Grotesqueresque

Grotesqueresque is a short horror anthology game created by A. V. Dossow for an RPG Maker jam. The game presents ten standalone segments, each telling a different unsettling story, tied together by a puppet narrator on a stage. Players explore a variety of surreal situations, each with its own tone, mechanics, and visual style. Despite their short length, each story includes decisions that affect the ending, encouraging multiple playthroughs. The game can be played in-browser or downloaded for Windows and macOS.

Structure and storytelling

The overall presentation resembles a stage play, with each story introduced by a marionette host. Every scene is framed like an act, beginning with a title screen and ending with a response card that reflects the player’s outcome. Transitions between acts are animated, with consistent retro-style visuals and short audio cues. Stories range from medical horror to urban legend and isolated survival, each distinct but connected through the theatrical framing device. Players move through them in order, but each is self-contained.

Gameplay and interaction

Gameplay changes between segments, but most rely on movement, dialogue choices, and basic exploration. Some chapters include timed interactions or puzzles, while others are more passive and focus on narrative. Players must pay attention to text and environmental details, as choices often lead to alternate outcomes.

The main gameplay elements include:

·         Decision-driven sequences with branching endings

·         Scene-specific puzzles or movement challenges

·         Visual storytelling through pixel art and minimal UI

·         Music that adjusts to tone and setting

·         Short playtime per act, usually under five minutes

This format supports a fast, varied experience that highlights different forms of horror without needing complex systems.

Themes and visual style

Grotesqueresque explores psychological unease through different lenses: isolation, obsession, decay, and control. The locations include laboratories, forests, homes, frozen landscapes, and imaginary spaces. Each chapter uses its own color palette and soundscape, reinforcing the shift in atmosphere. Despite the game’s simplicity, it delivers moments of discomfort and tension through well-timed text, transitions, and audio. The puppet host remains a neutral presence, serving more as a guide than a character, anchoring the game’s anthology format.

Community response and development

The game was released recently and has been positively received by players for its presentation and story variety. Many praised its use of short storytelling and the balance between tone and simplicity. The developer confirmed that this project is a continuation of ideas from an earlier title and may lead to further episodes or expanded versions of selected segments. Several players highlighted specific endings and requested more content from their favorite chapters.