This is Interesting, developed and published by Scott Jund, is a psychological horror experience that deliberately resists straightforward explanation, choosing instead to immerse the player in a strange, looping environment where understanding is something you earn rather than something you’re given. It presents itself less as a traditional game and more as an unfolding experiment, where your role is not just to progress, but to observe, question, and slowly piece together what is actually happening beneath the surface.
The structure is built around short, repeatable runs that initially feel disconnected, even aimless. There are objectives, but they are often vague, and the game rarely explains its systems in a direct way. Instead, it encourages players to learn through repetition and observation. With each attempt, small details begin to stand out—patterns in behavior, changes in the environment, subtle differences in outcomes—that gradually form a clearer picture. Progression is not tied to upgrades or traditional milestones, but to the accumulation of knowledge. The more you understand, the more control you gain over the experience.
Gameplay blends exploration with light puzzle elements, though neither is presented in a conventional way. Tasks may seem simple on the surface, but the context surrounding them introduces uncertainty. There is a constant feeling that your actions are being monitored or recorded, that even minor decisions might have consequences that only reveal themselves later. This creates a unique kind of tension, one that doesn’t rely on immediate danger but instead builds through the awareness that you are part of a system you don’t fully understand. The result is an experience that feels quietly unsettling, even during moments when nothing overtly threatening is happening.
The narrative approach is intentionally fragmented. Rather than delivering a clear storyline, the game offers pieces—environmental clues, recurring elements, and subtle shifts in tone—that players must interpret on their own. It avoids explicit exposition, allowing meaning to emerge gradually through repeated exposure and careful attention. This method can be deeply engaging for players who enjoy uncovering hidden layers and forming their own interpretations, but it can also feel disorienting, particularly in the early stages when the lack of clarity is most pronounced.
Atmosphere is one of the game’s strongest aspects. The visual design is minimal and subdued, often presenting environments that feel empty, artificial, or incomplete. This simplicity works in its favor, creating a sense of isolation and unease that permeates every moment. Sound design plays a significant role as well, using ambient noise and subtle cues to reinforce tension without relying heavily on sudden shocks. The horror here is not loud or aggressive; it’s slow, creeping, and psychological, building discomfort through suggestion rather than spectacle.
The inclusion of roguelite elements adds an extra layer of unpredictability. Each run can introduce slight variations, preventing the experience from becoming entirely predictable and encouraging players to remain attentive. However, these elements are secondary to the game’s core focus on discovery and interpretation. They serve to support the central idea rather than define it, ensuring that the emphasis remains on understanding the system rather than mastering a set of mechanics.
At the same time, the game’s design choices can be divisive. Its reliance on ambiguity and repetition means that the early experience may feel directionless, and not all players will find the process of gradual discovery rewarding. The minimalist presentation, while effective for atmosphere, can also feel sparse, and the lack of clear feedback may lead to moments of uncertainty about whether progress is being made. These aspects are intentional, but they require a certain level of patience and curiosity to fully appreciate.
Ultimately, This is Interesting stands out as a focused and experimental piece of interactive design that prioritizes mood, interpretation, and player-driven discovery. It doesn’t aim to provide immediate satisfaction or clear answers, instead offering an experience that becomes more compelling the deeper you engage with it. For those willing to embrace its unconventional structure and explore its layers, it delivers a uniquely unsettling journey that lingers beyond the screen.
Rating: 8/10
