A disturbing journey into solitude, where the true horror lies in the gaze
When it comes to psychological horror, it’s rare to find a title that truly hits deep without resorting to giant monsters, clichéd jumpscares, or an overly elaborate mythology. BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH, the new game releasing on Steam on April 25, 2025, developed by Serafini Productions and published in collaboration with Shochiku, offers a different kind of experience. Quiet, unsettling, slow. And because of that, absolutely disorienting.
In this first-person narrative adventure, we step into the shoes of Shinji, a lonely young man confined to his Japanese apartment. There’s no traditional freedom of action, nor are there choices to make: the story is entirely guided. Yet it’s precisely in this linearity that the game’s strength lies, as it draws the player into a claustrophobic and unsettling world—one made of small, everyday events that gradually distort, step by step, into a surreal nightmare.
The terror hidden in normality
The first thing that stands out in BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH is its extremely realistic atmosphere. The apartment where the game takes place is small, dirty, and neglected—a perfect visual representation of apathy and social disconnection. Every object, every room, every ambient sound contributes to building a growing sense of unease. The player can do nothing but observe, walk slowly, and accept the protagonist’s routine.
But the game does a great job of making it clear from the very beginning that something isn’t right. A notification on the PC, an unexpected phone call, a visitor who shouldn’t be there—small events that break the monotony and plant a constant sense of doubt. Is it just psychological discomfort? Or is there really something out there threatening Shinji? The answer will come, but it will be anything but reassuring.
Eyes that watch, eyes to avoid
One of the game’s most powerful themes is the gaze, seen as a symbol of judgment, control, and guilt. At a certain point, the environment begins to distort, and eyes start appearing on the walls, on surfaces—everywhere. These aren’t distant metaphors: those eyes follow you. They watch you as you move. They judge you.
With great intelligence, the game introduces a narrative mechanic where the player is called to act—not to “win,” but to endure. Every action becomes loaded with meaning. And if you don’t do something… the eyes multiply. The anxiety builds. The house changes. Reality gives way to a labyrinth of veins, blood, and living walls. It’s a visceral and symbolic horror—one that’s not easily forgotten.
Isolation as trap and sentence
Behind the horror, BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH delivers a raw and authentic portrayal of the hikikomori phenomenon—a Japanese social issue affecting thousands of young people who withdraw from society, often shutting themselves away in their rooms for years. The game doesn’t explain it. It shows it. It makes you live it. Through sparse dialogue, judgmental parents, absent housemates, and ignored cries for help.
The impression is that the real monster isn’t the one knocking at the door—it’s the one already living within the walls. The game manages to bring out the weight of isolation, the mental erosion, the fear of human contact. And even when it seems to offer a way out—a hallway, an elevator, a glimpse of hope—it always leads you back to where you started. BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH doesn’t want you to escape. It wants you to understand.
Conclusions
BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH is a game that requires attention, patience, and sensitivity. It is not designed for those looking for action, challenges, or free exploration. It is a disturbing interactive story, carefully crafted, and capable of generating an authentic and persistent sense of discomfort. It does not seek to scare with special effects, but with the truth. And sometimes, the truth is scarier than any imaginary creature.
Developed by Serafini Productions and co-published with Shochiku, BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH will be released on April 25, 2025, on Steam. It presents itself as one of the most interesting psychological horror experiences of the year. Not for everyone, but unmissable for those who love games that look inside you — even when you try to look away.
BrokenLore: DON’T WATCH
PRO
- Intense and realistic atmosphere: the claustrophobic setting and slow pace create authentic anguish without forcing it.
- Deep themes: it addresses topics such as isolation and social anxiety in a mature and symbolic way.
- Unique narrative experience: the absence of traditional gameplay enhances emotional and psychological immersion.
CON
- Little interactivity: the absence of choices or freedom of action might be frustrating for some players.
- Very slow pace: requires patience and attention, not suitable for those looking for more dynamic experiences.
- Limited duration: being a relatively brief experience, it might leave someone wanting something more developed.
7.5/10
