Vincent’s psychological journey comes to life: the horror epic that challenges reality is now on Steam
The Lies We Tell Ourselves (our main coverage here) is a first-person psychological horror developed by the talented Poopsy, a one-man band who infused his project with emotional depth and aesthetic refinement. Available on Steam in an episodic format, the game is a journey through puzzles, introspection, and moments of tension, with its dark atmosphere and narrative-driven gameplay promising an experience that is unsettling at times, but above all, captivating.
The Project Comes to Life
Finally, after months of hard work, The Lies We Tell Ourselves has become a reality. We are thrilled to see the project finally come to light. This journey has not been easy, and the path to create a game of this scale has been full of challenges. But the satisfaction of seeing the game available on Steam, with its unique atmosphere and the emotional depth Poopsy has poured into every detail, is immense.
The graphical quality has significantly improved compared to the demo previously available on Steam, but personally, I had no doubt about it.
Poopsy, a 49-year-old retired art director living in Amsterdam with his husband and two cats, who we interviewed nearly two years ago, has created a game that not only explores the human mind in complex ways but also reflects his personal and professional growth journey.
The game is born from a mix of personal experiences and cultural influences. Among the inspirations, he mentions Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the dark atmospheres of Silent Hill, and the cryptic lyrics of TOOL. However, the project is also a reflection of difficult circumstances Poopsy has faced, such as the loss of his father and health struggles.
Vincent and His Story
Vincent is the protagonist of the game, an ordinary young man trapped in a distorted reality. The story begins on the night of his twenty-seventh birthday, when he returns home drunk and discovers he’s locked out. What seems like a mundane premise quickly turns into a psychological adventure, where the line between reality and imagination dissolves.
Vincent is described as superficial and lacking empathy, but it is precisely this ambiguity that makes him interesting. As the player dives into his mind, lies and inner conflicts emerge, painting a complex picture of his personality.
Between Reality and Nightmare
The setting of The Lies We Tell Ourselves is one of its strengths. It shifts from realistic, ordinary environments to disturbing and surreal scenarios, with tension progressively building. The influences of titles like Silent Hill 4: The Room, Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and SOMA are evident, but Poopsy manages to give the game its own identity.
The shift in atmosphere is striking: from familiar, everyday settings, the game moves into a dark, dreamlike dimension. The presence of themes like mental disorders and social discomfort adds narrative depth, recalling games like Darq, Hellblade, and Shady Part of Me.
Poopsy has chosen a gameplay style that serves the narrative. Every puzzle, stealth moment, and boss fight is designed to enrich the storytelling experience. The result is a game that encourages the player to explore, solve, survive, and, most importantly, discover.
Stay Tuned!
The choice to release the game in episodic format allows the team – or rather, Poopsy and his cat manager – to ensure high quality with every episode. The first chapter, available since January 15, 2025, offers about two hours of gameplay at an affordable price ($7.99), marking the beginning of an adventure that, I’m sure, will leave a lasting impression.
Stay tuned for a review of this first chapter coming soon!
