s.p.l.i.t

s.p.l.i.t is a tough game to write about, as at heart it is just a simulation of a textual file interface wrapped up in a dark and oppressive environment, but it is also so much more than that. The perfect fusion of themes and mechanics makes for an experience that is almost suffocatingly immersive and the darker aspects (although absolutely not for everyone) elevate s.p.l.i.t to be one of the most harrowing games you’ll find. Aside from the essential content warning, I’d recommend going in as blind as possible and just playing out your The Matrix and Sneakers fantasies.

s.p.l.i.t is a brutal and powerful game unlike anything else I've ever played, but its dark themes will be too much for some to experience.

s.p.l.i.t is a tense, minimalist hacking simulator from Buckshot Roulette creator Mike Klubnika that challenges players to navigate a terminal-driven psychological thriller. With no hand-holding and a deep sense of isolation, the game rewards persistence and experimentation, though its cryptic design may alienate those unfamiliar with command-line systems.

s.p.l.i.t has a lot of things going for it. Not only does it bring a wonderful narrative intrigue, but you get to feel a sense of progression as you ramp up towards the end. You can unlock clues and tools gradually, which helps because you don’t feel overwhelmed with option. It’s not a game that you rush through, though. Sure, it’s short, but it requires your full attention and persistence if you want to reach the end. The game deals with important topics like self-harm, and it covers that in a rather direct manner. Despite all of that, it’s well worth checking out, especially for its great story.

Don't ask me how, but Mike Klubnika manages to grab the attention again with s.p.l.i.t., a idiosyncratic terminal hacking game targeted towards old school hacking enthusiasts with a predilection for the grim and uncanny. Even though its runtime of roughly thirty minutes might seem like it's hardly anything you'll get invested in, s.p.l.i.t. has a way of making it the most uncomfortable half hour you've had in ages. Just be sure to brush up those command-line skills before you take on that 'unethical superstructure', because if you don't, you'll know the drill...

Everything works effectively to build tension over the course of s.p.l.i.t’s grim hour-long campaign, though the learning curve in the role of a rogue hacker may be a bit much to ask for some gamers.