If you are a fan of shortform horror games that combine practical tasks with eerie atmospheres, then ‘Descending’ by Eugene Radaev is a must-play. This experimental horror game plunges you into a world where you operate large drills deep within the earth, under increasingly unusual conditions. Like David Szymanski’s ‘Iron Lung,’ Descending manages to grip its players through procedural tasks and a claustrophobic setting, wrapping up its haunting narrative in under an hour.
The Gameplay Loop
The gameplay of Descending revolves around operating two massive drills as a new recruit for a mysterious government-run industrial organization. Your task is to meet a daily drilling quota, which involves replacing drill batteries, monitoring temperature, and maintaining the drill’s overall performance. Moreover, you spend each night in a small, adjacent bed, adding a routine element that heightens the sense of isolation and dread.
A Journey Into Unease
As days progress in the game, normalcy begins to erode. You’ll wake up to find new holes punched in your shack, requiring immediate attention via orders sent through a fax machine. Curiously, these orders shift from operational instructions to bizarre references about a war your country is apparently embroiled in—a war where your role seems disturbingly pivotal. One particular order explicitly tells you not to leave your sleeping bag until your work shift begins, adding a layer of psychological discomfort to your already stressful tasks.
The Payoff and Availability
Descending comes to a compelling conclusion that should not be spoiled. Suffice it to say, the game delivers on its promise of a tightly wound, eerie experience. For those intrigued by the mysteries that might be lurking below ground—a curiosity somewhat akin to the speculative questions surrounding the Kola Superdeep Borehole—Descending offers an essential playthrough. Best of all, it’s available for free on platforms like Itch and Free Game Planet. For an added touch, consider playing it while listening to ‘The Destruction of the Kola Superdeep Borehole Tower’ by The Mountain Goats, to fully immerse yourself in the unsettling atmosphere.
