Tim Oxton’s new horror game, Flathead, is a terrifying indie thriller that puts you in a tight spot. Your sole chance of surviving while strapped to an apparatus and an unidentified force directing your destiny is based on the straightforward decision of “Over or Under.” This apparently harmless mechanic turns into a life-threatening game of chance where you have to bet points for your freedom.
High Stakes, Simple Rules
Flathead’s core gameplay revolves around a classic over/under guessing game. A number is revealed, and you must predict whether the hidden number will be higher or lower. Win, and you earn points towards your escape. Lose, and well, let’s just say the consequences are best left to the imagination.
The beauty of Flathead lies in its deceptive simplicity. The over/under mechanic is easy to learn, yet the game cleverly injects layers of strategy and tension. With each gamble, the pressure increases. Every decision carries weight, and a single wrong guess could seal your fate.
Flathead Gameplay Mechanics (Major Spoilers)
To start, you trigger the game by pressing a button called the “Wheel of Fate.” A number appears on the upper screen, and you must quickly guess whether the next hidden number will be higher or lower. Footsteps approach closer and the atmosphere grows more eerie the longer you take to make up your mind.
Here’s where things get interesting. You have a “Make your Own Luck” switch. This feature becomes crucial when your initial guess leaves you unsure. Imagine guessing “Over or Under” when you got middle numbers like 9-12, essentially a 50/50 chance. If you want to narrow down the possibilities, you can flip the “Make Your Own Luck” switch.
Flipping the switch then activates a mini-game on the second screen where the numbers 1-20 are displayed, slowly eliminating one number at a time. This continues until only two digits remain: your number and the hidden one you need to guess. But beware, the closer you get to the answer with this “help,” the faster the unsettling footsteps become, ramping up the tension.
The goal is to survive three rounds, accumulating points with each correct guess. You’ll need 5 points in the first round, 10 in the second, and 15 in the final one for your ‘stored’ points. The key is to strategically use your temporary points. Correct guesses consecutively increase your point reward for the next game. However, a single wrong guess wipes out all your temporary points, forcing you to start over.
Point System:
- 1st correct guess earns you 1 point
- 2 consecutive guesses earn you 2 points and so on, up to a max of 4 points
The longer you keep your ‘temporary’ points, the higher the next points you will receive in the next game. Basically, to quickly finish the game, you must decide whether you would want to gamble your temporary points and keep them before ‘transferring’ your points to your ‘stored’ points.
This combination of simple rules and high stakes creates a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience. You’re constantly racing against time, the lurking entity, and the risk of losing all your progress. It’s a brilliant way to turn a familiar guessing game into a nerve-wracking fight survival.
I almost threw my mouse once or twice
The true brilliance of Flathead lies in its atmosphere. The entity’s grunts, the unsettling ambiance, and distorted soundscapes create a sense of unease that lingers throughout. You’ll find yourself constantly on edge, questioning your choices and fearing what lurks behind you while you are strapped to a chair. I played on normal difficulty with the jumpscares on, and let me tell you, they definitely added another layer of terror.
A Replayable Nightmare
Flathead can be completed in a single sitting. As far as replayability, the game will put you in a spot to intentionally re-play the game multiple times to get the recordings and learn about the backstory, which eventually shows the true ending.
Is Flathead for You?
Flathead is not for the faint of heart. It’s a psychological horror experience that thrives on suspense and anxiety. If you enjoy games that get under your skin and force you to confront difficult choices, then Flathead is a must-play. However, those seeking action-packed thrills might find the slow-burning horror a bit too subtle.
Final Verdict
Flathead takes a simple concept and transforms it into a deeply unsettling experience. With its high-stakes gameplay, dark eerie atmosphere, and replayability, this game will leave you questioning your luck and fearing the unknown. Just remember, when it comes to Flathead, the house always wins… unless you’re brave enough to gamble for your freedom.
Download Flathead on Steam.
