The Steam-Only Masterpiece That’s Still Scarier Than Anything On PlayStation Or Xbox

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I’ve been getting really into horror games lately, and I stumbled across this one called Who’s Lila that totally blew my mind. It’s a point-and-click horror game made by a single developer in Russia, Garage Heathen, and it came out in 2022. Honestly, it’s kind of a hidden gem – a lot of people haven’t even heard of it. It’s a bit weird and tackles some pretty uncomfortable stuff, which might be why, but it’s also only available on Steam. You can’t play it on any consoles – no PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch – and as of right now, there aren’t any plans to change that.

Popular horror game series like Resident Evil and Silent Hill often imitate movies, using cinematic techniques like following the player with the camera and including realistic cutscenes. Even more artistic games, such as Dead Space and Silent Hill 2, do the same. However, Who’s Lila, along with other independent horror games like Signalis and Mouthwashing, breaks away from these movie-like approaches, choosing instead to focus on what makes games unique. This choice ultimately makes Who’s Lila – and these other games – more effective and genuinely scary.

What Is the Story of Who’s Lila?

I recently played Who’s Lila, and it’s a really interesting game! You play as a student named William, and the story starts with a lot of mystery already happening. It uses flashbacks and dream sequences, which makes things feel deliberately confusing – but in a good way! It’s hard to talk about the plot without giving anything away, but trust me, even though it seems super strange at first, the game actually explains everything pretty clearly as you go along. It’s a murder mystery, but not quite what you’d expect.

This game explores themes of identity, what it means to experience life, and the very nature of reality. Its story isn’t told in a straightforward way, which actually emphasizes these ideas. It’s a beautifully crafted narrative that consistently puts players in awkward and challenging situations, even forcing them to make difficult choices. This sense of unease and loss of control – something players usually cherish in games – is how Who’s Lila delivers its most impactful and disturbing messages.

Unlike many horror games that rely on jump scares and intense action, Who’s Lila creates a lingering sense of dread through its atmosphere and story. The game doesn’t aim to frighten you with monsters, but to unsettle you with its subtle mysteries. The more you delve into the narrative, characters, and world, the more helpless you’ll feel – not because of a lack of resources, but because of a deeper, more philosophical sense of powerlessness that stays with you long after you’ve finished playing. This feeling is far more impactful than any visual scare could be.

The game Who’s Lila has some problems with its English translation, including spelling and grammar mistakes. While these issues aren’t major and don’t ruin the experience, it’s good to be aware of them before you start playing.

Who’s Lila’s Game Mechanics and Controls Steal the Show

The game Who’s Lila has a unique backstory, but players will likely be drawn in by its innovative gameplay and style. You explore by clicking around, but a large portion of the screen constantly shows a close-up of the character William. This space isn’t just for visuals; it’s the core of the game’s main feature – a social simulation where you interact with characters and build relationships.

Sometimes during conversations, players will see a hint of what William is about to say. They’ll then have a limited time to adjust his facial expression by clicking and dragging parts of his face to match the situation. For example, if someone greets William happily, you should make him smile by lifting the corners of his mouth. Choosing the wrong expression – like making him frown – can lead to interesting reactions from other characters, new story developments, and even different ways the game can end.

It takes 2-4 hours to beat Who’s Lila.

The game has a slightly unsettling quality, but it’s amplified by the way the main character, William, is sometimes forced to make inappropriate facial expressions – like smiling when someone’s upset, or looking terrified at harmless remarks. Players need to manage these expressions to get positive reactions from other characters. This adds to the game’s central idea of control, because William – and by extension, the player – is losing command over something fundamental: his own face.

Who’s Lila Has the Horror X-Factor

The game Who’s Lila often evokes the feeling of the ‘uncanny valley,’ but it’s much more than just that. It’s a remarkably theatrical experience, like watching a master magician expertly guide you through a series of illusions. The gameplay is constantly surprising and innovative, frequently subverting expectations, and the story’s non-linear structure keeps you hooked, even when things aren’t perfectly clear. It even finds fresh uses for familiar game mechanics, like saving and loading, presenting them in entirely new ways.

Who’s Lila is a truly original indie game, unlike anything else out there. It’s disappointing it hasn’t been released on consoles, though its unique face-manipulation gameplay is best experienced with a mouse. Because it doesn’t require a powerful computer, anyone with a reasonably capable PC should definitely give it a try.

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2025-12-25 17:04