If honesty is the best policy, then I have to be upfront: I’m hesitant to reveal too much about Clickolding. This enigmatic new PC game is so uniquely bizarre that I believe the best experience is to dive into it without any prior knowledge. Priced at $3 and offering a 40-minute gameplay experience, it promises to be the most unsettling gaming encounter you’ll have all year. If you’re willing to take the plunge without further details, head over to Steam and make the purchase with confidence.
For those still curious, buckle up. Clickolding represents the latest endeavor from Strange Scaffold, the indie developer renowned for titles like El Paso, Elsewhere and Sunshine Shuffle. While their portfolio already delves into psychological horror, this new release takes it to a whole new level with its intentionally provocative and mentally challenging gameplay, designed to push players to the limits of their sanity.
The premise is deceptively simple. You find yourself in a hotel room with a mysterious figure in an armchair offering you a briefcase full of money. The catch? Click a tally counter 10,000 times while he watches. This seemingly straightforward task quickly becomes a mental and physical endurance test as you click relentlessly, uncovering a narrative about the masked man along the way.
The mental journey you embark on during this disturbing experience is just as significant as the gameplay itself. Starting off with a sense of ease, the daunting task gradually dawns on you, leading to moments of doubt and desperation. It raises questions about labor, exploitation, and the value of your efforts that may resonate with your own experiences beyond the game.
While Clickolding may come across as an insider’s joke and a brief diversion on the surface, it’s purposefully crafted to unsettle and challenge players, leaving them questioning their choices and the meaning of their actions. It’s not just a game; it’s an immersive experience that invites introspection and self-reflection.
Clickolding is now available on Steam.