Start Survey? A creepy simulation game
Start Survey? is a creepy game that simulates the experience of completing an online survey, but with an unsettling twist. You play a character participating in the survey that has been shared with you by a mysterious stranger, which you complete as the questions get more and more uncomfortable.
This game is part of a growing genre of small, unsettling independent games that aim to make the user feel uncomfortable. Other games in this vein include Siren Head, and Granny. Start Survey? is a free game using the “name your own price” model.
The game takes place in a sparse bedroom with rain pouring down outside. Your character is sitting at a computer as the screen begins to show the questions you must answer as part of the survey. As the survey progresses, the questions become increasingly unnerving, and events in the world around you seem to be affected by your answers.
An intense, suspenseful time
Start Survey? is a retro-styled black and white game, with graphics reminiscent of the first generation of PlayStation games. You can also enable colour mode if you choose, but black and white is recommended. It is only five or ten minutes long, but it provides an intensely creepy experience that poses existential questions and leads to something of a twist ending.
Short but sweet
All the questions are answered “yes” or “no”, and you can look around the room as much as you like, but not move around except where the narrative allows it. The horror of the game is entirely psychological, which is no less effective, but you do not need to worry about gore or unsettling imagery.
Start Survey? is a very short experience, lasting no more than ten minutes, and that only if you take your time to look around and answer each question. The game is made by a single independent developer and is available under a “name your price” model, meaning you can choose to download the game free, but contributions are encouraged.
