Indie games are unpredictable. Some overflow with creative storylines, unforgettable characters, or even a stimulating gameplay experience. However, there are numerous indie titles in the world that make you question the developer’s sanity, along with your own for playing it in the first place. Sometimes, you find yourself even enjoying them. With that stated, I take it upon myself to dig deep into the dark and quirky nooks and crannies of the video game community. This is The Odd and The Indiescribable.
Seeing as today is Halloween, I wandered into some disturbing nooks and crannies of the indie game genre pool. Eventually, I happened upon one in-particular that sent rapid chills up my spine. Self Portrait (Interior) takes the cake on this week’s The Odd and The Indiescribable, and for good reason.
Self Portrait navigates players inside of the body of the artist of this bizarre simulation, Theo Triantafyllidis, demonstrating his inner organs as well as his intimate thoughts. Though Self Portrait is available to experience in VR, I took a stroll through this very daunting journey with my mouse and keyboard. Part of me wishes I would have just left well enough alone.
You roam in a first-person perspective within an open white space. However, a good percentage of your surroundings is occupied by a seemingly giant decaying body. Whenever you move, its emotionless eyes follow because...wouldn't they? As you take a few steps forward, a hushed voice whispers, “I can see you.” As you take another step toward the decaying head, “Come closer,” is uttered, mirroring the same eerie narration. Finally, “Enter my mouth,” really makes you ask yourself…why did I subject myself to this?
There really is no objective, but rather just an ominous tour illustrating disturbing visuals. As you venture inside of the body’s mouth and down into what appears to be a cave in resemblance to a stomach, multiple paths paved by bridges feature the artist’s thoughts. Varied narrations come about depending on how you maneuver the player. Feedback then generates depending on which direction you wander.
In the midst of all the grotesque chaos lies what appears to be a golden turd floating above a pool of undefinable liquid. I’m not entirely sure what its purpose is, but it looks as if you devour it whole. The narrator reacts in an approved manner, but further acknowledgment involving the glowing feces is nonexistent. Following one of many oddities, I realized the paths didn’t really lead anywhere. Eventually, I took a dive into the deep end of the mysterious liquid. Naturally, I began to drown, the voice once again whispering more sweet nothings into my ear. I sighed in relief, anticipating this nightmare's end. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
The player awakens to animated excrement beating you senseless with police batons. I could not make that up even if I tried. Though there may be a way to defend against the vicious turds, I failed in doing so. Moments later, whiteness engrossed the screen. Instead of cuing the credits, Self Portrait resets and once again, you're gawking at the genderless giant.
Though it isn’t necessary whatsoever, wandering around the exterior of the body unveils more disturbing dialogue from our sinister narrator. There isn’t much to interact with, but it doesn’t hurt to take a look around. Well, physically, anyway. I'll be honest, theotrian did an exceptional job with the artwork and an even more exceptional job exhibiting an eerie experience. If you happen to possess a curious mind, head on over to theotrian’s page and give Self Portait (Interior) some love. If you choose to not expose yourself to such delusions, I really can’t say I blame you.
TechRaptor played Self Portrait (Interior) on PC with a copy downloaded from itch.io.
What are your thoughts on Self Portrait (Interior)? Do you have a game in mind that you would like to see covered? Let us know in the comments below!