Cursed Shorts

Cursed Shorts takes place on a subway train, where the entire game unfolds through the perspective of a passenger checking a phone. The device begins to play a continuous sequence of short video clips, some of which appear completely normal while others contain subtle abnormalities. The confined setting and the dependence on a draining phone battery create a constant sense of pressure, turning the ordinary act of scrolling into a survival challenge.

Interaction and Player Actions

The player engages with the clips using simple swiping controls. A video judged to be normal is swiped upward, while an abnormal video must be swiped left. If uncertainty arises, the player can pause the clip to analyze it in more detail, but doing so consumes extra battery. Mistakes also cost valuable energy, so the key to survival is striking the right balance between quick decisions and careful observation. Every action has consequences, making the phone’s battery meter the central resource that dictates success or failure.

Core Characteristics

Several design choices define the structure of Cursed Shorts:

·         Continuous flow of clips with mixed normal and abnormal content

·         Swiping actions that decide outcomes

·         Limited battery power as the main survival element

·         Ability to pause for analysis at the cost of efficiency

·         Multiple possible endings depending on accuracy and choices

Progression and Replay

Each run of Cursed Shorts is short, often less than an hour, but the variety of video clips and anomalies encourages repeated play. Not every clip appears in a single attempt, so replaying reveals new content and opportunities to refine judgment. Unlocking all endings requires experimenting with different levels of caution and observation. Achievements further extend replay value, pushing players to complete all available outcomes and spot every hidden anomaly.

Cursed Shorts demonstrates how a minimal set of mechanics can build lasting tension. The swiping system is easy to understand, but the combination of limited resources, subtle visual tricks, and branching endings keeps players engaged. The game’s strength lies in transforming small choices into meaningful risks, where each misjudged clip could end the run. By combining puzzle-like observation with survival elements, it creates a short yet impactful experience that players can revisit multiple times.