A chilling throwback video game amps up the eerie corporate horror akin to Severance, pushing the boundaries even further
Get ready to step into the surreal world of PAGER, a 1-bit 3D psychological horror game that transforms the drab mundanity of a 1990s office environment into a disturbing and absurd experience [1]. Developed by indie developer Bilge, this unique game takes inspiration from the works of Franz Kafka, David Lynch, The Prisoner (1967 TV series), and The Stanley Parable [2].
A Labyrinthine Office Tower
In PAGER, players assume the role of a new employee who must navigate an office tower of 60 Kafkaesque floors, guided only by cryptic, increasingly bizarre instructions arriving via pager [1]. The game's visual style, featuring pixelated 3D graphics and black-and-white dithering, contributes to its historical setting and amplifies its unsettling mood [1].
Blending Horror and Humor
PAGER is designed to create an unnerving psychological horror atmosphere, but it also incorporates elements of humor to keep players on their toes [1]. The game's surreal details and surprises, such as caffeine-addicted butterflies, add to the overall experience [1].
Influences
Bilge cites the literature of Franz Kafka, the work of director David Lynch, TV series The Prisoner (1967), and the video game The Stanley Parable as influences for PAGER [2]. These sources combine to create a unique atmosphere that is both disturbing and absurd, with a distinct retro, liminal quality [2].
Release Date
The official full release date for PAGER is 6 August [3]. Players can wishlist the game on Steam and a demo is available for download [1][3]. The exact platform for downloading the demo is not specified, but given the focus on Steam, it is likely that the demo is also available there [3].
Where to Wishlist and Download the Demo
- Wishlist: PAGER is available to wishlist on Steam [1][3]. This is the primary platform mentioned for future purchase and updates.
- Demo Download: The demo announcement trailer is highlighted on YouTube, indicating that a playable demo exists, but the exact platform for downloading the demo (Steam, Itch.io, etc.) is not specified in the provided search results [3]. Given the focus on Steam, it is likely the demo is also available there, but confirm via the Steam store page for certain.
Check the Steam store page regularly for the latest updates, demo availability, and release information [1].
In PAGER, players will discover that photorealism is not necessary to inspire terror. With its retro aesthetics, surreal corporate dread, and blend of humor and horror, PAGER offers a distinctive take on psychological horror that you won't want to miss [1]. For the latest and most reliable information, always refer to the official Steam store page [1][3].
[1] PAGER Official Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1809860/PAGER/ [2] PAGER Press Kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zRrJJI46jQ5rQ4dTKCLTbNb8eXjL7d6S/view [3] PAGER Demo Announcement Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0JXd2ZYg_U
- The unsettling atmosphere in PAGER, a 1-bit 3D psychological horror game, is inspired by the works of Franz Kafka, David Lynch, The Prisoner (1967 TV series), and The Stanley Parable.
- PAGER's visual style, a blend of pixelated 3D graphics and black-and-white dithering, contributes to its historical setting and amplifies its psychologically disturbing mood.
- The surreal details and surprises in PAGER, such as caffeine-addicted butterflies, add humor to the game, keeping players on their toes while navigating the Kafkaesque office tower.
- Players can wishlist PAGER on Steam and download a playable demo for a sneak peek of the game.
- While the exact platform for downloading the demo isn't specified, given the focus on Steam, it's likely the demo is also available there.
- To stay updated on the latest PAGER news, wishlist the game on Steam and check the official store page regularly for release information and demo availability.
