Inspired by North African and Middle Eastern folktales, Critters for Sale takes you to some disturbing places through various short stories.
Critters for Sale is slated to offer five different short stories (two are out now) that put you in the shoes of various characters. Whether on a journey through the Arabian desert or into the unending halls of a strange night club, you’ll find yourself drawn into the dark magic and strange realities of a modern folklore. It’s like wandering a dream – a dream where anything can happen, but most likely, you’ll find a gruesome end.
Each story will have you working your way through surreal events, struggling to survive them when you’re not even sure HOW to do so. Will taking a goat with you help? Should you follow a cat’s instructions in an endless night club? It sounds silly when put like that, but there is a chilling atmosphere in each place. Given that this game is inspired by the kind of folklore that “…one would think shouldn’t be told to children…” it only makes sense that it has this harshness to it. It’s cruel lessons told to those who might not be ready to understand the teachings, resulting in this sense of being lost and afraid, but unsure what of. It’s chilling in action.
The 1-bit art style of Critters for Sale only strengthens this sensation. The most innocent or interactions and places are loaded with menace through the developer’s work with the style. The sun distorts, seeming like it wishes to scorch your flesh from your body. A friend’s smile seems meant to threaten, void of cheer. Each moment is fearful even if you can’t understand why, leaving you wondering how you’ll live through it all.
I kinda need those next three episodes.
The first two episodes of Critters for Sale are available now on Itch.io. You can also add the full game to your Steam Wishlist.
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