival, making Arthur’s previous concerns about hunger and finances seem trivial in comparison.
The game excels at blending the ordinary with the harrowing, drawing players into Arthur’s world and evoking the unsettling feeling of having an intruder in one’s home. Although not classified as a traditional horror game, “Apartment Story” shares similarities with the genre.
Anxiety in Arthur’s sanctuary
The unexpected invasion of Arthur’s personal space taps into a deep-seated fear and frustration, urging players to guide Arthur in taking basic safety measures like locking his doors. Between moments of intense action, the game offers periods of downtime where players can engage in mundane tasks such as organizing DVDs to music by the artist TRAAPS. These slower sections, juxtaposed with sporadic threats, lend the game a dreamlike quality.
The narrative resonates particularly strongly with those who have experienced extended periods of working from home, especially during the pandemic. Arthur’s character as a homebody strikes a chord, making the violation of his sanctuary all the more alarming. While the gameplay may occasionally feel awkward and slow, the compelling story and engaging visuals are sufficient to keep players invested.
“Apartment Story” delivers a unique blend of life simulation and thriller elements, offering an experience that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. “Apartment Story” was released on September 26 for Windows. The game was reviewed on Windows using a pre-release download code provided by Blue Rider Interactive.
