Broken Leash

Broken Leash is a short first-person horror game developed by FrenzyTimes. The story follows a night employee working alone at Pet Haven, a small pet shop located in the quiet town of Gloaming Bay. What starts as an ordinary closing shift quickly becomes something else when the environment changes, noises grow louder, and the lights begin to fail. The player’s task shifts from performing simple duties to surviving through observation and stealth. The focus is not on combat but on awareness, movement, and decision-making within a confined space.

Gameplay Overview

The gameplay in Broken Leash is built around stealth mechanics and environmental interaction. The player can move, crouch, sprint, hide, and interact with objects scattered throughout the store. Success depends on listening carefully, staying out of sight, and planning movements between hiding spots. The game rewards caution over aggression, and exploration uncovers clues that explain the growing sense of danger. Each decision impacts how the story ends, encouraging multiple playthroughs to experience every possible outcome.

Main gameplay features include:

·         Navigating the shop while avoiding detection by an unknown presence

·         Searching for items that unlock doors or reveal story details

·         Using hiding spots strategically to stay alive

·         Managing movement speed and sound to reduce risk

·         Unlocking multiple endings based on player choices

Setting and Atmosphere

The setting of Broken Leash is simple but effective. The entire game takes place inside the Pet Haven store, which becomes the main character of the story. The player explores aisles filled with cages, storerooms lined with supplies, and narrow hallways that offer little room for escape. The sound design plays a critical role, using distant footsteps, cage rattles, and faint breathing to create tension. Visual cues such as flickering lights or moving shadows indicate danger without revealing too much. This minimalism makes every step through the store feel uncertain.

Player Experience and Strategy

Players must approach Broken Leash with patience and precision. Since the game’s tension comes from limited visibility and sound-based cues, reacting too quickly often leads to failure. The correct strategy involves observing the environment, identifying safe zones, and moving only when the situation allows it. Trial and error is part of the design — each attempt provides information about the store layout and the patterns of the unseen threat. As players learn the rhythm of the game, they can make smarter decisions, uncover more of the story, and unlock additional endings.