Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? Review – A Brutal Challenge or Fun Experience?

Games are meant to challenge us, but few have the audacity to make us feel as though they’re actively out to get us. Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? lives up to its ominous title, delivering a brutal, chaotic, and strangely addictive gaming experience that keeps you questioning whether you’re up for the challenge—or just plain masochistic.

The Premise

At its core, the game is a unique blend of retro aesthetics, horror vibes, and sadistic game design. You’re dropped into a series of increasingly nightmarish levels where survival seems more like an afterthought than a realistic goal. Each stage feels like the game is taunting you, throwing unpredictable traps, relentless enemies, and mechanics designed to keep you on edge.

From the eerie abandoned mansion to the haunted CRT television channelling monstrous pixelated creatures, every element screams danger. The atmosphere doesn’t just set the mood; it actively works against you. You’ll find yourself second-guessing every move, wondering if that seemingly harmless door or glowing object is actually a death trap in disguise.

Gameplay and Difficulty

This game doesn’t just test your skills; it tests your patience and determination. Its mechanics blend traditional platforming and puzzle-solving with a relentless series of “gotcha” moments. Think Dark Souls levels of difficulty but injected with the quirky unpredictability of classic arcade games.

Every level is packed with traps that seem tailor-made to exploit your overconfidence. Sometimes, just figuring out what killed you is a challenge in itself. But what makes this even more devious is that the game seems to adapt to your progress, introducing new ways to catch you off-guard when you think you’ve finally got the hang of it.

That said, the frustration is part of the charm. Every death feels like a lesson, and every hard-fought victory is immensely satisfying. It’s a game designed for those who thrive on difficulty and enjoy dissecting every move to uncover the right strategy.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The retro-inspired art style is more than just nostalgic—it’s cleverly crafted to lure players into a false sense of security. Bright, vibrant pixelated environments contrast sharply with the dark, sinister undertones of the gameplay. The antagonist, a looming cowboy hat-wearing figure with glowing eyes and razor-sharp hands, adds a chilling presence, constantly reminding you that danger is never far away.

The haunting sound design amplifies the tension. The eerie, looping background music and sudden audio cues—like the screech of an approaching enemy or the unsettling hum of a nearby trap—heighten the sense of dread, making you feel like the game is truly out to get you.

Replayability and Player Appeal

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? isn’t for everyone. Casual gamers might find the difficulty overwhelming or the frequent deaths off-putting. But for those who enjoy a challenge—or love the thrill of games that punish mistakes while rewarding persistence—this is a gem. The unpredictable nature of the game keeps it fresh, encouraging players to revisit levels and test their mastery.

It also has a wicked sense of humour. While it revels in its difficulty, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The game has moments where it outright mocks your failures, which somehow makes your eventual success even sweeter.

Final Thoughts

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me? is a love letter to hardcore gaming fans who relish the challenge of overcoming seemingly impossible odds. It’s punishing, unpredictable, and at times downright infuriating—but that’s what makes it so rewarding. If you’re up for a game that will push you to your limits and keep you coming back for more, this one might just be worth the pain.

Score: 8.5/10