Cursed Shorts is a short narrative puzzle game that takes place on a subway ride home. The player receives a phone that begins showing unusual short videos, some of which are harmless while others are abnormal. The task is to separate the two by swiping correctly, keeping the train moving toward its destination. Every decision influences how the ride unfolds, and the tension comes from balancing careful observation with limited battery life.
Gameplay Structure
The core mechanic of Cursed Shorts is simple but requires focus. Each video must be judged as normal or abnormal, and the choice is made with a single swipe. Players can pause to examine details more closely, but time pressure builds as the phone battery drains. Wrong decisions increase the chance of failure, while accurate judgment moves the train closer to arrival. This loop of watching, deciding, and reacting drives the entire session.
Key Features
Several elements support replay and variety in Cursed Shorts. These include:
- Two different endings based on performance
- Steam achievements for completing goals
- AI-assisted content in some video and texture design
- Play sessions that last from 15 minutes to an hour
- Support for multiple languages through subtitles and interface options
Visual And Audio Presentation
The design focuses on simplicity, with the phone screen acting as the main stage for interaction. Subway ambience and sound effects reinforce the atmosphere, while short audio cues highlight swipes, pauses, and mistakes. The lack of complex visuals keeps attention on the videos themselves, making each one feel important. The player’s sense of progress is tied to the battery level and the subway journey, which serve as natural timers for the experience.
Replay Value
Replayability comes from the branching outcomes and the challenge of correctly identifying every abnormal video. With two endings available, players may return to improve accuracy or explore alternative results. The mix of observation, memory, and pressure creates an unpredictable flow that keeps sessions engaging. By combining straightforward mechanics with layered tension, Cursed Shorts offers a compact but varied experience that rewards both careful play and experimentation.
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