Horror for a New Generation
As a member of Generation X, I am in that strange position of having known what the world was like before the internet, social media, and mobile phones. Our lives have changed so much in the last couple of decades, and it will take years of study to fully understand the effects this technology has had on the human race.
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is a horror game set against the backdrop of social media frenzies, influencers, and body dysmorphia; the latest title set in the BrokenLore universe.
Anne’s Nightmare
The story here is, in parts, abstract, horrific, and deeply emotive. At times, it reminded me a lot of the 2024 body horror film The Substance. There isn’t a huge introduction; instead, the game drops you directly into Anne’s life, starting in her house and bedroom. As we explore this normal-looking environment, we begin to learn more about Anne and the troubles she has faced. We learn how she was bullied at school because of her weight, and how this became the catalyst for her eating disorders. We also discover her unhealthy relationship with a streamer called Aki (played by real-life influencer Akidearest) and find out that she has started her own career as a social media influencer, which hasn’t gone very well.
Symbolic Storytelling
I am making this sound very straightforward and linear, but it is far from it. Locations change and become nightmarish very quickly. The lines between memories, reality, and hallucination become increasingly blurred as monsters appear to hunt and hurt you. Furthermore, there is a follower count on the screen at all times that goes up and down throughout the game, constantly judging your actions.
I like this method of storytelling; it is not didactic, but rather subjective and highly symbolic. There were moments when I couldn’t tell you exactly what was going on, but I remained deeply invested in the narrative and Anne’s story. It also helps to have a real influencer as part of the cast, appearing in full-motion video (FMV). The ending was great, and there are little hand-drawn comic panels you can collect to gain more information about Anne’s history and inner thoughts.
The gameplay is entirely in the first person, and it is a twisty, turny affair. The initial part of the game takes place solely within her house, confined to its three floors and a series of rooms. You travel through these spaces, performing small tasks and collecting items for your inventory. But the moment you open the basement door, everything in the world changes…
Grotesque Recipes and Sadistic Evasion
There are several elements of UNFOLLOW where you complete fetch quests or try to solve puzzles. There is a recurring scenario where a huge, long-headed monster appears and gives you a recipe. This dish isn’t exactly something you would find in a Jamie Oliver cookbook, as the ingredients often involve brains or hearts. You must go off, find the ingredients, cook the dish, and present it to the creature. In another puzzle, you are tasked with finding student IDs while being hunted by a sadistic, misshapen woman.
The monster-evasion sections are the hardest parts, as all you have in your arsenal is the ability to run and hide. In general, this works well, but there are moments when certain sections become frustrating, and I found myself escaping situations by sheer luck rather than skill. There are a couple of chase sequences and a boss battle that are perfectly fine, but the most fun aspect of the game is simply exploring and experiencing where the world takes you next.
Visual Metamorphosis
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is very impressive visually, featuring brilliant interiors and an excellent horror imagination. I loved how the real world effortlessly morphs into the horror realm. There are a couple of sections, like walking through some dark, linear spaces, that are genuinely scary, and another excellent sequence where the game transitions into a retro gaming world and you are chased by angry balloons.
The audio is superb as well, bolstered by a brilliant soundtrack. In one particular section, there is a haunting mix of “Happy Birthday” that might just keep me awake at night for the next couple of weeks. The voice work is solid, complete with a convincing live-stream performance from the influencer I mentioned earlier.
A Clever, Mind-Bending Horror Message
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is a very clever entry in the horror genre, carrying a strong message about social media and its effect on young minds. I really liked the way it told its story through striking horror visuals and strange, mind-bending sequences. The graphics and sound design are excellent, complemented by some great set pieces. Sometimes, the stealthier monster engagement sequences let it down and detract slightly from the story, but mostly, this is impressive stuff.
So, switch off your socials and go play BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW.
Important Links
The Social Media Nightmare You’ll Never Forget – BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW – https://www.thexboxhub.com/the-social-media-nightmare-youll-never-forget-brokenlore-unfollow/
Buy from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/BrokenLore-UNFOLLOW/9NS630HX5ZTX
