Experiment thrusts players into a gripping interactive narrative where every choice reshapes the story’s trajectory. This psychological thriller masquerades as a group behavior study, challenging you to collaborate with strangers on tasks that gradually reveal darker undertones. As reality blurs, Experiment questions whether you’re part of a harmless simulation or a sinister scheme—all dictated by your decisions.
Key Features and Highlights of Experiment
- Branching Storylines: Like Bandersnatch or Choices, Experiment adapts dynamically, offering 12+ endings shaped by moral dilemmas and alliances.
- Psychological Tension: Merging elements of Simulacra and Lifeline, it ramps up paranoia through timed decisions and unreliable characters.
- Group Dynamics: Collaborate or sabotage strangers—a mechanic deeper than Among Us’ social deduction.
- Immersive UI: Minimalist interfaces mimic real-life apps, enhancing the illusion of a legitimate study.
Advantages
- Replayability: Unlike linear titles like OXENFREE, Experiment incentivizes revisiting paths to uncover hidden triggers.
- Narrative Depth: Rivals paid games (Detroit: Become Human) while remaining free with optional purchases.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Seamless mobile/tablet progress transfer—a rare feature in apps like Episode.
- Character Ambiguity: Uncertain motives create tension absent in friendlier co-op games (Sky: Children of the Light).
Disadvantages
- Pacing Issues: Early sections feel slow compared to hook-driven apps (Project Makeover).
- Opaque Mechanics: New users might struggle with hidden consequences, unlike The Arcana’s transparent choices.
- Limited Customization: Avatars lack personalization options common in ZEPETO or IMVU.
- Occasional Glitches: Rare but disruptive, unlike polished titles like Heavy Rain Chronicles.
Tips for Using Experiment
- Embrace Failure: “Bad” endings often reveal plot details, unlike Reigns’ resets.
- Track Relationships: Use the log (similar to Monster Prom) to monitor alliances.
- Experiment Freely: Autosaves let you explore fringe choices, akin to Save the Date!
- Watch the Clock: Real-world timers (Persona 5: Mobile) heighten urgency.
More Similar Apps
- Simulacra: Solve a disappearance through a haunted smartphone interface.
- The Uncle Who Works For Nintendo: Absurd horror fueled by chaotic choices.
- A Dark Room: Text-based survival with emergent storytelling.
- Dead Man’s Phone: Prevent terrorism by analyzing a victim’s device.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
Experiment carves a niche by weaponizing uncertainty and collective decision fatigue. While not flawless, its irreversible consequences—a rarity even in titles like Until Dawn—make it unforgettable. For $0.99 (ad-free unlock), it offers a thought-provoking plunge into collaborative dread that lingers long after uninstalling. A must-try for fans of psychological depth and narrative experimentation.
