one after another

It’s a pretty scary thought to wake up in an unknown place with no memory of how you got there, especially if the place in question looks like some kind of laboratory. Plenty of books, movies and video games took advantage of this idea over the years, but it can probably still work a few more times, as long as the story is different and intriguing.

one after another is a minimalist horror game with pixel graphics and simple controls, in which your only goal is to explore a weird laboratory and try to find out why you are there. The gameplay mechanics are very simple as well, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have an easy time surviving. In fact, you may require quick reflexes and a keen eye in order to make it out alive.

The story is pretty fuzzy, and it only makes sense once you reach the end and find out what’s really happening. Granted, it should only take you a few minutes to do that, at least if you are lucky enough to escape the monsters that chase you. While the ending is pretty interesting, it’s certainly not going to leave you in awe, at least not if you’ve been alive for more than a few months.

In order to escape the monsters, your only option is to use a locker or a box to hide in. It’s pretty easy to escape by doing this, and the controls make it even simpler. The directional keys and Spacebar are everything you need in order to control the character and interact with the environment. However, this makes the experience feel cheap, which is something you don’t want in a horror game.

Speaking of which, the graphics are very simple as well, which does not help with the atmosphere. Everything is pretty blurry and difficult to make out, and almost every room and corridor looks the same no matter where you go. While this wouldn’t be too much of an issue in a regular sidescroller, it’s tough to feel anything when the environment is so basic, especially fear.

One after another has a pretty interesting twist at the end, but the journey is nowhere near as exciting as it should be. The repetitive level design hurts the atmosphere and makes the whole experience feel rather dull.