(Image credit: The Dreamers Guild)
The celebrated existentialist horror game I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is stepping out of its PC exclusivity and landing on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on March 27. This marks the first time in 30 years the game is available beyond the realm of PC gamers.
While it may not be widely known, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream, originating from the pivotal 1995, finds its roots in a 1967 short story by Harlan Ellison. The narrative delves into the lives of five individuals, the sole remnants of humanity, navigating a chilling world dominated by a malevolent supercomputer named AM. Notably, the late Ellison himself played a key role in the game’s design and writing, even lending his voice to the ominous AM.
The game’s unnerving title hints at the profound themes it explores, such as existential dread, artificial intelligence threats, genocide, mental health struggles, and more. In terms of gameplay, it adheres to the classic point-and-click adventure genre where players guide characters through exploration, conversation, and puzzles. Moral decisions are central, adding depth to player choices.
The revitalization of this classic is thanks to the efforts of Nightdive Studios, a group known for preserving retro games. They have successfully ported I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream to modern consoles. You can view their eerie trailer for the upcoming release.
Though it might not be etched among the greatest horror games, its brevity and the bold topics it broaches offer a singular gaming experience. With its impending console port enhancing its durability for future generations, it’s a perfect moment to explore this classic.
Looking beyond this classic, there are a multitude of upcoming horror games worth keeping an eye on for more spine-chilling adventures.
Subscribe for weekly digests, intriguing tales from beloved gaming communities, and more.