ENEMIES by Ian Fitzsimmons and Lollygag Labs is a small-scale, free-to-play first-person experience that sits somewhere between a narrative experiment and a retro-inspired shooter. It opens with a deliberately grounded premise—arriving at a game development company to test new immersive technology—but quickly shifts into something more surreal, blurring the line between simulation and reality. This transition is where the game finds its identity, leaning less on traditional FPS structure and more on atmosphere, curiosity, and a sense of unease about what is actually happening beneath the surface.
The gameplay is built around a linear progression through the facility, combining exploration with intermittent combat. Much of your time is spent navigating corridors, unlocking doors, and interacting with environmental elements, giving the experience a strong walking-simulator influence. These quieter sections allow the game to build tension gradually, as you piece together fragments of the narrative and begin to sense that the environment is not entirely stable. The use of immersion pods—where you are transported into simulated scenarios—adds an extra layer of unpredictability, creating shifts in tone and setting that keep the experience from feeling too static.
Combat, while present, is not the centerpiece. Encounters are straightforward, with basic weapons and enemy types that emphasize quick reactions rather than strategic depth. The shooting mechanics are functional but lack refinement, with limited feedback and somewhat repetitive enemy behavior. Over time, this makes combat feel more like a supporting feature than a fully developed system. It serves to punctuate the exploration and maintain a level of tension, but it rarely evolves in a way that keeps it engaging on its own.
What carries ENEMIES forward is its narrative framing and tone. The concept of a company experimenting with immersive technology provides a natural foundation for meta-commentary and environmental storytelling. As you progress, the game introduces subtle hints that something has gone wrong, using shifts in environment and pacing to create a sense of disorientation. While the story itself is not deeply complex, it maintains enough intrigue to keep players moving forward, especially as the boundaries between test environments and reality begin to blur. There is a quiet ambition in how the game approaches its premise, even if it does not fully explore all of its implications.
The presentation reflects its indie origins but also contributes to its overall atmosphere. Visually, the game uses a simple, slightly retro aesthetic that prioritizes function over detail. Environments are easy to navigate, but they can feel sparse and occasionally inconsistent in quality. This lack of polish is noticeable, particularly in character models and environmental variety, but it also lends the game a slightly uncanny quality that fits its tone. The audio design is similarly restrained, relying on minimal sound effects and subdued music to support the experience without drawing too much attention to itself.
One of the more effective aspects of the game is its pacing. It does not overstay its welcome, moving steadily from one segment to the next without unnecessary padding. This brevity works in its favor, as the core ideas remain fresh throughout the playtime. At the same time, the short length means that some of its more interesting concepts feel underdeveloped. The game introduces ideas that could have been expanded into deeper systems or more complex narrative threads, but instead leaves them only partially explored.
As a free-to-play title, ENEMIES offers a surprisingly cohesive experience given its scope. It is easy to approach, requires little time investment, and provides a distinct tone that sets it apart from more conventional indie shooters. However, its limitations in combat depth, visual variety, and overall polish prevent it from reaching a higher level of quality. It feels less like a fully realized game and more like a creative prototype that successfully communicates its ideas but does not fully build upon them.
Ultimately, ENEMIES is best understood as a concept-driven experience. It is not trying to compete with larger shooters or deliver a deeply mechanical system, but rather to create a short, atmospheric journey with a unique premise. For players interested in experimental indie titles or narrative-focused FPS hybrids, it offers a worthwhile and occasionally intriguing experience. For those looking for refined mechanics or long-term engagement, it may feel too limited. Its strengths lie in its ideas and tone, even if its execution remains modest.
Rating: 7/10
